Denver's Altitude: Is Tea Stealing Summer Thirst?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 7, 2025

Have you ever felt parched in Denver, even after chugging water? It’s not just you. The Mile High City’s altitude throws a curveball at hydration, and your daily tea ritual might be part of the problem. Let’s brew up some knowledge and learn how to stay properly hydrated with tea in Denver.

Denver’s altitude, sitting at 5,280 feet above sea level, presents unique hydration challenges. Lower air pressure means your body loses water faster through respiration. This increased respiration rate is your body’s attempt to grab more oxygen from the thinner air. The dry climate exacerbates this water loss, pulling moisture from your skin and respiratory system.

Tea, while often considered hydrating, can also act as a diuretic. Diuretics increase urine production, potentially leading to dehydration. The key culprit here is caffeine, a stimulant found in many popular teas like black tea, green tea, and oolong tea. Caffeine inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys, causing you to pee more.

So, what’s a tea-loving Denverite to do? The answer lies in understanding the different types of tea and how to adjust your brewing habits. Herbal teas, unlike their caffeinated counterparts, are naturally caffeine-free. These teas, made from herbs, flowers, and fruits, can contribute to your daily hydration needs without the diuretic effect. Think chamomile, peppermint, rooibos, and hibiscus.

But even with herbal teas, altitude adjustments are crucial. Brewing time and temperature can impact the concentration of beneficial compounds and the overall hydration effect. Longer steeping times, while extracting more flavor, can also release more tannins, which can have a mild diuretic effect.

Here’s a Denver-specific tea hydration guide:

• Choose Herbal Teas: Prioritize herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, rooibos, and hibiscus. These are naturally caffeine-free and won’t contribute to dehydration.
• Moderate Caffeinated Teas: If you enjoy black, green, or oolong tea, limit your intake to one or two cups per day. Compensate for the diuretic effect by drinking extra water.
• Adjust Brewing Time: Steep your tea for a shorter duration, especially caffeinated varieties. This reduces the extraction of caffeine and tannins. Aim for 2-3 minutes for green tea and 3-4 minutes for black tea.
• Lower Water Temperature: Use slightly cooler water for brewing, particularly green tea. High temperatures can make green tea bitter and potentially increase the release of tannins.
• Hydrate Before and After: Drink a glass of water before and after enjoying your tea. This helps offset any potential diuretic effects.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals. If you feel thirsty or notice signs of dehydration (headache, dizziness, fatigue), drink more water.
• Consider Electrolytes: Denver’s dry air can deplete electrolytes. Consider adding a pinch of sea salt to your tea or drinking an electrolyte-rich beverage alongside it.
• Explore Local Blends: Many Denver tea shops offer altitude-friendly blends specifically designed for hydration. These blends often incorporate herbs known for their hydrating properties.

Let’s look at some specific tea types and their impact on hydration in Denver:

• Black Tea: High in caffeine, black tea is the most diuretic of the common teas. Limit your intake and compensate with extra water.
• Green Tea: Contains less caffeine than black tea but still has a diuretic effect. Brew it with cooler water and for a shorter time.
• Oolong Tea: Falls between black and green tea in terms of caffeine content. Moderate your consumption and adjust brewing time.
• Chamomile Tea: A calming herbal tea with no caffeine. It’s a great choice for evening hydration.
• Peppermint Tea: Another caffeine-free herbal tea that can aid digestion and promote hydration.
• Rooibos Tea: A South African herbal tea rich in antioxidants and naturally caffeine-free. It’s a good option for daily hydration.
• Hibiscus Tea: A tart and refreshing herbal tea with no caffeine. It can help lower blood pressure and support hydration.

Common mistakes Denver residents make with tea and hydration:

• Assuming all tea is hydrating: Not all teas are created equal. Caffeinated teas can contribute to dehydration if not balanced with water.
• Over-steeping tea: Longer steeping times extract more caffeine and tannins, increasing the diuretic effect.
• Not drinking enough water: Denver’s altitude requires increased water intake. Don’t rely solely on tea for hydration.
• Ignoring electrolyte balance: Sweating and increased respiration can deplete electrolytes. Replenish them with electrolyte-rich foods or beverages.
• Not adjusting for activity level: If you’re hiking, skiing, or engaging in other strenuous activities, you’ll need even more hydration.

Here are some Denver tea shops that offer altitude-friendly blends:

• Celestial Seasonings (Boulder, CO): While technically in Boulder, their Sleepytime tea is a classic caffeine-free option.
• The Tea Spot (Boulder, CO): Offers a variety of herbal teas and blends designed for wellness.
• Capital Tea (Denver, CO): A local tea room with a wide selection of teas, including herbal and caffeine-free options.
• Happy Cakes Bakeshop (Denver, CO): While known for their baked goods, they also offer a selection of teas, including herbal varieties.

A real-world scenario: Imagine you’re hiking in Red Rocks Amphitheatre. You pack a thermos of green tea, thinking it’s a healthy and hydrating choice. However, the caffeine in the green tea, combined with the altitude and physical exertion, can actually lead to dehydration. Instead, opt for a thermos of herbal tea or bring extra water to compensate for the diuretic effect of the green tea.

Another example: You work in downtown Denver and drink several cups of black tea throughout the day to stay energized. You might experience headaches and fatigue due to dehydration. Switch to herbal teas in the afternoon and increase your water intake to combat the diuretic effect of the black tea.

Staying hydrated in Denver’s unique climate requires a conscious effort. By understanding the diuretic effects of tea and making informed choices about tea types and brewing habits, you can enjoy your favorite beverage while staying properly hydrated. Remember to prioritize herbal teas, moderate caffeinated teas, adjust brewing times, and listen to your body’s signals. Explore local tea shops for altitude-friendly blends and make hydration a priority year-round. Your body will thank you.