The short answer is yes. The truth is that drinking coffee can cause swelling in your feet and ankles, although other factors may also be at play.

If you consume coffee, it is crucial to stay hydrated to help counteract the adverse effects of too much caffeine on the body.

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for everyone, it’s essential to be mindful of your body and how it responds to what you put into it.

In this article, we’ll look at the science behind why coffee might make your feet swell and how to reduce or eliminate this side effect. Read on for more information!

Does Coffee Make Your Feet Swell?

Coffee can cause your feet to swell. The swelling is due to caffeine, which is a diuretic and causes an increase in urination.

As the body loses water through increased urination, it can lead to dehydration and fluid buildup in the feet.

The swelling is usually temporary, but for some people, recurring swelling of the feet may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

If the swelling is accompanied by other symptoms, such as joint pain, it is likely caused by an underlying condition.

However, swollen feet aren’t the end because there are countless things you can do to counteract the effects.

Read on as we’ll discuss:

• How to deal with your swollen feet
• How much coffee it takes to swell your feet up
• If all types of coffee cause swelling.
• How long should you expect your feet to stay swollen

How to Treat Swollen Feet

Drinking more water is the most effective solution to swollen feet. Increasing your water intake helps replenish any fluids lost through increased urination caused by caffeine, thus alleviating the swelling.

You should also reduce your coffee and caffeinated beverages until the swelling subsides.

Resting with your feet elevated can help reduce the swelling. Sitting with your feet on a pillow allows blood to circulate into the affected area and clear out any excess fluid.

Additionally, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen may relieve the discomfort of swollen feet.

It is also important to avoid standing for long periods and to wear comfortable, supportive shoes. The added support will help reduce the pressure on your feet and reduce any inflammation or swelling.

If you are experiencing severe or recurring foot swelling, it is recommended that you see a doctor to determine the underlying cause.

Do All Types of Coffee Make Your Feet Swell?

Yes, all types of coffee can cause your feet to swell. This swelling happens due to the caffeine content in coffee, which acts as a diuretic and increases urination.

However, decaffeinated coffee does not contain enough caffeine to affect your body’s water levels.

Decaffeinated coffee does not lead to foot swelling in most cases.

The caffeine content of decaffeinated coffee is significantly lower than regular coffee, meaning there is typically a smaller amount of caffeine that can be absorbed into the body.

Additionally, many brands of decaffeinated coffee are made with processes that further reduce the amount of caffeine that may still be present in the beverage.

Therefore, decaffeinated coffee may be a better option if you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine and want to enjoy coffee without worrying about swelling.

Still, it is essential to remember that excessive caffeinated beverages can cause dehydration, so moderation is key.

How Much Coffee Can I Drink Before My Feet Swell?

It takes 500 milligrams of caffeine daily to cause foot swelling. This amount is equivalent to five 8-ounce coffee or ten 12-ounce cans of soda.

Exceeding this amount may lead to symptoms such as edema (swelling) in the feet and ankles.

Some people may need less than 500 milligrams per day to experience problems, while others may need more than 500 milligrams to see results.

Additionally, certain medications can increase the amount of caffeine necessary to cause foot swelling.

Don’t be afraid of overdoing your coffee limit because you can increase your tolerance with exercise and eat healthy like broccoli and eggs.

You can also reduce your salt intake because salt can make your body retain water.

Increasing the amount of potassium-rich foods you eat– like bananas, potatoes, and oranges– can help flush out the excess fluid in your system.

How Long Will Your Feet Be Swollen?

The swelling of the feet due to caffeine can last anywhere from a few hours to several days.

The severity of the swelling depends on how much caffeine was consumed and how sensitive an individual is to its effects.

Generally, if a person stops drinking coffee and increases their water intake, the swelling should subside within a few days.

You can also use Epsom salt baths, cold compresses, and over-the-counter medications to reduce any discomfort associated with foot swelling.

You shouldn’t be too worried about your swollen feet until the swelling persists for more than a few days.

Bottom Line

While coffee can be a good pick me up for the morning drowsiness, too much can lead to swollen flippers.

Caffeinated beverages should be consumed in moderation, and individuals with excessive fluid retention or sensitivity to caffeine should limit their intake.

By paying attention to these factors, you can still enjoy the occasional cup of coffee without worrying about excess swelling in your feet.

While we cannot definitively say that coffee will always cause swollen feet for everyone, it is crucial to remain conscious of potential side effects and practice moderation.

Remember, if your swollen feet do not improve or become painful, you should talk to your doctor about possible causes and treatments.