Why Does Tea Dehydrate You?
Whether you are a die-hard fan of iced tea, herbal tea or green tea, it’s important to know that all tea has some diuretic properties which can lead to dehydration. Here are some facts about why tea can actually dehydrate you and what you can do to reduce this effect.
Caffeine and Tannins
Tea can have up to half the amount of caffeine as coffee, depending on the type and brewing method. Caffeine is a natural diuretic, and can cause an increase in urination which can in turn cause dehydration. Tea also contains tannins, compounds that can also act as natural diuretics.
Fewer Electrolytes
Electrolytes are molecules such as sodium and potassium that are important for hydration. Some teas contain zero electrolytes, so if you’re drinking too much tea and not enough water, you could be missing out on those important molecules that are necessary for proper hydration.
Tips to Reduce Dehydration
- Drink Water: Make sure that you are drinking water as well as tea. Even if you find iced or herbal tea refreshing, it’s important to stay hydrated with water.
- Choose Low-Caffeine or Decaffeinated Tea: Green and black teas contain the most caffeine, while herbal teas have the least. You can also look for decaffeinated tea if you want to reduce your caffeine intake.
- Limit Your Intake: If you are drinking tea more than normal, it’s important to limit your intake so as to not become overly dehydrated.
Overall, tea can be a great way to stay hydrated but it’s important to keep in mind that it can also lead to dehydration. Therefore, if you are drinking tea, make sure that you are also drinking plenty of water and that you are limiting your tea intake.
