Coffee is a staple beverage for many, providing energy and boosting focus. However, consuming it at suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) can have negative effects on the body, especially during the long fasting hours. Instead of promoting alertness, it can cause dehydration, sleep disturbances, and increased thirst during the day. The caffeine in coffee has diuretic properties, meaning the body may lose fluids quickly, which is undesirable during fasting when the body needs to retain water for as long as possible. Furthermore, coffee can increase stomach acidity, causing discomfort or even heartburn, particularly if consumed on an empty stomach.
In this article, we will review in detail the harms of drinking coffee during Suhoor, and why it is preferable to reduce its consumption or replace it with other drinks that are more beneficial to the body during fasting.
The dangers of drinking coffee during Suhoor
Many people are accustomed to drinking coffee during suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) believing it will help them stay energized throughout the day. However, the truth is that drinking coffee at this time can have negative effects on the body while fasting. Here are the most prominent drawbacks of drinking coffee at suhoor:
1. Increased feeling of thirst during the day
Coffee acts as a diuretic due to its caffeine content, leading to rapid fluid loss and increased thirst during fasting hours. This can negatively impact hydration levels, especially on hot days.
2. Sleep disorders and insomnia
Although coffee gives you energy in the morning, consuming it late at night, such as during Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal during Ramadan), can lead to insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This affects the quality of your night's rest, leaving you feeling tired during the day even if you've slept enough.
3. Digestive system disorders
Coffee contains acids that may cause heartburn, acid reflux, or irritable bowel syndrome, especially if consumed on an empty stomach during suhoor (the pre-dawn meal). Some people may also experience diarrhea or stomach irritation due to the effects of coffee. On bowel movements.
4. Reduced absorption of nutrients
Caffeine may affect the absorption of some important minerals and vitamins such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, which may lead to a deficiency of these elements over time, especially if the fasting person relies mainly on coffee and does not get a balanced meal at Suhoor.
5. Negative impact on energy levels during the day
Although coffee gives you a boost of energy when you drink it, this effect is temporary, and after a few hours, you may feel low on energy and very tired, making you less able to concentrate and perform tasks during fasting hours.
6. Increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure
Caffeine increases heart rate and raises blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure or heart problems, especially when coffee is consumed on an empty stomach during Suhoor (pre-dawn meal).
7. Increased stress and anxiety
Coffee may increase the secretion of stress hormones such as cortisol, making you more prone to feeling stressed and nervous during fasting, especially if you already suffer from anxiety or psychological stress.
Drinking coffee at suhoor might seem like a good option at first, but it can lead to dehydration, sleep disturbances, digestive problems, and low energy during the day. Therefore, it's preferable to replace it with other, more beneficial beverages, such as water, milk, or soothing herbal teas, to maintain hydration and energy throughout the fasting period.
Read also: Which is better during fasting, Arabic or specialty coffee?
Best alternatives to drinking coffee at Suhoor
If you're looking for a drink that gives you energy without the negative effects of coffee, there are many healthy alternatives you can consume during suhoor (pre-dawn meal) that help with hydration, energy support, and improved digestion while fasting. Here are some ideal options:
1. Green tea
Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, giving you a mild boost without causing insomnia or dehydration. It's also rich in antioxidants that support overall health and enhance focus throughout the day.
2. Herbal teas (such as chamomile or mint)
Herbal teas like chamomile, mint, and fennel are great choices as they help soothe the stomach, improve digestion, and reduce stress. They are also caffeine-free, ensuring a restful sleep after suhoor.
3. Warm milk or golden milk (turmeric milk)
Milk is a rich source of protein and calcium, which helps you feel full for longer. Adding turmeric gives it anti-inflammatory properties and supports immunity, making it a great choice during fasting.
4. Roasted grain drink (such as chicory or barley)
If you like the taste of coffee , you can try roasted chicory or barley coffee, which offer a flavor similar to coffee but without caffeine, making them a great alternative for digestive health and hydration during fasting.
5. Warm water with honey and lemon
This drink promotes digestion, strengthens immunity, and hydrates the body, making it an ideal choice for suhoor to support energy without affecting sleep or causing dehydration.
6. Natural juices low in sugar
Like fresh apple, mango, or orange juice, they contain vitamins and minerals that help with hydration and provide natural energy that lasts all day.
7. Hot cocoa (dark hot chocolate)
If you enjoy warm drinks, try a cup of hot cocoa with milk. Cocoa contains mood-boosting antioxidants without the caffeine found in coffee.
8. Coconut water
A refreshing natural drink that helps replace lost minerals during the day, and also keeps the body hydrated during the fasting period.
Finally, instead of coffee, you can enjoy more beneficial and hydrating beverages such as green tea, herbal teas, milk, and roasted grain drinks. These alternatives provide energy and help you fast without the negative effects of coffee on sleep or hydration.
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The best times to drink coffee during Ramadan
Drinking coffee is a daily habit that's difficult to give up, even during Ramadan. However, the timing of coffee consumption plays a crucial role in avoiding its negative effects, such as dehydration, sleep disturbances, and increased stomach acidity. Therefore, it's best to choose appropriate times to enjoy it without harming your health or affecting your fast.
1. One to two hours after breakfast
It's best to avoid drinking coffee immediately after breakfast, as the body needs to replenish the fluids and nutrients it lost during the day. Drinking coffee an hour or two after breakfast allows the body to absorb water and vitamins from food before consuming caffeinated beverages.
2. After Taraweeh prayer
This time is ideal for coffee lovers who want to stay energized during the evening hours. After performing the Taraweeh prayers, the body has regained some of its water balance, reducing the risk of dehydration that caffeine can cause. Drinking coffee at this time also provides a moderate energy boost without significantly impacting sleep.
3. Sufficient time before Suhoor (for those who are not affected by sleep)
If you want to drink coffee at night, you can have it one to two hours before suhoor (pre-dawn meal), provided it doesn't affect your sleep. Some people may find it difficult to fall asleep due to the effects of caffeine, so it's best to monitor your body's response before relying on this timing.
Times that are best avoided
- Immediately after breakfast: because coffee may hinder the absorption of nutrients and increase stomach acidity.
- During Suhoor: because it may cause dehydration during the day, and increase the feeling of thirst during fasting.
- Right before bedtime: because it may lead to insomnia and sleep disturbances, which affect the body's energy the following day.
The best time to drink coffee during Ramadan is one to two hours after Iftar or after Taraweeh prayers, when it can be enjoyed without affecting hydration or sleep. Drinking it during Suhoor or before bedtime can lead to dehydration and sleep disturbances, so it's best to avoid it at these times.
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Tips for the best drinks at Suhoor to avoid dehydration
Suhoor is an essential meal during Ramadan, providing the body with energy and hydration throughout the fasting period. To avoid water loss and thirst during the day, it's important to choose drinks that maintain fluid balance and prevent dehydration. Here are some top tips on suitable drinks for Suhoor:
1. Drink enough water
Water is the best option for staying hydrated. It's recommended to drink two to three glasses of water during suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and spread your water intake throughout iftar (breaking the fast) to avoid dehydration the following day. It's best to avoid drinking a large amount all at once, as the body may not retain it for long.
2. Consume milk or yogurt
Milk and yogurt are drinks rich in minerals and proteins that help keep the body hydrated for longer. Yogurt also promotes digestive health and prevents acidity that can cause thirst during fasting.
3. Soothing herbal drinks
Herbal teas such as chamomile, mint, or ginger are an excellent choice, as they help to soothe the stomach and maintain hydration without causing fluid loss like caffeinated beverages.
4. Natural fruit juices
Natural juices, such as watermelon, orange, or cucumber juice, are high in water and minerals, which help replenish lost fluids. It's best to avoid artificial juices that are high in sugar, as these may increase thirst later.
5. Coconut water
Coconut water is an excellent choice for replacing lost electrolytes and maintaining hydration, especially for those who dehydrate quickly.
6. Avoid diuretic drinks
- Coffee and black tea : They contain caffeine, which increases fluid loss and leads to dehydration during the day.
- Carbonated drinks: They cause increased urination and may lead to bloating and a feeling of thirst later on.
- Excessively sugary drinks: increase thirst shortly after consuming them.
Finally, to stay hydrated during fasting, it's best to drink water, milk, herbal teas, and natural juices, and avoid coffee and other caffeinated or sugary drinks. Choosing the right beverages for suhoor (pre-dawn meal) helps reduce thirst and maintain energy throughout the day. You can follow the Coffee Wellbeing blog now for more tips on coffee during Ramadan and other articles about the world of coffee .