As heatwaves scorch much of the U.S., the CDC is urging Americans to stay cool, hydrate, and skip the caffeine. But is ditching your morning coffee really necessary?
This week’s heat advisories stretch from New Jersey to Virginia, with “feels-like” temperatures hitting 105–109°F. The National Weather Service recommends staying hydrated with plenty of fluids, seeking cool shelter, and limiting outdoor exertion. The CDC adds a familiar warning: avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks, as they can “cause you to lose more body fluid.”
But not all experts agree.
“Moderate caffeine intake—up to 400mg per day—doesn’t dehydrate habitual coffee drinkers,” says Jason Eastty of Healthspan Longevity. “Coffee and tea still count toward fluid intake.” A 2015 review in Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport backs this up, finding exercise can offset any minor diuretic effects.
Dr. Hussain Ahmad of Click2Pharmacy emphasizes simplicity: “Water is best, but electrolyte drinks help after heavy sweating. Avoid soda, alcohol, and sugary juices—they can worsen dehydration.”
Vulnerable groups—like kids, older adults, and outdoor workers—are especially at risk. “Small choices, like what you drink, can make a big difference,” Ahmad notes.
Want a cooler caffeine fix? Licensed nutritionist Linda Lin recommends matcha. “It’s gentler than coffee,
