Can You Drink Coffee If You Have a Kidney Condition? Know Risks and Benefits

Coffee

is one of the most beloved and widely consumed beverages worldwide. While many drink coffee to wake up and feel fresh, a large number of people drink it to ensure a smooth bowel movement in the morning. Not only does it give you energy, but it has many other health benefits, which include keeping your liver free of toxins, regulating heart health, and even boosting metabolism. However, there are always questions regarding its potency when it comes to your kidney health. According to studies, while coffee does not appear to increase the risk of kidney disease, it may affect blood pressure in certain people, as well as those who have kidney stones.

Is coffee bad for your kidneys?

Research has concluded that coffee is unlikely to harm the kidneys or cause any kind of chronic kidney disease. In fact, there are many kinds of benefits that have been identified if you regularly drink a moderate amount of coffee. According to doctors, the caffeine in coffee not only improves energy levels and metabolism but also aids in fat burning. Also, being high in polyphenols – a type of antioxidant associated with a lower risk of health conditions like cancer and heart disease – coffee can be great for your kidneys too. However, certain precautions need to be taken, like drinking moderate amounts of coffee and limiting coffee if you have high blood pressure or any kidney ailment or stones. Coffee has a protective effect on your kidney function, as studies have concluded that those who drink any quantity of coffee daily have around a 15 per cent lower risk of kidney injury. A few studies have also said that there is no association between coffee consumption and increased risk of kidney disease in men. However, one study evaluating overweight or obese elderly people with metabolic syndrome found that consuming more than two cups of caffeinated coffee daily resulted in a decline in kidney function. According to experts, consuming too many high-potassium foods, like bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, avocados, and oranges, can be hard on the kidneys if you have chronic kidney disease. However, since coffee is in the low-potassium group, it is a completely safe choice in moderation.

Does coffee increase the risk of kidney stones or cancer?

Oxalate stones are one of the most common varieties of kidney stones, and doctors say one of the main sources of oxalate in your diet is regular coffee. And so, if you have kidney stones – especially the calcium oxalate stones – coffee can be a possible risk factor. Regarding kidney cancer, the evidence is mixed, as studies indicate a reduced risk of renal cell carcinoma with coffee consumption. Decaffeinated coffee consumption increases the risk of clear cell renal cell carcinoma subtype, a particular kind of kidney cancer.Read more: Why Is Black Coffee Better Than Tea? Health Benefits, Energy Boost, and Weight Loss Explained

How to safely enjoy your coffee if you have kidney disease?

Living with kidney disease does not mean that you have to cut out coffee entirely. A few ways to safely enjoy coffee include:

Limit the amount

According to studies, consuming less than 3 to 4 cups of coffee daily does not harm.

Skip the milk

It is best to have black coffee because milk contains phosphorus and potassium, which your kidneys may not be able to filter.

Count coffee in your fluid allowance

When living with kidney disease, your kidneys may not be able to filter as much extra fluid from your body. You may need to limit or avoid drinking coffee if it is causing excess fluid buildup.

Choose alternative beverages

If caffeine affects your blood pressure, switch to decaf coffee, black tea, or green tea.