# Alcohol and dehydration **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 17, 2019, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-dehydration/835638 "2019-06-17T12:45:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Vic\_Parrish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Vic\_Parrish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vic_Parrish)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2019, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-dehydration/835638/1 "2019-06-17T12:45:25Z")
I’ve heard all my life that alcohol causes dehydration. I have also heard that people in the Middle Ages often drank beer or cider because it was less likely to carry bacteria than the local water supply. I have also noticed that after drinking a moderate amount of beer (really!) my urine is almost colorless, a sign that I am NOT dehydrated. What’s the deal? This seems contradictory to me. Is it a matter of ABV or proof? I’m sure the sages on this site can set things straight for me. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2019, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-dehydration/835638/2 "2019-06-17T13:10:56Z")
Just a note that you may be in the wrong forum. I am thinking you wanted more General Questions; things with actual answers that are not directly related to this message board and its actions. If a Mod changes it, it isn’t any reflection on you - just trying for the best placement possible. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2019, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-dehydration/835638/3 "2019-06-17T13:33:58Z")
**Moderator Action** Moving thread from ATMB to GQ.