Table of Contents
Introduction
As we know, coffee is one of the most popular beverages that people like to serve and drink all over the world. Because of this famous profile, so many thoughts are generated in people’s minds, especially since there are so many myths and queries regarding health relations about this beverage too.
Can coffee cause kidney stones? This is one of the most common debates among coffee lovers and health experts and every coffee consumer should know about the impact of coffee on kidneys. In this article, we are going to discuss can coffee cause kidney stones, exploring all parameters that are related to coffee and kidneys…
What is a kidney stone
Before going towards our main query, can coffee cause kidney stones? The first basic thing that we need to understand is what a kidney stone is…
When some minerals are deposited inside the kidney and make urine concentrated, then these deposited substances are called kidney stones. These stones are usually made up of oxalate, calcium and uric acid, these are crystalline in nature. The formation of these stones starts when the kidney becomes weak and fails to dilute minerals properly. As a result, urine starts concentrating, then these minerals start getting stuck inside the kidney and become thicker with the passing of time and then convert into a solid stone state.
Small sized stones may pass through urine but large sized stones can cause blood in urine or block urine passage and can only be removed through medical treatment or surgery, which is painful.
Common Causes
According to medical research, there are some factors that can cause kidney stones. The first one is dehydration, as we discussed that kidney stones generate because of concentrated urine. So if you do not drink water well, your urine will become concentrated and cause minerals to be deposited.
The second main factor is diet. If your diet has high sugar, salt and animal protein or you daily eat food that contains oxalate, like nuts and chocolate, it can also increase the chances of the formation of stones inside the kidney.
Genetics, lifestyle and personal medical condition are also among the main factors of kidney failure. Disorders like gout, hyperparathyroidism or urinary tract infections can alter the composition of urine and some other disorders, like obesity, high blood pressure and sedentary habits, can work as catalysts and increase the chances of stone formation. Genetic history regarding kidney stones can also be one of the critical reasons for kidney failure.
Scientific explanation regarding can coffee cause kidney stones
In this section we are going to explore can coffee cause kidney stones and the answer is NO & YES, both. What does it mean? Let’s explore it…
According to scientific studies, there is no risk of kidney stones from coffee consumption. In fact, consuming coffee with a moderate level can decrease the chances of kidney stones because it contains caffeine, which increases the production of urine. Basically caffeine behaves as a natural stimulant and mild diuretic, which increases blood pressure and encourages frequent urination. This will help in flushing out toxins and excess minerals that may lead to the formation of stones. According to studies, 3 to 4 cups of coffee (around 300 to 400 mg of caffeine) are safe for adult humans.
So, is there any risky mineral present in coffee
A mineral named oxalate that can contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate is present in coffee but in a small amount. As compared to nuts or spinach, the quantity of oxalate in coffee is very low and a moderate level of coffee consumption doesn’t harm kidneys.
In fact, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Kidney International is a popular journal based on kidney health. According to that journal, coffee contains multiple antioxidant compounds that help kidneys to reduce oxidative stress.
How can coffee cause kidney stones
The answer is excessive consumption of coffee, usually people who drink coffee in excessive amounts do not drink water properly. Hence, they replace water intake with excessive coffee consumption, which leads to dehydration and concentrated urination.
Also, an excessive amount of coffee means an excessive quantity of caffeine, like 500 to 600 mg of caffeine, which can cause excessive urination, which not only leads to dehydration but also disturbs electrolytes like potassium and sodium balance. Also, it will increase calcium oxalate in urine, which causes kidney failure.
How to prevent kidney stones
For a coffee lover, just the answer to the query, can coffee cause kidney stones is not satisfying. A coffee lover must be worried and curious about how to prevent kidney stones while continuing consumption of coffee. Here we discuss some factors through which you can drink your beloved beverage without any hesitation.
Choosing a kidney-friendly coffee option
The first thing that a coffee lover should consider about selecting coffee that is kidney friendly is the following
- Filtered brew coffee
- Cold brew coffee
- Light to medium roast coffee
- Decaffeinated coffee
These coffee are less acidic, less caffeine and equally antioxidant benefits as compared to other coffee. These options reduce the risk of kidney failure more than other coffee options.
Avoiding other coffee additives
- Sugar and flavored syrup
- Salted or artificial sweetener
- Cream or High calcium based additives
These additives contain calcium, hidden sodium and some other artificial ingredients linked with metabolic issues and can cause obesity, diabetes and mineral imbalance, which directly impact the kidneys and cause kidney failure.
Moderate coffee consumption
Drinking coffee in moderate amounts is not only considered safe for kidneys, but it also gives you multiple advantages, like increased urination, removal of toxins and other minerals through urine and antioxidants and metabolic benefits.
Stay hydrated
The most important thing you should consider is to stay hydrated. This will not only be good for marinating kidney health but also for diluting urine, which minimizes the risk of mineral deposition inside the kidney.
In short, can coffee cause kidney stones, the answer is dependent on several factors. Moderate level of consumption, avoiding any additive ingredient, choosing the right coffee and consuming the required amount of water can allow you to enjoy your beloved beverage without any hesitation of kidney failure.