It’s Not Just The Oxalate
Oxalate is naturally found in many foods, including fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, grains, legumes, and even chocolate and tea. Some examples of foods that contain high levels of oxalate include: peanuts, rhubarb, spinach, beets, chocolate and sweet potatoes. Moderating intake of these foods may be beneficial for people who form calcium oxalate stones, the leading type of kidney stones.
A common misconception is that cutting the oxalate-rich foods in your diet alone will reduce the likelihood of forming calcium oxalate kidney stones. While in theory this might be true, this approach isn’t smart from an overall health perspective. Most kidney stones are formed when oxalate binds to calcium while urine is produced by the kidneys.
It is important to eat and drink calcium and oxalate-rich foods together during a meal. In doing so, oxalate and calcium are more likely to bind to one another in the stomach and intestines before the kidneys begin processing, making it less likely that kidney stones will form.
High Caffeine And Kidneys: Lets Explore Some Popular Drinks
Unfortunately, the effect of caffeine on the kidneys isnt great. Caffeine consumption is a risk factor for kidney disease, and can cause scarring of the glomeruli that is, the vessels in the kidneys that filter blood .
Caffeine may also lead to kidney stones, and it increases strain on the kidneys . However, some caffeinated beverages, like coffee, may be safe in small amounts due to certain plant constituents .
One review found that the data is inconclusive regarding caffeine and kidney stone risk however, the researchers pointed out that coffee and decaffeinated coffee,but not other caffeinated beverages, actually had a protective effect on the kidneys .
The bottom line, though, is that you probably shouldnt overdo it when it comes to caffeine. Lets look at some classically high caffeine drinks: black tea and coffee:
What Types Of Black Tea Are Good For Kidneys
Not all black teas have a high level of caffeine and oxalates that affect your kidneys. Some milder black tea options are suitable for your kidneys. Black tea has other beneficial compounds, such as antioxidants, that can boost our health.
- Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling tea from India is known for its flavor, color, and even processing method. This tea has a light, floral and fruity taste.
You can best enjoy this tea without any milk or sugar due to its flavor. One cup of Darjeeling tea has about 9 mg of oxalates Charrier, M. J., Savage, G. P., & Vanhanen, L. . Oxalate content and calcium binding capacity of tea and herbal teas. Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition, 11, 298301. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-6047.2002.00294.x. So, it is entirely safe to drink about 3-4 cups or less of this fantastic flavored tea in a day.
- Earl Grey tea
Earl Grey tea is another type of black tea that has a heavenly flavor.
This tea is flavored with natural and artificial citrus flavors. It is the most known flavored black tea in the West.
This tea has about 4 mg of oxalate per one cup of tea Charrier, M. J., Savage, G. P., & Vanhanen, L. . Oxalate content and calcium binding capacity of tea and herbal teas. Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition, 11, 298301. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-6047.2002.00294.x. So, it is generally safer than Darjeeling tea about the oxalate content.
- Lapsang souchong
- Ceylon black tea
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What Are The Causes Of Kidney Stones
There are many reasons for kidney stones, such as diet, being overweight or obese, some supplements, medications, and medical conditions.
Diet is a primary reason for kidney stones. Following are some dietary factors that can affect your kidneys
- Drinking less amount of water
- Following a diet high in protein, sugar, sodium
- Eating foods that can increase oxalate, cystine, uric acid, or calcium content
- Taking medicines such as diuretics and calcium-based antacids can also cause kidney stones
Is Peppermint Tea Good For Kidneys
When it comes to choosing the correct flavor for tea, peppermint can be a lovely alternative.
It has the capacity to lower blood pressure and blood sugar. Thus, the common answer to the questionis tea bad for kidneys will be a big NO.
Tea is undoubtedly good for kidneys if taken in the right amount.
However, although peppermint tea has multiple health benefits, it is not suitable for patients with kidney stones. You can also try cornsilk tea and parsley tea for kidney stones
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Green Tea And Kidney Stones Studies And Findings
A study has recently claimed that for each cup of green tea consumed daily, women reduced the risk of having kidney stone by 8 percent. For men the risk would go down by as low as 14 percent. These findings however initially confused scientists, because they discovered that the level of calcium oxalate in urine had increased due to the consumption of green tea which basically meant a higher risk of kidney stone.
Later in their studies they were able to figure out that it was not just about the oxalate level but also about how it affects the crystal formation.
Different Types Of Kidney Stones
Causes of Kidney stones have no single reason, although several factors can increase the risk. Factors that can increase the risk are dehydration, family history, i.e. genetic, and the presence of medical conditions. There can also be other causes of kidney stones.
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Risk Of Kidney Stones
Beyond medical diseases of the kidney, there are still special situations where intake of coffee might need to be moderated. One such scenario is people who form kidney stones.
Oxalate stones are one of the commonest varieties of kidney stones, and it just so happens that one of the main sources of oxalate in our diet is regular coffee .
Therefore, patients with kidney stones, especially those with calcium oxalate stones, should still regard coffee as a possible risk factor.
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Does Drinking Too Much Tea Cause Kidney Problems
The renowned doctor of the University of Arkansas opined in the above case that this quantity of tea consumption was ten times the usual permissible dosage. Hence, it affected the internal organs massively. Such a condition puts the kidneys at significant risk.
Moreover, excessive oxalate can lead to the formation of stones in the kidneys and block the urinary channel. However, the present case involved many complications and unusualness. Here, as the oxalate crystals directly affect the kidneys, inflammation and kidney tissue damage are possible.
The case was contradictory to the previous studies, which proved that tea intake reduces the chances of kidney stones.
However, the specialists explained that every item is beneficial when you take in the right amounts. But too much of any drink or food can have adverse effects on the health. Hence, it is better to consume only one or two cups of tea a day to be healthy and fit.
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Should You Drink Tea When You Have Kidney Stones
True teas from the cameilla senesis plant should be avoided if you suspect or know that you have a kidney stone. Since kidney stones are typically caused by a lack of water in the system, you should focus on drinking more water in order to keep oxalates out of your system. After you have passed the stones, you can drink tea in moderation.
Is Turmeric Good Or Bad For Kidney Disease
Is turmeric good for kidney disease? is another common question I get asked by many of my renal patients when they start their specific diet. I will answer this question in a nuanced manner so that the readers get more insight into turmeric and its effect on people suffering from kidney diseases.Tumeric is a very popular spice found in virtually every household of India. Turmeric is largely grown in the tropics and is recognized by different names in different regions, for example in the northern part of India, turmeric is commonly called Haldi and in the southern part of India, it is also known as Manjal.
Turmeric does a lot more than simply giving the yellow color or adding a flavor to the food. Turmeric has various nutritional properties like fighting against inflammation, helping with digestive issues and the boosting immune system.
Coming back to the question, Is turmeric good for kidney disease?. When it comes to kidney diseases, inflammation is one of the biggest reasons for the progression of the disease which could lead to the complete failure of the kidneys.
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Is Tea Bad For Your Kidneys
While drinking too much of iced tea may damage your kidney, there are a few healthy teas that can work as kidney cleansing teas. Here are a few best teas for kidneys:
- Dandelion tea
- Ginger and turmeric tea
- Green tea.
Drinking herbal tea for kidneys is also a good idea when youre looking to detox your kidney.
S For Preventing Kidney Stones
- By Daniel Pendick, Former Executive Editor, Harvard Men’s Health Watch
If youve ever had a kidney stone, you surely remember it. The pain can be unbearable, coming in waves until the tiny stone passes through your urinary plumbing and out of the body. For many, kidney stones arent a one-time thing: in about half of people who have had one, another appears within seven years without preventive measures.
Preventing kidney stones isnt complicated, but it does take some determination.
Kidney stones form when certain chemicals become concentrated enough in the urine to form crystals. The crystals grow into larger masses , which can make their way through the urinary tract. If the stone gets stuck somewhere and blocks the flow of urine, it causes pain.
Most stones occur when calcium combines with oxalate. Stones can also form from uric acid, which is a byproduct of protein metabolism.
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Tea And Kidney Functions
Which is the best tea for kidney stones and other kidney problems? Well there are mixed reactions to having tea every day. Some say that it is highly beneficial for your health, while according to many others, tea can have an adverse impact on your kidneys. To get to the roots, you must have an overview of the advantages you can obtain from tea.
- Loss of Weight
Tea is an excellent source of calorie-free beverages daily. Today, people are more health-conscious and try to avoid the sweetening agents in their drinks. Tea can provide this option without hampering the authentic taste of the product. Moreover, some people prefer to add milk which is good for preventing the formation of kidney stones.
Polyphenols-rich food can prove to be highly beneficial in preventing several diseases. It can be
Image source: Wikipedia
Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor before determining the amount of fluid you should intake, including tea. If youre trying to cut down tea altogether, there are always alternative beverages like coffee. But remember that too much of anything can be bad.
What Causes Kidney Stones
Now, we are finally at the part you have likely been waiting for all this while. Unfortunately, there is no single cause of kidney stones. Instead, they result from a combination of factors. The more of these factors in play, the more you are likely to suffer this condition.
You see, the stones come about when your urine has a high concentration of crystallizing substances. These include calcium, uric acid, and oxalates. Woe unto you if you have plenty of these. With tea, you will find that most of the concerns surround the oxalates presence, as we will later cover.
When you have too many of these substances than your urine can dilute, they start sticking together. And slowly, kidney stones develop.
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Is Yerba Mate Tea Good Or Bad For Kidneys
Yerba mate is an herbal tea native to South America with a smooth, woody flavor. Its high in antioxidants and nutrients. We bring it up here because it has a caffeine content comparable to coffee, making it a popular coffee alternative for waking you up in the morning.
Despite yerba mates benefits, there is little research on its relationship to kidney health. It does contain oxalic acid, an oxalate, so it should be avoided in excess when experiencing kidney conditions .
I have come across information that yerba mate may have properties which can help dissolve kidney stones. However, I have yet to verify this information with any reliable sources . At this time, Id recommend speaking to your physician and moderating your consumption of yerba mate if kidney health is a concern for you.
What we do know is that the antioxidants in yerba mate really make an impact in how the body responds to the high caffeine in a good way. A much healthier way to get your high caffeine kick. To learn more about yerba mate and its benefits, check out our spotlight post!
Coffee, Black Tea and the Kidneys: The Conclusion:
For those who like cups and cups a day of coffee or black tea, the caffeine and oxalates should make you pause for thought if you care about your kidneys. BUT all is not lost, read on for
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Drinking Iced Tea Increases The Risk Of Kidney Stones: Research
Tuesday, August 7 -People who drink iced tea may be at increased risk of developing painful symptoms Kidney stone, New research shows.
Researchers at Loyola University Medical Center explained that popular summer drinks contain high levels of oxalate. mineral Salt contained in urine. These crystals are usually harmless, but researchers warned that they could grow large enough to stay in a small tube that drains urine from the kidneys into the bladder.
For those who tend to form the most common type Kidney stoneIce tea is one of the worst things to drink, Dr. John Milner, an assistant professor of urology at Loyola University Chicago Strich School of Medicine, said in a news release. Its summer iced tea, but dont overdo it. As with many things related to a healthy lifestyle, moderation is key.
Dehydration is the most common cause of kidney stones, the study authors pointed out. However, drinking iced tea can increase peoples risk of the condition.
People are said to drink more water during the summer, Milner said. Many people choose to drink more iced tea because its low in calories and tastes better than water, but when it comes to kidney stones, they may hurt themselves.
Men are four times more likely to develop kidney stones than women. The risk is significantly higher for men over the age of 40. However, the researchers say: Postmenopausal Women with low estrogen levels and women with ovaries removed are also at increased risk.
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Master Cleanser Lemon Detox Tea
Not all detox programs will allow you to eat other foods in addition to detox teas. An example of this is one of the more common standalone detox teas the master cleanser/lemon detox tea. This diet plan is a 10 day program that consists of replacing all meals with a detox tea containing lemon juice, purified water, cayenne pepper and tree syrup. In this program, you can also drink sea salt water and a mild laxative herbal tea. According to the master cleanser, after 10 days of their detox you will have eliminated toxins from your body, lost weight, and developed glowing skin, shiny hair and strong nails.
What these programs wont tell you is that their regimens are severely lacking in the precious nutrients your body needs. They are also dangerous because they often cause diarrhea which leads to even more nutrient loss and is what contributes to the weight loss seen in those who enroll in these detox tea programs.
So what is the truth? Are detox teas and diets really the toxin elimination problem-solvers they claim to be?
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Caffeine Absorption Metabolism And Elimination
After oral intake, caffeine is rapidly and completely absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the blood circulation, and is then distributed to almost all tissues and body fluids. The peak plasma concentration of caffeine is 810 mg/L, which is reached within 15120 min after its intake , whereas its half-life is 5 h . It is metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 to become metabolite products, including paraxanthine , theobromide , and theophylline . These dimethylxanthine compounds are then demethylated to monomethylxanthine and finally oxidized to methyl uric acid and other end products . Whereas the majority of the consumed caffeine is metabolized to become various end products as previously mentioned, the remaining amount is intact and directly excreted into the urine without accumulating inside human body .
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Can You Still Drink Tea If You Dont Want Kidney Stones
Taking tea will likely not harm you as long as you do so in moderation. If you go for highly fermented teas such as black teas, your oxalate consumption will increase. And that means you should stick to two or fewer cups each day.
For lighter teas, you can drink as many as five without much of a problem. As long as you are moderate in your drinks, you should be fine. Studies even suggest that taking tea daily can significantly reduce your kidney stone risks.
As you do this, you should also consider other factors such as your diet, water intake, weight, family history, and underlying medical conditions. Remember that kidney stones result from not one but a combination of factors.