Coffee, one of the most beloved drinks worldwide, is known to be one of the biggest sources of caffeine. Many people consume it as part of their morning routine, while some may prefer it as an afternoon pick-me-up. Drinking coffee when you have a kidney stone is a topic that is worth discussing in order to know the right side of coffee.
To answer the central question, coffee is not specifically recommended for people suffering from kidney stones. The National Kidney Foundation states that coffee is not recommended as the caffeine can increase the acidity of one’s urine, resulting in the kidney stones to form more quickly. In addition to this, the foundation has recommended that it is better for people with kidney stones to drink as little coffee or tea as possible as it can potentially lead to more oxalates in the urine, further adding to the formation of kidney stones.
However, not all is lost for coffee-lovers.
Reena Shalav the Director of Clinical Research from the Kidney Stone Center of New York, states that drinking black coffee with a diet rich in leafy greens and low in sugar may be beneficial. The lower sugar diet is important to limit the concentrations of sugar in the urine, while a high intake of leafy greens contain flavonoids, which are known to protect the kidney from leaching calcium, ultimately helping to prevent kidney stones.
In addition to this, according to a study conducted by the University of Southern California, a moderate consumption of coffee defined as four cups of coffee per day, can provide protection against kidney stones. The study found that both men and women who had a moderate intake of coffee, experienced a lower rate of developing kidney stones.
Though it has beneficial components, caffeine can increase one’s heart rate and blood pressure, which is not suitable for those who suffer from hypertension. Since caffeine is a part of coffee, it could potentially worsen such conditions and hence, it isn’t advised for those with heart conditions.
It should be kept in mind, however, that although some people can benefit from moderate coffee consumption, the individual’s medical history and body type should be taken into account. For example, people with a history of hypertension should not be drinking coffee in large amounts. Furthermore, people who have kidney stones should consult their general practitioner before drinking anything with caffeine in it.
Reducing the risk of developing Kidney Stones
Though there is no singular solution to preventing kidney stones, a few lifestyle changes can substantially reduce one’s risk of developing them. Eating healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as reducing the consumption of sugary drinks and fast food, is essential for limiting the risk of kidney stones. In addition, avoiding processed foods and focusing on fresh and natural produce will undoubtedly help reduce the chances of stones forming, as processed foods are full of sodium and artificial sweeteners that can worsen kidney problems.
It is also recommended to incorporate the right amount of exercise into one’s lifestyle. Not only is exercise beneficial for overall physical health, but it can also act as a contributing factor in avoiding kidney stones. Hydration also plays an important role in reducing someone’s chances of developing this condition. According to the National Kidney Fund, people should drink between six and eight glasses of water per day in order to keep their stones away. The flow of the water helps to flush out toxins, and other minerals and salts, which can cause the formations of stones.
Benefits of Coffee
Though there is a fair amount of cautions regarding consumption of coffee, it is not all bad. The University of Maryland Medical Centre states that coffee can be beneficial for boosting energy levels, decreasing the risk of some chronic diseases and increasing one’s metabolism. Research indicates that coffee drinkers are at a lower risk to get liver disease, diabetes and gallstones as compared to someone who does not drink coffee. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant features can boost one’s overall health.
Conclusion
Though coffee has a high concentration of caffeine and acid, it can provide some benefits when drunk in moderation. Drinking coffee can potentially reduce the risk of kidney stones when paired with a healthy diet and consistent hydration. While it is not recommended for those suffering from kidney stones, it may provide health benefits to those without such conditions. Lastly, it is recommended that an individual consults a doctor before increasing coffee intake.
Commonly Asked Questions
A few commonly asked questions related to coffee and kidney stones are as follows:
Q) How can coffee help with kidney stones?
A) Coffee can help with kidney stones by removing calcium from the urinary system and preventing the formation of stones.
Q) What other lifestyle changes can help prevent kidney stones?
A) Eating healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as reducing the consumption of sugary drinks and fast food, is essential for limiting the risk of kidney stones. In addition, avoiding processed foods and focusing on fresh and natural produce will undoubtedly help reduce the chances of stones forming.
Q) Is coffee bad for people with hypertension?
A) Caffeine can increase one’s heart rate and blood pressure, which is not suitable for those who suffer from hypertension. It is thus recommended that individuals with hypertension should follow the advice of their doctor before drinking coffee.
Ingredients in Coffee
Coffee is a complex beverage that comprises of caffeine, antioxidants and minerals, such as chromium, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Each of these components contain benefits as well as detriments in regards to coffee. The most known and debated element of coffee is caffeine, which acts as a stimulant and can be potentially addictive. On the other hand, many of its other components, like antioxidants and minerals, can provide health benefits.
The antioxidants found in coffee can counter inflammatory tissues, helping one to stay healthy and reduce the risk of certain diseases. While some minerals found in it, like chromium and magnesium, can also be beneficial for regulation of blood sugar, reduction of tension, and better metabolic functioning. These minerals, as well as the other components found in coffee, combined with the right lifestyle and diet, are able to act as a protector of one’s kidneys and in turn, helps to reduce the risk of kidney stones.
