Kidney stones are small crystals that form within the kidneys or ureters – the tubes which drain urine from kidneys to bladder. When these crystals occur they may cause severe pain in specific locations within these organs and require either surgery or focused ultrasound waves for removal.
Tea has earned itself a bad rep for its high levels of oxalates, which have been linked to kidney stone formation, but not all varieties contain equal quantities of these oxalates. Some varieties may contain significantly more.
1. Oxalate
Kidney stones occur when oxalate, commonly found in nuts, green leafy vegetables and chocolate products, combines with calcium found in urine to form a mineral crystal called a calcareous stone. People susceptible to this condition experience sharp back, side or lower stomach pain as well as frequent urges to urinate.
Kidney stone formation can be further compounded by high sodium intake, which increases urine calcium concentrations and promotes oxalate-calcium bonding in the kidneys. Other risk factors for stone formation may include eating lots of animal protein or having an extended family history of uric acid stones.
Studies indicate that drinking tea may decrease your risk of kidney stones caused by oxalate because it dilutes urine and thereby brings its oxalate levels down. However, some medical professionals advise against drinking black tea, as it contains more oxalate than other varieties; they advise people to switch to drinking rooibos instead because it has lower concentrations of oxalate while providing antioxidant protection.
2. Caffeine
Kidney stones form when calcium and other minerals combine with urine in large amounts, collecting in the urinary tract and clumping together into rocks. Most kidney stones consist of calcium oxalate, and diets low in oxalates have been proven to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.
Black tea contains caffeine, which has the ability to increase risk for kidney stones in some individuals due to binding with calcium and excreting it through urine. Therefore, if you are susceptible to kidney stones or have been diagnosed with them in the past, consuming only moderate quantities of black tea may help minimize your risk.
Studies have demonstrated that those who consume green and black tea, which contain moderate levels of caffeine, may experience lower rates of kidney stone formation. This research used multivariable analyses that took into account factors like age, gender, body mass index (BMI), use of thiazide diuretics, total fluid intake, alcohol consumption as well as diet intake of calcium oxalate phosphate sodium potassium magnesium fructose vitamin B-6C&D.
3. Sugar
Kidney stones can be extremely painful. These occur when chemicals form crystals within your kidneys and need to be passed with urine; larger stones must be broken up or extracted by medical personnel.
Tea can help prevent kidney stones if its sweetness doesn’t exceed certain thresholds, according to research published in Frontiers in Nutrition. According to this research, people consuming large amounts of added sugars had higher risk for developing kidney stones than those who didn’t consume such amounts.
Researchers don’t fully understand why there is an association between sugar consumption and increased urine calcium concentrations and stone formation, and stone formation. Furthermore, unknown confounding factors could also explain this linkage.
To prevent kidney stones, drink lots of water! Drinking enough liquid will dilute urine and prevent build-up of substances that lead to stones. Furthermore, eating foods low in oxalates such as spinach, rhubarb and chocolate may help.
4. Other Ingredients
Tea and tisanes can be great ways to support kidney health when consumed in small doses, although certain herbal teas may be harmful or toxic for kidneys and increase stone formation as well as affect blood pressure and potassium levels; so before beginning any new herbal beverage it is wise to consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian first.
Herbal tea has long been an indispensable staple in many tea cabinets and medicine cabinets across the world, serving as an ideal way for those sensitive to caffeine to find soothing alternatives like coffee. Some herbs have low safety ratings in Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Integrative Medicine database so it’s best to discuss any herbal beverages you are interested in consuming with a physician or dietitian before trying any. Caffeine-free options available for consumption include chamomile, peppermint, hibiscus lavender tulsi.