Does Coffee Cause Kidney Stones?

Today, many people cannot imagine starting their morning without a cup of coffee, but could this habit put them at risk for kidney stones? The question does coffee cause kidney stones has been on for years, leaving coffee lovers wondering if they should continue or not.

A lot of people consider coffee to be an additive that can cause the formation of these painful stones. Now that that is out of the way, let me share some facts and misconceptions about coffee and kidney stones.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are like tiny rocks that form in your kidneys. It can hurt and cause a lot of discomfort. The stones are made up of minerals and salts that accumulate in your urine, forming hard deposits.

When these deposits become large, they get trapped in the kidneys or in the tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. This blockage can create discomfort and can sometimes result in infection.

Kidney stones are different, and the most common type comprises of calcium, which also contains uric acid, struvite, or cystine. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent kidney stones, such as drinking sufficient water and avoiding foods that contain high levels of certain minerals.

If you think you are suffering from kidney stones, then you have to visit a doctor for appropriate treatment. In effect, don’t suffer in silence—seek treatment as soon as you can.

Common Causes of Kidney Stones

Dehydration

Lack of adequate supply of water oftentimes means that minerals will accumulate in the urine and it crystallize into stone form. Drink enough water to avoid the formation of kidney stones.

High-sodium diet: A high extra intake of salt increases calcium in the urine, and this leads to the formation of kidney stones. Try to take in less sodium to avoid the chances of developing stones.

Family history

There is also a genetic tendency whereby if someone in your family has ever had kidney stones, you are prone to getting them as well. Taking precautions and avoiding kidney stones will be helpful because of your family history.

Obesity

Obesity raises your risk of kidney stones in the same way that a high BMI influences the concentration of stone-forming substances in urine. Also, you should take measures and keep the weight burning through a balanced diet and exercise to reduce the risk.

High-protein diet

Diets high in animal proteins can increase the level of uric acid in the urine, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones. Balance your protein intake with other nutrients to prevent stones from forming.

Certain medications

Certain medicines like diuretics or antacids will predispose you to developing kidney stones. Anyone experiencing side effects from any of their medications should consult their healthcare provider.

Relationship between diet and kidney stones

Some people develop kidney stones while others do not; why is it so? The answer may lie in your diet. So, what is the relationship between diet and kidney stones?

Any number of chemicals, especially calcium, calcium oxalate, and uric acid, if excessive in the urine, may cause you to develop kidney stones. In addition, the type of food you take can determine the amount of such minerals present in the urine.

For instance, diets rich in sodium make the kidneys release more calcium through the urine, thus breeding calcium-based kidney stones.

On the other hand, a low calcium diet also contributes to the formation of kidney stones; calcium reduces the absorption of oxalate in the intestine, meaning it prevents it from being absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted in the urine.

Plant products containing high oxalates, such as spinach, beets, and nuts, are also enemies of the kidney. Oxalate attaches itself to calcium in the urine, forming crystals that develop into kidney stones.

Likewise, a diet rich in animal proteins has a high chance of forming uric acid in urine and subsequently developing uric acid kidney stones. However, not all foods increase your chances of having kidney stone.

In fact, you can reduce the formation of kidney stones through certain diets; like drinking more water can decrease the concentration of substances in your urine, hence reducing incidences of the formation of stones.

Does Coffee Cause Kidney Stones?

Do you love your daily cup of coffee but worry if can give you kidney stones? For the records, coffee does not directly cause kidney stones.

Kidney stones form from minerals and salts that accumulate in the kidneys. While caffeine can make one develop kidney stones and cause dehydration, however, the risk is quite low.

Some studies suggest that coffee has a protective effect against kidney stones. Coffee contains compounds that can prevent crystals from forming in the kidneys, thereby reducing the chances of developing stones.

Coffee can give kidney stones only when the person takes it excessively. So, the oxalates in coffee are unlikely to cause stones.

When Coffee May Become a Problem

Here are some signs that your coffee habit may be becoming a problem:

You can’t function without it

If you feel that you cannot lie or sit without a cup of coffee in the morning or else you cannot stay awake, then you are addicted to caffeine.

You experience withdrawal symptoms

Caffeine withdrawal can result in such effects as headache, irritability, fatigue, and others if you don’t take your coffee in the morning. These withdrawal symptoms are clear indications that you may be drinking too much coffee.

You have trouble sleeping

Drinking caffeine during the evening will interfere with sleep patterns, putting you off balance and making you feel restless and tired the following morning. At the same time, if one cannot get a good night’s sleep, then it may be time to reduce coffee intake.

You rely on coffee to cope with stress.

When people turn to coffee whenever they are stressed, they will find themselves in a vicious cycle of addiction. However, caffeine is not a good thing that should be taken all the time when you are stressed.

You experience physical side effects.

Consuming too much coffee may cause you to feel irritable, increase your heart rate, cause nausea, and even cause diarrhea. If you find yourself exhibiting any of these physical side effects, then maybe it is time to cut down on your coffee consumption.

You neglect other aspects of your health

That is, if your coffee drinking is becoming more important than regular physical activity, taking vitamins, or eating healthy foods, then it might be high time for change. Coffee is good if taken moderately, but it is vital to know the right amount.

How to Enjoy Coffee Safely

Do you enjoy your cup of coffee but feel that it is harming your body? Fear not, here are some tips on how to enjoy your coffee safely:

• Choose organic coffee to avoid harmful pesticides and chemicals that can be present in conventionally grown beans.
• Men should have no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, and pregnant women should have no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day because of the following side effects: increased heart rate and jitteriness.
• Be mindful of your brewing method—Go for filtered coffee over unfiltered methods like a French press to reduce your intake of cholesterol-raising compounds.
• Since caffeine has a diuretic effect, try to take as much water as you can during the day to ensure that you fully compensate for any loss.
• Pay attention to your body reaction when consuming coffee and make some adjustments if you find some side effects of coffee.
• It is good to add antioxidants and healthy ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa into the coffee.

Read also: What Is The Coffee Method Diet?

Alternatives to Coffee for Kidney Health

What you can drink instead of coffee. Here are some options to consider:

Herbal teas

Replace your daily coffee with herbal tea like chamomile or even peppermint in the morning. These teas are not just delicious; they have properties that can help the kidneys function well.

Green tea

Green tea is good for people who want to cut down on caffeine but still want to feel more active. In addition, green tea has antioxidants very beneficial to your kidneys.

Lemon water

Starting your day with a glass of lemon water is a refreshing way to hydrate and support your kidney function. Lemon water is known for its detoxifying properties and can help flush out toxins from your kidneys.

Smoothies

Prepare a kidney-friendly smoothie using ingredients like berries, leafy greens, and almond milk. Smoothies are a tasty way to incorporate kidney-healthy foods into your diet while avoiding coffee.

Despite the myths, coffee does not directly cause kidney stones. However, excessive consumption of coffee can cause dehydration, which may increase the risk of developing kidney stones.

To prevent this, make sure to drink enough water during the day. It’s also important to maintain a balanced diet and limit your intake of caffeine.