Coffee is a staple drink for many people, as it provides energy and enhances concentration, but when consumed during the suhoor meal, it may have negative effects on the body, especially during the long hours of fasting. Instead of helping with activity, it may cause dehydration, sleep disturbances, and increased thirst during the day. The caffeine in coffee has diuretic properties, which means that the body may lose fluids quickly, which is undesirable during fasting as the body needs to retain water for as long as possible. In addition, coffee may increase stomach acidity, causing discomfort or even acidity and heartburn, especially 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.
Harmful effects of drinking coffee during Suhoor
Many people are accustomed to drinking coffee during the Suhoor meal, thinking that it will help them stay active throughout the day, but the truth is that drinking coffee at this time may have negative effects on the body during fasting. Here are the most prominent harms of drinking coffee during Suhoor:
1. Increased thirst during the day
Coffee acts as a diuretic due to its caffeine content, which causes the body to lose fluids quickly, thus increasing the feeling of thirst during fasting hours. This may negatively affect the body's hydration levels, especially on hot days.
2. Sleep disorders and insomnia
Although coffee gives you energy in the morning, drinking it late at night, such as during suhoor, may lead to insomnia and difficulty sleeping. This affects the quality of your night’s rest, making you feel tired during the day even if you sleep for enough hours.
3. Digestive disorders
Coffee contains acids that may cause heartburn, acid reflux, or colon disorders, especially if consumed on an empty stomach during suhoor. Some people may also suffer from diarrhea or stomach irritation due to the effect 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 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. Accelerate heart rate and raise blood pressure
Caffeine increases heart rate and 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.
7. Increased stress and anxiety
Coffee may increase the secretion of stress hormones such as cortisol, making you more likely to feel stressed and nervous during fasting, especially if you already suffer from anxiety or psychological stress.
Drinking coffee during Suhoor may 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 is preferable to replace it with other more beneficial drinks, such as water, milk, or soothing herbal drinks, to maintain the body’s hydration and energy throughout the fasting period.
Best alternatives to drinking coffee during Suhoor
If you’re looking for a drink that will energize you without the negative effects of coffee, there are plenty of healthy alternatives to have during Suhoor that will help you stay hydrated, boost your energy, and improve your digestion while fasting. Here are some great options:
1. Green tea
Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, giving you a mild pick-me-up without causing insomnia or dehydration. It is also rich in antioxidants that support body health and enhance focus during the day.
2. Herbal tea (such as chamomile or mint)
Herbal drinks such as chamomile, mint, and fennel are great options as they help calm 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 to it gives it anti-inflammatory properties and supports immunity, making it a great choice during fasting.
4. Roasted grain beverage (such as chicory or barley)
If you like the flavor of coffee, you can try roasted chicory or barley coffee, which provides a flavor close to coffee but without the caffeine, making it a great alternative for digestive health and hydration during fasting.
5. Warm water with honey and lemon
This drink enhances digestion, strengthens immunity, and hydrates the body, making it an ideal choice at Suhoor to boost energy without affecting sleep or causing dehydration.
6. Natural juices with low sugar
Like fresh apple, mango or orange juice, they contain vitamins and minerals that help hydrate and provide natural energy that lasts throughout the day.
7. Hot cocoa (dark hot chocolate)
If you like 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 minerals lost during the day, and also keeps the body hydrated during the fasting period.
Finally, instead of coffee, you can enjoy more beneficial and hydrating drinks such as green tea, herbal tea, milk, and roasted grain drinks. These alternatives give you energy and help you fast without the negative effects of coffee on sleep or hydration.
Best times to drink coffee in Ramadan
Drinking coffee is a daily habit that is difficult to give up, even during the month of Ramadan. However, the timing of drinking coffee plays an important role in avoiding its negative effects such as dehydration, sleep disturbances, and increased stomach acidity. Therefore, it is best to choose the right times to enjoy it without harming your health or affecting your fast.
1. One to two hours after breakfast
It is preferable not to drink coffee immediately after breakfast, as the body needs to replace 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 drinks containing caffeine.
2. After Tarawih prayer
This time is ideal for coffee lovers who want to stay active during the evening hours. After performing the Tarawih prayer, the body has regained part of its water balance, which reduces the risk of dehydration that caffeine may cause. Also, drinking coffee at this time gives you moderate energy without greatly affecting sleep.
3. Adequate time before Suhoor (for those who are not affected by sleep)
If you want to have coffee during the night, you can drink it one to two hours before Suhoor, as long as it does not affect your sleep. Some people may find it difficult to sleep due to the effects of caffeine, so it is best to monitor your body’s response before relying on this timing.
Times to avoid
- 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.
- Just before bed: Because it may lead to insomnia and sleep disturbance, which affects the body’s energy the next day.
The best time to drink coffee during Ramadan is one to two hours after Iftar or after Tarawih prayers, as it can be enjoyed without affecting hydration or sleep. However, drinking it during Suhoor or before bed may lead to dehydration and sleep disturbances, so it is best to avoid it at these times.
Tips for the best drinks at Suhoor to avoid water loss
Suhoor is an essential meal during Ramadan, as it helps provide the body with energy and hydration throughout the fasting period. To avoid losing water and feeling thirsty during the day, it is important to choose drinks that maintain the body’s fluid balance and prevent dehydration. Here are the best tips for drinks suitable for Suhoor:
1. Drink enough water
Water is the best option to stay hydrated. It is best to drink two to three glasses of water during Suhoor, and spread your water intake throughout Iftar to avoid dehydration the next day. It is best to avoid drinking a large amount at once, as the body may not retain it for long.
2. Eat milk or yogurt.
Milk and yogurt are drinks rich in minerals and proteins that help hydrate the body for a longer period. Yogurt also promotes digestive health and prevents acidity that may cause thirst during fasting.
3. Soothing herbal drinks
Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, or ginger are an excellent choice, as they help calm the stomach and maintain hydration without causing fluid loss like caffeinated drinks.
4. Natural fruit juices
Natural juices, such as watermelon, orange, or cucumber juice, contain a high percentage of water and minerals that help replace lost fluids. It is preferable to avoid industrial juices that contain a high percentage of sugar, as they may increase the feeling of thirst later.
5. Coconut water
Coconut water is an excellent choice for replenishing lost electrolytes and maintaining hydration, especially for those who become dehydrated 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 stomach bloating and a feeling of thirst later.
- Excessive sugary drinks: Increase thirst shortly after consumption.
Finally, to stay hydrated during fasting, it is best to drink water, milk, herbal drinks, and natural juices, and avoid coffee and drinks rich in caffeine or sugar. Choosing the right drinks during Suhoor helps reduce thirst and maintain energy throughout the day. You can follow the Coffee Wellness blog now to learn more tips about coffee during Ramadan and other articles in the world of coffee.