Email a Friend
Print Article
Tea and Kidney Stones?
Photo Credit: chumsdock
The reason tea is listed on the AVOID list for oxalate-containing kidney stones is because they are considered to be "oxalate-containing" beverages. But is there a difference in oxalate content between the different types of tea?
In a journal article I found, the researches tested an assortment of teas for oxalate content. They found that soluble oxalate contents of black tea in tea bags and loose tea leaves were 4.68 and 5.11 milligrams per gram of tea. Green teas and oolong tea had lower oxalate amounts, ranging from .23 to 1.15 milligrams per gram of tea. The oxalate content of the herbal teas they tested ranged from "not detected" to 3 milligrams per gram of tea.
Anyone with kidney stones should check with their doctor or specialist first, but it appears that herbal and green teas may be a great option (in sensible amounts) for someone who has a history of oxalate kidney stones but finds comfort and enjoyment in an occasional cup of tea.
[Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2002; 11(4): 298-301, "Charrier MJ et al. "Oxalate content and calcium binding capacity of tea and herbal teas"]
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: tea, kidney stones, oxalate, healthy diet
11 Comments:
About 4 years ago, I was found to have kidney stones equivalent to that of an 80 year old woman (at the time I had not yet turned 20). I was living in a dorm and had begun substituting green tea for coffee when doing late night studying. I had been drinking 3-4 cups of green tea per day for months before the pain associated with the kidney stones occurred. My doctor ordered me to completely stop drinking green tea, as it was a known cause of kidney stones. He also suggested that the H20 in my area could have had an impact, and that I should drink lemonade made with real lemons or lemon water to help aid in the break down of the stones. I have completely stopped drinking green tea, increased my intake of water, and I make sure to drink lemon water regularly. I have not had any problems since.
That's interesting. I just read a great article about a recent study on the benefits of green tea. Here is the link: http://www.revolutionhealth.com/news/?id=reut-20080703elin007. As far as I know, diets rich in animal protein and fats are a primary cause of kidney stones. The foods are acidic, so the body leaches calcium from the bones to balance PH. The calcium builds up in the kidneys and forms stones.
My sister went on a diet using Green Tea. She used it religiously for over a year. She has recently been diagnosed with large kidney stones. After reading the above comment, it makes me wonder now if Green Tea could be the culprit.
Fantastic template! It i nice tea blog....I love tea.
In countries where the average tea consumption is much higher than in the U.S., are kidney stones more common than in the U.S.? As far as I know, they aren't. Where does that leave the oxalate theory of kidney stone formation.
I've had more than a dozen kidney stones, all calcium oxalate. After much discussion with several doctors, and quite a bit of research, I've reached the conclusion that doctors don't really know why some people get calcium oxalate kidney stones, or how to prevent them. These are the most common kind of kidney stones.
Correct, doctors know nothing about kidney stones, they are just speculating widely and getting paid for it. I am having a 3rd recurrence of kidney stones (calcium oxalate kidney stones).
The only researcher that gives me hope is the possible connection between kidney stones and some type of nana bacteria in the kidneys, it looks like this bacteria could be producing the stones. There have been some test which show specific type of antibiotic can kill this bacteria. This is something I am closely watching and I hope it is confirmed.
I have talked with a licensed nutritionist/dietician about my risks of kidney stones (after just having day surgery to remove a 6mm stone). I got a copy of a sheet informing me of a list of foods to limit and avoid. The important and pertinent information about tea on there was that the amount of oxalate in a given tea increases the longer it is allowed to steep. A tea should not be permitted to steep any longer than three minutes or the oxalate levels with be rather high for at-risk people. Those teas they sell at fast food places? Pre-steeped and have been steeping for hours. Don't touch them.
First, everyone should know there are 3 DIFFERENT TYPES of kidney stones Oxilates, Sturvite, and cystine.
Oxilates are the most common, and this happens due to calcium and Oxliate Cobineing together., Sturvic stones are usuall drived from to much Uric acid in the urine, This is due to alchole Consumption and Protiens amongest other thigns. Cystine stones are mostof the time Hereditary, stones (A result I belive from a condtion).
NUMBER THIGN Drink WATER and lots of it, they reccomend anywhere from 3 quartes to 1 Gallon, not only does it help flush your body (No need to spend dollars in Pill flushers) but it limits the concentration of the minerals in the kidney's. In all these comments that say Green tea maybe the culprut I ask onething how much water is anyone drinking? Green Tea according to a few articles online, have very small amounts of Oxilates, so even if you are concerened drink a cup of Green Tea (Not Black Tea) and one glass of water, more then enough to delute all the oxlilates from that one cup of tea. Also keep in mind people's bodies are different so of course, if your body does not have the properties in the Urin to help prevent formation of stones, or lack of the "Properties" then you are more prone, and not much can be done, except drink twice as much water.
P.S Please don't count the number of words I mispelled, I know I am a bad speller. :) Bottom line, do some research talk to your doctor, Since there are different types of stones, find out which one you have and go from there.
All foods are "Bad" for you in general , and if you read/look hard enough you will find this to be true for you kindeys/and for forming kidney stones.
I say take things in Moderation, why drink 20 cups of tea, one to two cups is enough for me, why would you need more. Also, keep in mind that if you drink Tap water, there are a lot of minerals, and "Chemicals" Which I willing to bet have a stronger influence in formation of stones then Green Tea does. IF you drink water, get Distilled as the artical suggests. It is the best water you can get and it is cheap.
Remember your high school chemistry - calcium oxalate stones are formed by the solid precipitation of chemicals in the right concentration. Oxalate is the catalyst, in this case.
Best link I've found. Balanced report. Different types of kidney stones and different causes and preventations. Great read. http://www.healthgoods.com/education/health_information/General_Health/update_kidney_stones.htm
Post a Comment