Hi There !

Consuming coffee and soft drinks apparently causes dehydration.

Is this because of caffeine?  Or is it due to some other
ingredient common to both liquids?

A 5-star answer would be 1-2 sentences.  No sources
or web sites needed---just your opinion.

All comments greatly appreciated !
ron

Hi nronron-etc!

Actually, consuming coffee and soft drinks do NOT cause dehydration.

Think about it ... they're mostly water. Caffeine is only a mild
diuretic, and even water is a mild diuretic - drink enough and you
need to excuse yourself.

By the way, there was a study done at UCONN, and the results were
published last year. So if you want a cup of coffee, an iced latte or
a even a Coke after exercise, go ahead! You won't shrivel up and blow
away.

Serenata

Thanks, serenata !
ron

Still, while they don't technically cause dehydration, it's not doing
your body much good. Drinking a glass of water is more beneficial than
chugging back a cup of coffee or Coke.

If you'd like more info, see these previously answered questions:

Coffee drinking causing dehydration
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=100243

caffeine-free diet coke: hydrating or dehydrating?
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=233132

Everybody Poops
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=237498

---l

directrix---thanks for your comment.
My plan is replace all my Diet Cokes with beer.
If that doesn't work, then I'll drink water.

heh  heh  heh

Thanks again !
ron

larre---I REALLY appreciate your taking the time to direct me to other Answers.
Very kind of you.
Thanks.
ron