The month of Ramadan brings with it a unique spiritual atmosphere, as daily habits change, including eating and drinking times. Among the drinks that hold a special place among its lovers is coffee, which is considered an indispensable daily companion. With the change in the fasting schedule, the question arises: What are the best times to drink coffee during Ramadan to enjoy it without negatively affecting the health of the fasting person or the quality of his sleep? In this article, we will review the best times to drink coffee during the holy month, taking into account the various effects that may occur on the body as a result of the change in daily routine. We will discuss how the caffeine content in coffee can affect hydration and sleep, and suggest the ideal times to drink it so that the fasting person gets its benefits without negatively affecting his health. We will also talk about the best types of coffee that can be consumed during Ramadan, and provide some tips for enjoying the taste of coffee without harming the health of the digestive system, especially after long hours of fasting.
Best times to drink coffee during Ramadan
With the advent of Ramadan, eating and drinking patterns change, which calls for adjusting the timing of coffee consumption so that it does not affect hydration, sleep, or digestive health. Therefore, choosing the right time to drink coffee during Ramadan helps you enjoy it without any unwanted side effects. Here are the best times to drink coffee during the holy month:
1. One to two hours after breakfast
This is considered the best time to drink coffee, as the body has started to regain its energy after fasting. It is better to delay drinking coffee a little after breakfast so as not to affect the absorption of minerals and nutrients from the breakfast meal.
2. After Tarawih
If you prefer to drink coffee late at night, having it after performing Tarawih prayers is a good option, especially if you plan to stay awake for a longer period. It is preferable to choose decaffeinated coffee or reduce the amount if you have difficulty sleeping.
3. Suhoor time (with caution)
If you are a coffee lover in the morning, you can have a small cup of coffee shortly before Suhoor. However, be careful because caffeine can increase urination, which can cause dehydration during the day. Therefore, it is preferable to consume coffee with enough water to avoid dehydration during fasting hours.
Tips for enjoying coffee during Ramadan
- Avoid drinking coffee immediately after breakfast to avoid digestive problems and dehydration.
- Choose weak or decaffeinated coffee in the evening if you have trouble sleeping.
- Drink plenty of water after drinking coffee to stay hydrated.
- Try adding a little milk to your coffee to reduce its acidity and stomach upset.
By following these recommendations, you can enjoy your favorite cup of coffee without any unwanted side effects during the holy month.
Read also: How to help focus and avoid headaches after fasting?
The effect of coffee on the body while fasting
With the advent of Ramadan, lifestyle and eating habits change, and an important question arises among coffee lovers: How does drinking coffee affect the body during fasting? Coffee is a drink rich in caffeine, which has multiple effects on the body, and may have benefits or challenges during fasting, depending on the timing and quantity of consumption. Here are the most prominent effects of coffee on the body during fasting:
1. The effect of coffee on hydration and dehydration
The caffeine in coffee acts as a diuretic, which can lead to faster fluid loss. Therefore, excessive coffee consumption during the period between Iftar and Suhoor, especially without adequate water replacement, may increase the risk of dehydration during the day, leading to fatigue and headaches during fasting.
2. The effect of coffee on the digestive system
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach, especially right before breakfast, may cause digestive disorders such as acidity, gastric reflux, and irritation of the stomach wall. Therefore, it is best to postpone drinking it for one to two hours after breakfast.
3. The effect of coffee on energy and activity
Caffeine boosts alertness and improves concentration, which can help reduce post-breakfast sluggishness. However, if you rely on coffee as your main source of energy, you may experience a sudden drop in energy and concentration during the day due to caffeine withdrawal.
4. The effect of coffee on sleep
Drinking coffee late at night or after Tarawih may lead to sleep disturbances, which may affect the quality of your night's rest, thus increasing the feeling of fatigue during fasting. Therefore, it is best to avoid caffeinated coffee several hours before bedtime.
Tips to avoid the negative effects of coffee during Ramadan
- Drink coffee an hour or two after breakfast to avoid digestive problems.
- Drink an extra glass of water with every cup of coffee to stay hydrated.
- Reduce your coffee consumption during Suhoor to avoid dehydration during the day.
- Try decaffeinated coffee in the evening to reduce its effect on sleep.
By adjusting your coffee drinking times and consuming it in moderation, you can enjoy its delicious taste without negatively affecting your health while fasting.
How can caffeine in coffee affect hydration and sleep?
Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects the body in several ways, especially with regard to hydration and sleep quality. During Ramadan, when eating and drinking patterns change, caffeine can have a significant impact on water balance and sleep if not consumed wisely.
First: The effect of caffeine on hydration
- Diuretic : Caffeine increases the rate of urination, which may lead to the loss of essential fluids and minerals from the body. During the month of Ramadan, when the body goes for long hours without water, excessive coffee consumption without adequate rehydration may cause dehydration.
- Increased thirst : Drinking coffee, especially at suhoor, may increase thirst during the day, making fasting more difficult.
- Its effect on fluid balance : When coffee is consumed in moderate amounts, it may not have a negative effect on hydration, but when it is consumed in excess, especially without drinking enough water, it may cause a lack of fluids in the body.
Second: The effect of caffeine on sleep
- Reduces melatonin secretion : Melatonin is the hormone responsible for regulating sleep, and caffeine can inhibit its production, leading to difficulty falling asleep or interrupted sleep.
- Increases alertness and delays sleep time : Drinking coffee late at night or after Tarawih may make it more difficult to sleep, reducing the quality of rest the body needs after a day of fasting.
- Affects deep sleep cycle : Even if a person is able to fall asleep after drinking coffee, caffeine may reduce periods of deep sleep, causing you to wake up feeling tired rather than rested.
How can I reduce the negative effects of caffeine?
- Avoid drinking coffee at Suhoor, or at least reduce the amount to avoid dehydration during the day.
- Drink a glass of water with every cup of coffee to replace lost fluids.
- Choose decaffeinated coffee in the evening to reduce its effect on sleep.
- Limit coffee intake at least 4-6 hours before bedtime to get a restful sleep.
By choosing the right time to drink coffee and maintaining a balance in its consumption, it can be enjoyed without negatively affecting hydration or sleep quality during the month of Ramadan.
Best Coffee to Drink During Ramadan
As eating and drinking times change during Ramadan, choosing the type of coffee becomes important to ensure you benefit from it without negatively affecting your health or comfort. Some types of coffee can be heavy on the stomach when consumed after long hours of fasting, while others can be an ideal choice for those looking for a rich taste without unwanted side effects. Here are the best types of coffee suitable for Ramadan:
1. Arabic coffee
Arabic coffee is an excellent choice during Ramadan, as it is easy on the stomach and contains less caffeine than black coffee. It is also often prepared with cardamom, which helps improve digestion and reduce bloating after iftar.
2. Turkish coffee
If you prefer a stronger coffee, Turkish coffee can be a good choice, especially when consumed an hour or two after breakfast. However, it is best consumed in moderation, especially for those who are sensitive to caffeine or have sleep disorders.
3. Specialty coffee (filter or diluted espresso)
Filtered coffee such as V60, French Press or Americano contains less oil and caffeine than strong espresso, making it a good choice for those who want to enjoy coffee without affecting the digestive system.
4. Coffee with milk (latte or cappuccino)
Coffee with milk is a gentle option for the stomach, especially for those who suffer from heartburn or acid reflux. Adding milk reduces the acidity of the coffee, making it suitable for drinking after breakfast or before suhoor.
5. Decaffeinated coffee
For those who love the taste of coffee but want to avoid the effects of caffeine on sleep or hydration, you can choose decaffeinated coffee. This type provides the coffee experience without the worry of insomnia or dehydration during fasting.
Tips for choosing the perfect coffee in Ramadan
- It is preferable to avoid heavy or concentrated coffee immediately after breakfast so as not to affect the digestive system.
- Drink coffee in moderation, especially during Suhoor, so as not to affect hydration during the day.
- Try coffee with milk or filtered coffee as a light and gentle option on the stomach.
- Avoid coffee sweetened with large amounts of sugar to keep energy levels stable.
Choosing the right coffee and drinking it at the right time helps to balance enjoyment and health during the holy month.
What are the harms of breaking the fast with coffee directly during Ramadan?
Many coffee lovers prefer to drink it immediately after the Maghrib call to prayer during the month of Ramadan, but this habit can cause several health problems, especially after long hours of fasting. Here are the most prominent potential harms of breaking the fast with coffee directly:
1. Digestive disorders
- After long hours of fasting, the stomach is empty and sensitive, and drinking coffee on an empty stomach may irritate the stomach wall and increase acid secretion, which may cause heartburn and gastric reflux .
- Coffee contains compounds that stimulate the production of digestive juices, which can lead to digestive disorders if there are no balanced foods before it.
2. Increased risk of dehydration
- Coffee is a natural diuretic, which can increase fluid and mineral loss after a long period of fasting, especially if the body is not replenished with adequate amounts of water.
- Eating coffee for breakfast without drinking enough water may increase the feeling of thirst during the night , affecting the fluid balance in the body.
3. Negative effect on blood sugar levels
- After hours of fasting, blood sugar levels are low, and at breakfast the body needs a quick source of energy. Drinking coffee directly may lead to a sudden increase in adrenaline , which causes disturbances in blood glucose levels, and may lead to feeling dizzy and tired instead of active .
4. Negative effect on nutrient absorption
- Coffee contains compounds that may hinder the absorption of some important minerals such as iron and magnesium , so drinking it immediately after fasting may affect the body's ability to benefit from the nutrients in the breakfast meal.
5. Feeling nervous and having an increased heart rate
- With less fluid and energy in the body, the caffeine in coffee can increase your heart rate and make you feel nervous or anxious , especially if you are used to drinking large amounts of coffee daily.
The perfect way to drink coffee in Ramadan
- Start breakfast with water and dates to replace fluids and gradually raise blood sugar levels.
- Eat a light snack first and then wait 1-2 hours after breakfast before drinking coffee.
- Drink coffee with enough water to stay hydrated.
- Avoid strong and bitter coffee immediately after breakfast, and it is preferable to choose coffee with milk to reduce its effect on the stomach.
By delaying drinking coffee a little after breakfast, you can avoid its negative effects and enjoy it without harming your health during the month of Ramadan.
Coffee Wellness Tips for Drinking Coffee Without Harming Your Digestive Health
After long hours of fasting, the digestive system becomes more sensitive, which requires caution when consuming coffee to avoid any negative effects. It is recommended to start breaking your fast with water and dates to replace fluids and gradually raise blood sugar levels, then have a light meal one to two hours before drinking coffee. It is preferable to choose light coffee such as Arabic coffee or coffee with milk, as it helps reduce acidity and is gentler on the stomach. It is also recommended to avoid very concentrated coffee or black coffee on an empty stomach, as it may cause stomach irritation and increase acid secretion. To ensure hydration, it is preferable to drink a glass of water with every cup of coffee. This way, coffee can be enjoyed during Ramadan without negatively affecting the health of the digestive system. For more tips on coffee during Ramadan, you can visit the Coffee Wellness blog .