Caffeine and dehydration: what should you know?

Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, cola and some medicines. Its effect varies with the amount consumed and how accustomed you are to it. A caffeinated drink still contains water, so it can contribute to daily fluid intake. The bigger concern is relying on caffeine while sweating, exercising, vomiting or having diarrhoea. Caffeine may also disturb sleep, and poor sleep can leave you feeling thirsty, tired or light-headed. Dehydration can show as dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness, headache or constipation, although these signs can have other causes.

Drink water regularly across the day and use water or an oral rehydration drink when fluid loss follows vomiting or diarrhoea. In hot UAE weather, increase attention to fluids during outdoor activity and take breaks in a cool place. Avoid using energy drinks as your main way to hydrate. If you want to reduce caffeine, tapering gradually may help avoid withdrawal headaches. Notice whether symptoms change after coffee, tea or energy drinks, and record the timing, amount and other drinks you had.

Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, inability to keep fluids down or very little urine. Arrange medical advice if dark urine, dizziness, persistent vomiting or diarrhoea continues despite drinking, or if you have kidney disease or take medicines that affect fluid balance. Heat exposure with headache, nausea, weakness or a change in alertness needs prompt assessment.

Ask whether your caffeine intake could be worsening your symptoms, how much fluid is suitable for your health conditions, and whether a medicine or illness could explain changes in urination or thirst.