Do Coffee and Beverages Count as Water Intake?

Written by: Melody, TCM Practitioner

Drinking coffee and other beverages is not entirely the same as drinking water. While they do contain some water, their composition and impact on the body differ significantly from pure water.

Why Can't Coffee and Beverages Fully Replace Water?

☕️ Caffeine's Effect: 

Coffee and some beverages contain caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system to keep you awake. However, it also increases urine output, leading to fluid loss from the body.

🧁 Sugar and Additives: 

Many beverages are loaded with sugar and various additives. Long-term excessive sugar intake increases the risk of diabetes, and some additives can pose potential health risks.

🥤 Acidity: 

Acidic beverages like carbonated drinks can erode tooth enamel, and prolonged consumption can also affect the body's acid-base balance.

Coffee and Beverages from a TCM Perspective

TCM views the human body as an integrated whole, with all organs coordinating with each other. Certain components in coffee and beverages can have specific effects on our bodies.

☕️ Coffee:

In TCM, coffee is considered warm in nature and bitter in taste, entering the Heart meridian. Long-term, excessive consumption of coffee can easily lead to excessive Heart Fire, manifesting symptoms like restlessness, insomnia, and dry mouth and tongue. For individuals with Yin deficiency and excessive Fire, coffee is even less advisable.

🥤 Carbonated Beverages:

Carbonated beverages are often considered cold in nature. Prolonged consumption can easily damage Spleen and Stomach Yang Qi, leading to Spleen and Stomach coldness and deficiency, causing symptoms like bloating and diarrhea.

🧁 Sugary Beverages:

Excessive sugar intake can generate dampness and phlegm, easily leading to internal accumulation of damp-phlegm, which affects Spleen and Lung functions.

The Importance of Drinking Water

Water makes up about 60% of the human body's weight and is crucial for maintaining various physiological functions.

🔸 Regulates Body Temperature: 

Water helps regulate body temperature, preventing the body from overheating or getting too cold.

🔸 Transports Nutrients: 

Water delivers nutrients to all cells throughout the body.

🔸 Removes Waste: 

Water expels waste products from the body through urine, sweat, and other means.

🔸 Promotes Metabolism: 

Plain water promotes the body's metabolism, helping to eliminate toxins.

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Tips for Drinking Water

✅ Plain Water is Best: 

Plain boiled water is the purest form of water, containing no additives, and is the best choice for hydration.

✅ Drink Warm Water: 

Warm water is most easily absorbed by the human body and can nourish the internal organs.

✅ Pay Attention to Quantity: 

Ensure sufficient daily water intake; generally, adults are advised to drink 1500-1700 ml per day.

✅ Small Sips, Frequent Intervals: 

Don't drink too much water at once; drink small amounts frequently.

• A Glass of Warm Water Morning and Night:

  • Drinking a glass of warm water on an empty stomach in the morning can promote intestinal peristalsis and aid bowel movements.

  • Drinking a glass of warm water before bed can nourish internal organs and improve sleep.

  
  

• Choose Healthy Beverages: 

  • If you want to drink beverages, opt for unsweetened teas or pure fruit juices.

While coffee and other beverages can provide some hydration, they cannot entirely replace plain water. To maintain good health, we should develop good drinking habits: drink plenty of plain water and limit sugary beverages and coffee.

Therefore, drinking coffee and other beverages is not entirely equivalent to drinking water. Plain water remains the best choice for hydration.

If you'd like to learn more about TCM wellness, or if you'd like more personalized advice for your specific situation, we recommend booking a consultation.