Drinking coffee after Iftaar or before suhoor?

Drinking coffee at Iftaar during Ramadan can have undesirable effects on the body, especially if it is consumed immediately after the fasting period:

1. Increased acid production in the stomach : The caffeine in coffee stimulates the secretion of stomach acid, which can lead to increased heartburn or upset stomach. Therefore, if you suffer from problems such as acid reflux or stomach ulcers, drinking coffee immediately after Iftaar may worsen these symptoms.

2. Coffee is a diuretic : Coffee increases urination due to its caffeine content, which means you may lose more fluids, while your body needs to replace what it lost during fasting. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid drinking coffee immediately after breaking the fast and focus first on drinking water to replace lost fluids.

3. Best time to drink coffee during Ramadan : It is preferable to drink coffee two hours after Iftaar. At this time, your body has regained some of its activity through eating a healthy Iftaar with an adequate amount of fluids. Therefore, drinking coffee after this period helps you benefit from its stimulating benefits without negatively affecting hydration or the stomach.

4. Avoid drinking coffee late at night : If you drink coffee late at night, the caffeine may affect your ability to sleep and lead to insomnia, which interferes with your need for good sleep.

Finally, if you are used to drinking coffee and need it during Ramadan, it is best to consult a doctor if you suffer from any special health problems, such as stomach disorders or chronic diseases, to determine the most appropriate time to drink it.

A cup of black coffee (250 ml) without sugar or additives contains approximately the following nutritional components:

• Calories : Only 1 calorie, as coffee itself does not contain significant calories unless sugar or milk is added.
• Sodium : About 6 milligrams. The amount of sodium in coffee is very small, but it contributes slightly to your daily needs.
• Protein : About 0.3 grams. Coffee contains a small amount of protein.
• Caffeine : About 100 mg. This amount of caffeine is enough to provide a mild stimulant effect that can improve alertness and concentration.

When you drink black coffee, you get the benefits of caffeine with very few calories, but if you add sugar or milk, these values ​​change significantly.

If you drink coffee at Suhoor :

• Coffee contains caffeine, which acts as a diuretic, meaning it may increase the amount of urination and lead to water loss from the body.
• Although the body may adapt to the effects of caffeine over time, coffee can cause you to lose a significant amount of fluids during the morning hours.
• This may increase the risk of dehydration, especially on hot days or if fluids are not adequately replaced during Iftaar.

If you drink coffee for Iftaar :

• If you drink coffee after Iftaar, it may have less of an effect on dehydration because the body has already started to replace the fluids lost during the day.
• However, it should be noted that drinking coffee after Iftaar may cause poor sleep if consumed late, as caffeine stimulates the nervous system.

Therefore, it is better to reduce coffee consumption during Ramadan or replace it with less dehydrating drinks such as water or drinks that contain a low percentage of caffeine.