Tea and kidney stones are linked due to the presence of oxalate in tea, which can exacerbate calcium stones but may prevent other types. Drinking black tea may prevent kidney stones, but those with a family history of calcium stones should avoid high-oxalate teas. Herbal teas, including those with lemon juice, may soothe and reduce kidney stones.
Kidney stones and tea are closely linked, but research is incomplete and often contradictory. For example, drinking many types of tea can exacerbate kidney stones, especially teas that contain oxalate, a substance involved in forming kidney stones. However, other types of herbal teas, such as those made with lemon juice, yam root, or yarrow leaves, are thought to soothe and reduce kidney stones and may even prevent them from forming. Some studies have also shown that drinking black tea, although it is high in oxalates, can help prevent kidney stones from forming, but it may not be recommended if you already have kidney stones.
Kidney stones are a solid mass of crystals formed in the kidneys or ureter, the tubes between the kidneys and the bladder. One of the leading causes of kidney stones is dehydration, and those with a family history of kidney stones are also at an increased risk of forming them. Kidney stones occur more often in men than in women and can be very painful. There are four different types of kidney stones: calcium stones, cystine stones, struvite stones, and uric acid stones. Calcium stones are the most common and are the only type affected by the oxalate present in tea; they form when calcium combines and solidifies with oxalate in the kidneys.
Kidney stones and tea are connected due to the high presence of oxalate in tea. Black tea has very high levels of oxalate, with approximately 4.5-5 milligrams of oxalate per gram of tea. Green and herbal teas have much lower oxalate levels, 0 to 3 milligrams per gram. Those with a family history of calcium-type kidney stones or who have had these types of kidney stones in the past may avoid teas that are high in oxalate. Teas with lower amounts of oxalate can be enjoyed in moderation, and black tea has been shown to reduce the risk of kidney stones, especially in women, when consumed as a preventative measure.
Interestingly, kidney stones and tea are also linked in a positive way, as one alternative treatment for kidney stones actually involves tea. Some herbal teas are thought to prevent the formation of kidney stones, reduce the side effects of kidney stones, and promote overall kidney health. Kidney stone tea includes herbal ingredients such as hydrangea root, wild yam root, cramp bark, joe-pye herb, corn silk, plantain leaf, and yarrow leaf. Teas or drinks containing lemon juice can also help reduce the risk of kidney stones, as the citric acid in the juice can help prevent stones from forming.
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