Does caffeine dehydrate you?

Caffeine is indeed diuretic, meaning it can cause your body to lose more fluids. Andrew Huberman explained that caffeine causes the excretion of fluids and electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, through various processes in the kidneys, which contributes to its diuretic effect. To mitigate this, he suggests that for every ounce of caffeinated coffee or tea consumed, you should drink approximately 1.5 times that amount in water and include a tiny pinch of salt to replenish lost electrolytes 1.

It's important to note that while moderate caffeine intake might not significantly dehydrate you, excessive amounts or consumption without adequate water intake can indeed lead to dehydration. Thus, maintaining good hydration by balancing caffeine intake with an appropriate amount of water and electrolytes is crucial 2. Additionally, caffeine’s diuretic effects are less concerning when consumed as part of normal beverages like coffee or tea, as opposed to caffeine pills which lack accompanying fluid intake 3.