For people with reduced kidney function, the habit of drinking tea every day, if not properly controlled, can put back pressure on the kidneys. International experts warn that tea is not bad, but the way it is drunk is the decisive factor.
Do not drink too much and avoid too much tea.
Tea, especially green tea and black tea, contains caffeine and oxalate, two ingredients that can increase the filtering burden on the kidneys if used at high doses. According to Dr. Jeffrey Berns, a neuriology expert at the University of Pennsylvania (USA), consuming too many caffeine-containing drinks can cause mild dehydration, thereby reducing blood flow to the kidneys, especially dangerous in people with underlying kidney disease.
People with weak kidneys should limit the amount of tea to 1-2 small cups per day, dilute, avoid drinking concentrated tea or drinking continuously for a long time.
Be careful with the content of potassium and oxalate in some tea varieties
Some herbal tea, matcha tea or pre-packaged tea may contain high levels of potassium and oxalate. For people with kidney failure, potassium accumulation in the blood can cause heart rhythm disorders. The National Kidney Foundation (USA) recommends that chronic kidney patients pay special attention to drinks that seem healthy but are rich in minerals that are difficult to excrete.
Experts recommend prioritizing diluted green tea, chrysanthemum tea or light ginger tea, and avoiding concentrated powdered tea, tea bags with flavorings or colorings.
Do not drink tea instead of filtered water and avoid drinking at sensitive times
A common mistake is to use tea completely instead of filtered water. According to Dr. Melanie Betz, a kidney nutritionist at the University of Chicago, tea cannot replace water because caffeine and polyphenols can affect the body's fluid balance.
People with weak kidneys should also not drink tea on an empty stomach, right after a protein-rich meal or close to bedtime, as it can increase feelings of fatigue, nighttime urination and sleep disorders, which indirectly affect the kidneys.
Doctors emphasize that people with weak kidneys do not necessarily have to stop drinking tea completely, but need to drink it with control, choose the right tea type and monitor kidney index periodically. Moderation is the key to helping to protect kidneys for a long time while still maintaining familiar living habits.
