It is well known that the essence of kidney stones is calcium oxalate. Many people believe that tea contains oxalic acid, and drinking tea regularly will increase the occurrence and growth rate of kidney stones. Is this true? Let's take a closer look at whether drinking tea can lead to kidney stones.
Does Drinking Tea Increase the Risk of Kidney Stones?
Drinking tea does not increase the risk of kidney stones.
Although tea contains some oxalic acid, it also contains other compounds such as tannic acid and caffeine, which inhibit the activity of oxalic acid in tea and reduce the formation of calcium oxalate, thus lowering the chances of kidney stone formation.
Does Drinking Tea Help Treat Kidney Stones?
Tea contains various complex compounds, including high levels of caffeine and tannic acid. Therefore, tea has a high particle concentration and strong permeability, which can promote the penetration of water from cells and food into tea. Additionally, caffeine has a diuretic effect, dilating kidney blood vessels, increasing renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, and inhibiting tubular reabsorption, thereby promoting the excretion of urine and reducing the likelihood of stone formation. It can also facilitate the elimination of small particles of kidney stones.
When is the Best Time to Drink Tea for Kidney Stones?
People with kidney stones can drink tea in moderation to promote stone excretion. However, it is important not to consume excessive amounts or drink strong tea. It is recommended that individuals with kidney stones drink tea after meals. This is because drinking tea after meals allows the oxalic acid in tea to combine with calcium in food in the gastrointestinal tract, forming calcium oxalate, which is then excreted in feces. Oxalic acid does not enter the kidneys, thus avoiding the growth of kidney stones.
Precautions for Kidney Stones
1. Consume fewer foods with high oxalic acid content, and reduce salt, sugar, and soy products intake. Foods with high oxalic acid content include spinach, tomatoes, celery, beets, and chocolate.
2. Drink plenty of plain water. The recommended daily water intake for the average person is around 2000ml, but individuals with kidney stones are advised to consume around 3000ml of water per day.
3. Adequately supplement calcium and consume foods high in calcium to promote the precipitation of calcium oxalate in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing oxalic acid from entering the kidneys and controlling the growth rate of kidney stones.
4. Consume more black fungus (wood ear mushrooms), as they have the ability to dissolve stones and promote their excretion.
Precautions for Drinking Tea
1. Individuals with kidney stones can drink tea in moderation, but avoid consuming strong tea or excessive amounts. It is recommended to limit daily tea consumption to no more than 10g of dry tea.
2. Avoid consuming high-calcium foods such as milk and tofu while drinking tea.
3. It is not advisable to drink tea in the evening as it has stimulating effects and may cause insomnia.
