Coffee for Suhoor, Is It Allowed?

The types of food and beverages we consume become an important consideration during fasting periods. This is because dietary changes that occur during fasting can also affect the capabilities of the digestive system. Hence, some individuals tend to be cautious about drinking coffee during the pre-dawn meal (suhoor).

However, is it allowed to drink coffee for suhoor? When is the best time to drink coffee during fasting? Let’s explore these questions in more detail in the following article.

Coffee for Suhoor, Is It Allowed?

Coffee offers a variety of health benefits when consumed in moderation. Furthermore, it is also important to consider the timing of coffee consumption. So, what about drinking coffee during suhoor? Is it allowed?

Coffee consumption while fasting, particularly during suhoor, is a frequent topic of discussion among coffee enthusiasts. Unfortunately, medical professionals advise against drinking coffee during suhoor because it can cause frequent urination, which increases the risk of dehydration during fasting. 

In addition, there are several effects of drinking coffee during suhoor to watch out for, including the following:

• Coffee can worsen symptoms of dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The caffeine content in coffee can trigger contractions in the digestive tract and increase gastric acid production, which can irritate the stomach lining. 

• Coffee can increase the risk of diarrhea, especially in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), for it increases the motility (movement) of the large intestine. 

• Coffee can cause abdominal bloating in people with lactose intolerance, especially if they consume coffee with milk.

The Right Time to Drink Coffee While Fasting

For coffee lovers, especially those who are addicted or heavily dependent on coffee, abruptly quitting coffee can trigger caffeine withdrawal symptoms. This is characterized by a number of symptoms such as feeling a lack of energy or motivation to carry out activities, headaches, constipation, muscle pain, weakness, difficulty concentrating, and others. 

Thus, although not recommended for consumption during suhoor, drinking coffee while fasting is still allowed as long as you do not suffer from certain medical conditions. The best time to drink coffee while fasting is a few hours after breaking the fast (iftar). Most importantly, make sure not to consume coffee when your stomach is still empty to avoid the risk of gastric acid rising into the esophagus. 

Moreover, it is also important to limit your coffee intake during iftar to around 1-2 cups of coffee only. Excessive coffee consumption during iftar can disrupt sleep patterns, potentially compromising overall health during the fasting period. 

Tips for Limiting Coffee Consumption During Fasting

Although it is allowed, coffee consumption during fasting should be limited to avoid triggering various health problems. Therefore, there are several tips that you can do to limit coffee consumption during the fasting month. Some of these tips include the following:

• Use a small cup for consuming coffee during fasting.

• Consume decaf (caffeine-free) coffee.

• Incorporate alternative beverages during suhoor and iftar, such as fruit juices, water, warm milk, yogurt, green tea, and others.

• Implement a spaced-out coffee consumption approach. If you consume coffee today, consider avoiding it tomorrow. 

• Mix coffee with caffeine-free beverages, such as milk or water.

• Reduce coffee brewing time.

Consuming coffee during fasting is not entirely prohibited, but it is important to pay attention to the timing and portion to refrain from consuming it in excess and prevent the risk of various health problems. You can also consult with an Internist from Siloam Hospitals if you experience side effects of drinking coffee during suhoor, such as dyspepsia and GERD. 

If the symptoms of dyspepsia and GERD have become overly disruptive, you should do a Complete Digestive System Screening so that the doctor can immediately determine the appropriate treatment for your condition.