The Best Time to Drink Coffee While Fasting

The Best Time to Drink Coffee While Fasting

Denpasar — For many people, coffee is more than just a beverage; it is part of a daily routine. Its distinctive aroma and caffeine content often help improve focus and fight drowsiness.

However, when the month of Ramadan arrives, a common question arises: when is the best time to drink coffee while fasting—during suhoor or after breaking the fast?

Nutrition experts say that the timing of coffee consumption during fasting should be carefully considered because the body undergoes several changes when it goes without food and drink for many hours.

According to information from Healthline, during fasting for about 12–14 hours, the body does not receive any food or fluids. In this condition, several physiological changes occur. Blood sugar levels tend to drop, the body begins using stored energy, and stomach acid production continues.

At the same time, the risk of dehydration increases because the body does not receive fluids for several hours.

Caffeine in coffee is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It can increase alertness and reduce drowsiness, but it also has a mild diuretic effect, which may increase urine production and stimulate stomach acid.

Because of these effects, the timing of coffee consumption during fasting should be carefully considered.

Drinking Coffee During Suhoor

Some people prefer drinking coffee during suhoor, hoping it will help them stay energized throughout the day. In theory, caffeine can indeed improve focus.

However, there are several risks to consider.

First, caffeine has a mild diuretic effect that may increase the frequency of urination. If coffee consumption is not balanced with enough water intake, the risk of dehydration during fasting may increase.

Second, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can stimulate stomach acid production. This may cause discomfort such as stomach pain or nausea, especially for people with sensitive stomachs.

In addition, the effects of caffeine usually last around 3–6 hours. This means that if coffee is consumed very early during suhoor, the stimulating effect may wear off before midday, so it may not always help maintain energy throughout the entire fasting period.

Even so, drinking coffee during suhoor can still be relatively safe for some people, especially those who regularly drink coffee, do not have stomach problems, and maintain adequate fluid intake.

Drinking Coffee After Breaking the Fast

Many nutrition experts recommend drinking coffee after breaking the fast instead.

The reason is that the body has already received fluid intake first, which helps reduce the risk of dehydration.

In addition, breaking the fast usually begins with light foods such as dates or small snacks. Having food in the stomach can reduce the risk of irritation from coffee compared with drinking it on an empty stomach.

However, the timing of coffee consumption after breaking the fast should also be considered. Drinking coffee too late at night may interfere with sleep quality, even though adequate sleep is essential for maintaining energy during fasting.

Ideally, coffee should be consumed one to two hours after breaking the fast, rather than close to bedtime.

In general, drinking coffee after breaking the fast is considered safer than during suhoor, especially for people with sensitive stomachs or those prone to dehydration.

However, the best time still depends on each individual's condition. Those who are used to drinking coffee in the morning and do not have stomach issues may still choose to drink it during suhoor, as long as they maintain proper hydration.

On the other hand, people who easily feel thirsty or want to maintain better sleep quality may find it better to drink coffee after breaking the fast.

Tips for Drinking Coffee During Fasting

To stay comfortable while fasting, here are several tips to keep in mind when consuming coffee:

First, avoid drinking coffee on a completely empty stomach. Eat a light snack before drinking coffee.

Second, limit coffee intake to about one cup per day to prevent dehydration and sleep disturbances.

Third, choose coffee that is more stomach-friendly, such as low-acidity coffee or brewing methods like cold brew.

Fourth, avoid adding excessive sugar, as it can cause spikes in blood sugar levels followed by sudden drops in energy.

Finally, pay attention to the timing of coffee consumption. If you have sleep problems, it is best to avoid drinking coffee too late at night.