Is Iced Tea Dehydrating?
Iced Tea is a popular, refreshing beverage enjoyed by many people around the world. However, with it’s caffeinated content, many wonder whether drinking iced tea can cause dehydration.
How Iced Tea Affects Hydration
No matter the source, all iced tea contains some form of caffeine, which is a diuretic resulting in increased production of urine. This can make it more difficult for the body to retain fluid, leading to increased dehydration risk. While the amount of caffeine in one glass may not have a noticeable impact on hydration, drinking large amounts of iced tea throughout the day can certainly increase dehydration risk.
Boosting Hydration With Iced Tea
Fortunately, there are some tips to minimise the risk of iced tea leading to dehydration:
- Balance Caffeine Intake: Restrain from drinking excessive amounts of caffeinated beverages, including iced tea, and balance it with an appropriate amount of water intake.
- Choose Unsweetened Options: Avoid excessively sweetened versions of iced tea and opt for unsweetened ones, to help decrease your sugar intake.
- Keep it In Moderation:It’s best to consume iced tea in moderation and to check how your body responds to it.
The Bottom Line
Iced tea is great as a refreshing beverage, but having it in excess may lead to dehydration. If enjoyed in moderation and complemented with plenty of water, however, it can be part of a healthy diet.
