Should people with kidney problems avoid coffee? Doctor's answer.

Coffee is a popular beverage with many different health benefits, but does it harm the kidneys? What do nephrologists say?

The following is an explanation of the link between coffee and kidney disease by nephrologist Veeraish Chauhan, a member of the American College of Internal Medicine and the American Society of Nephrology, according to the health news website Verywell Health.

Dr. Chauhan cited research findings, stating the following:

Numerous studies have concluded that coffee is unlikely to harm the kidneys or cause chronic kidney disease.

Photo: AI

Research on coffee and kidney health

Numerous studies have concluded that coffee is unlikely to harm the kidneys or cause chronic kidney disease (CKD). In fact, large-scale epidemiological studies have even shown that coffee has a protective effect on kidney function:

A 2022 study concluded that drinking coffee daily reduces the risk of kidney damage by 15%, and drinking 2-3 cups of coffee per day reduces the risk by as much as 22-23%.

A 2016 meta-analysis confirmed that coffee consumption does not increase the risk of kidney disease.

Other studies have also shown that consuming caffeinated coffee helps reduce the risk of renal cell carcinoma.

Additionally, coffee is low in potassium, making it safe for chronic kidney disease patients if consumed in moderation (as potassium-rich foods can be harmful to the kidneys).

However, some studies also advise that overweight or obese older adults and those with metabolic syndrome should be cautious when drinking coffee to protect their kidney function.

And people with kidney stones, especially calcium oxalate stones, should be cautious with coffee as it is a potential risk factor and should be controlled.

Coffee and high blood pressure and kidney disease

High blood pressure is the biggest cause of kidney disease (after diabetes). Drinking caffeinated coffee can cause a short-term increase in blood pressure, especially in older adults, those who don't regularly drink coffee, and those with a history of high blood pressure.

Tips for safe coffee consumption for kidney patients.

Patients with chronic kidney disease can still safely enjoy coffee by:

Limit yourself to no more than three cups of coffee per day. Data shows that consuming up to three cups of coffee per day does not increase the risk of kidney disease in young, healthy individuals.

According to Verywell Health, milk should not be added to coffee, and black coffee is best because milk contains phosphorus and potassium, substances that the kidneys of people with kidney disease cannot filter well, which can lead to heart complications.

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

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/than-yeu-co-nen-kieng-ca-phe-bac-si-giai-dap-185251212085644946.htm