Iced Tea: Drinking the wrong way can cause kidney failure without you knowing it

Iced tea has long been a familiar drink on hot days. Not only does it help quench thirst, tea is also healthier than soft drinks or other drinks high in sugar and fat.

However, like any food, drinking iced tea also needs to be done properly and in moderation.

Health benefits of iced tea

Nutritionist Lisa Andrews, owner of Sound Bites Nutrition Center (USA), said: In addition to providing water, iced tea also has a number of health benefits, according to the health news site Everyday Health.

Iced tea is made from black and green teas... These teas are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, even 800-1,000% higher than many vegetables and fruits. These compounds bring many benefits such as:

Drinking iced tea also needs to be done properly and in moderation.

Photo: AI

Cardiovascular protection: Helps reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol, and limit atherosclerosis.

Prevent dementia: Caffeine and L-theanine help with alertness, concentration, and stress reduction, which may help prevent dementia.

Boost immunity, detoxify: Antioxidants protect cells and boost immunity. A 2025 study also found that tea can remove some heavy metals from polluted water.

Beautiful skin, anti-aging: Polyphenols in green tea help protect skin from UV rays and increase elasticity.

Good for digestion, stabilizes blood sugar: Tea supports intestinal microflora, provides manganese which is good for bones, and helps stabilize blood sugar.

Drinking too much iced tea can cause kidney stones and kidney failure.

Despite its many benefits, overuse of iced tea can be harmful.

According to research published in the scientific journal Nutrients , tea, especially black tea, is rich in oxalic acid. Too much oxalic acid can build up in the kidneys, leading to kidney stones, preventing the kidneys from removing waste from the blood.

A study published on the website of the University of Utah School of Medicine (USA) in May 2014, warned about the case of a 56-year-old man at the Veterans Health Care Hospital in Arkansas (USA) who suddenly felt weak and had body aches. Doctors discovered that his kidneys were failing and he had to be put on dialysis.

Doctors discovered an unexpected culprit: The patient had been drinking about 3.8 liters of iced tea every day. Drinking so much tea had caused his kidneys to fail, according to Everyday Health.

Experts explain that drinking iced tea in moderation is safe. For most people, two to four 8-ounce glasses of iced tea a day are fine. And remember, don't drink iced tea instead of water.

However, excessive consumption of iced tea can cause health problems. In addition, drinking too much tea can also cause insomnia, rapid heartbeat, frequent urination, and iron deficiency.

How to drink iced tea safely

To take advantage of the benefits, it is best to keep in mind the following two things:

Drink 2 - 4 glasses/day (240 ml each), avoid drinking too much.

No added sugar or little added sugar. Add sugar to iced tea, as it can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.

People with a history of kidney stones should drink plenty of water and consult a doctor.

In short, iced tea is a good choice if consumed in moderation: It helps quench thirst and supports the heart, brain, skin and blood sugar. But remember, drinking too much can lead to kidney stones and even kidney failure. So moderation is the key.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tra-da-uong-sai-cach-suy-than-luc-nao-khong-hay-18525090722540712.htm