And while the non-alcoholic fluids in beer, wine, and liquor are inherently hydrating, they’re not necessarily hydrating enough to offset the effects of alcohol-induced dehydration. Interestingly, a review of 49 studies even reported that caffeinated energy drinks, wine, and spirits can all significantly increase urine production (14). A small study in 10 people found that consuming 537 mg of caffeine, or about 6 cups of coffee, significantly increased urine production. Meanwhile, consuming 269 mg of caffeine, or about 3 cups of coffee, didn’t affect fluid balance (3, 4). As you can see, wine can dehydrate you if you drink it on an empty stomach or if you drink multiple glasses in a row without drinking water to accompany them.

Cooking with wine is one of the simplest ways to boost the flavor of a dish. There’s always a wine to fit someone’s budget, and will definitely up your home cooking game. However, there are so many wines to choose from and so many applications that it can be overwhelming, even for a seasoned home cook. The one thing to keep in mind when choosing to cook with a dry wine versus a sweet wine is what you want your final dish to taste like. Additionally, certain individuals should abstain from alcohol, including minors, pregnant women, and individuals on certain medications (32, 33, 34). What’s more, wine may interact with medication that lowers blood pressure (17).

The Hydration Factor

Moderating your intake of energy drinks and alcoholic beverages is an easy way to prevent dehydration. According to a small study in 11 men, consuming beer with a 5% alcohol content after exercise increased urine output significantly more than consuming a sports drink did (10). Don’t assume that a single glass of wine will overly dehydrate you, but keep in mind that wine is generally dehydrating compared to other alcoholic beverages like beer. Taking steps to avoid the overconsumption of alcoholic, caffeinated, and sugary beverages may help a person avoid dehydration. Water, electrolyte sports drinks, and certain herbal teas are better options to remain hydrated.

Over time, alcohol dehydrates the skin and can make wrinkles and pores more visible as a result. It may also contribute to inflammation, which is one of the main causes of skin aging. Most reach for water to rehydrate, but in most cases that’s not enough to quickly and properly rehydrate you. Water doesn’t have enough electrolytes and/or vitamins to replace the electrolytes and vitamins lost due to dehydration. The good news is you can reduce these side effects with a game plan to replace the lost fluids.

Alcohol Does Dehydrate You. Here’s What to Do About It

Our third pick from Rubbermaid, this set has a modular design for easy stacking and space-saving. The containers are clear from top to bottom, so you can easily keep tabs on your inventory. Durable and thick, their BPA-free plastic construction makes them suitable for daily use, and each container comes with a lid that seals tightly, keeping out moisture and humidity. They’re also leakproof and can be used in the freezer in addition to the pantry. The food we stored in them held up very well – spaghetti leftovers and breakfast burritos didn’t turn soggy, cut produce stayed fresh, and frozen fruit avoided freezer burn.

• The same 2016 study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that milk was more hydrating than water, sports drinks, coffee, tea, and a handful of other common beverages [6].
• But you may also encounter negative or uncomfortable side effects because reduced vasopressin leads to dehydration.
• Excessive urination from drinking alcohol causes your body to lose electrolytes, which are important minerals involved in many bodily functions, including nervous system function (4).
• A good way to limit your overall alcohol consumption, and thus limit alcohol’s dehydrating effects, is to alternate alcoholic drinks with glasses of water.
• Heavy alcohol consumption poses several health risks, including an increased risk of certain cancers, heart disease, liver and pancreatic diseases, as well as unintentional injury (29).

Certain red wines contain spiced notes already and choosing a red wine that has the same tasting notes as the spices you use for mulling can emphasize the flavors. If you’re someone who prefers a spicier mulled wine this is the direction for you. The red wine you choose can introduce another layer of complex flavors to your dish. In a conversation with Tasting Table, Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis of Bright Cellars shared a few of her preferences. They tend to be full of the stuff you don’t want in your food like preservatives and excess amounts of salt and sugar. There are other great substitutes, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, that fit your budget and skill level.

How Much Wine Can You Drink Before You’re Dehydrated?

Alcohol, including wine, is indeed a diuretic, meaning it promotes increased urine production, which can potentially lead to dehydration. When we consume alcohol, our pituitary gland restricts the production of vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone, causing more water to be excreted by the kidneys. Ultimately, the key to staying hydrated while enjoying wine is mindful consumption and balancing it with water intake. It’s important to listen to your body and respond to its hydration needs.

Heavy alcohol consumption poses several health risks, including an increased risk of certain cancers, heart disease, liver and pancreatic diseases, as well as unintentional injury (29). Studies show that individuals who consume moderate amounts of wine have a lower risk of heart disease mortality when compared with beer or spirits. However, a higher risk for cardiovascular disease mortality was typically seen with does alcohol dehydrate you heavier daily or weekly alcohol consumption across all types of beverages. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than it takes in, leading to an imbalance in the body’s electrolytes. Common symptoms of dehydration include increased thirst, decreased urine output, dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness. Over consumption of alcohol can create dehydration, causing havoc on your body the next morning.

Research from 2016 found that the sensation of a cool, carbonated beverage makes people think the beverage quenches thirst better. This can lead to drinking less additional liquid after having a drink such as a soda, which could make the effects of dehydration worse. While tea tends to have less caffeine than coffee, increased tea consumption can still contribute to the total amount of caffeine a person has each day and yield dehydration. Research from 2017 indicates that low levels of caffeine ingestion do not cause dehydration.

• When we tested fresh produce, these containers kept spinach, berries, and a halved avocado in pretty good shape over a few days.
• However, it is essential to prioritize water intake and listen to your body’s needs to maintain optimal hydration.
• Wine generally has a higher alcohol content than beer and cider, which may contribute to the likeliness of more frequent urination and dehydration.
• If you are pregnant, drinking immoderately can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, which can result in a lifetime of health problems for your child.
• However, I’ve also noticed that when I’m mindful of my water intake and enjoy my wine in moderation, I haven’t experienced significant dehydration.
• Lastly, you may become mildly dehydrated from wine and similar high alcohol content beverages through sweat (though this is ultimately minor compared to the other effects above).

Certain Malbec, Zinfandel, and Marsala wines have vanilla-tasting notes in them. If you love a sweeter taste to your mulled wines, emphasizing the vanilla is a great direction to take your beverage. Experiment with different red wines to find the combination you love best; you may just create a new annual holiday tradition for yourself. Reductions and pan sauces are the most common ways you’ll see wine being used in recipes. Think of all those episodes of Masterchef and someone using a red wine reduction for their duck breast.