Can’t Skip Coffee at Suhoor? A Urologist Explains Its Effects on the Body
An overview of the health risks associated with consuming coffee before fasting. Featuring expert insight from a urologist, the article highlights dehydration concerns and specific medical conditions that may worsen due to caffeine’s diuretic properties during Ramadan.
Jakarta – For some people, starting the day without a cup of coffee feels incomplete. It’s no surprise that this habit continues during suhoor (the pre-dawn meal). However, during Ramadan, drinking coffee at suhoor should be reconsidered.
Consuming coffee at suhoor can increase the frequency of urination because caffeine has a diuretic effect. As a result, the body may lose fluids more quickly and face a higher risk of dehydration before iftar (breaking the fast). This condition can cause the body to feel weak and uncomfortable while fasting.
According to urology specialist Prof. Dr. Ponco Birowo, SpU, Subsp.And(K), PhD, coffee has a mild diuretic property due to its caffeine content, which stimulates the kidneys to excrete more sodium and water through urine.
“Diuretics cause us to produce urine in large amounts. That means we are expelling fluids from our body,” said Prof. Ponco when speaking to detikcom at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (February 18, 2026).
“We have to fast until sunset. If our fluids are already depleted in the morning, we may relatively experience dehydration,” he continued.
Regarding coffee consumption, Prof. Ponco emphasized that patients with a history of kidney stones or recurrent urinary tract infections are not advised to drink coffee at suhoor. This is intended to avoid the diuretic effects.
“If someone has a history of kidney stones, the stones could recur. Or if they are prone to infections, another infection could occur,” he concluded.
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