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People
who drink iced tea may be putting themselves at greater risk
for developing painful kidney stones, a new study indicates.
Researchers explained that the popular summertime drink
contains high levels of oxalate, a chemical that leads to
the formation of small crystals made of minerals and salt
found in urine. Although these crystals are usually
harmless, but can grow large enough to become lodged in the
small tubes that drain urine from the kidney to the bladder.
People who have a tendency to form the most common type of
kidney stones, iced tea is one of the worst things to drink.
Being dehydrated is the most common cause of kidney stones,
the study authors pointed out. Drinking iced tea, however,
can increase people's risk for the condition. People are
told that in the summertime they should drink more fluids. A
lot of people choose to drink more iced tea, because it is
low in calories and tastes better than water. However, in
terms of kidney stones, they might be doing themselves a
disservice. Men are four times more likely to develop kidney
stones than women. That risk jumps significantly for men
over the age of 40. The researchers noted, however, that
postmenopausal women with low estrogen levels and those who
have had their ovaries removed are also at greater risk. To
reduce the risk of kidney stones, the investigators advised
people to stay hydrated. Although drinking water is best,
they noted real lemonade is another good option. Lemons are
high in citrates, which inhibit the growth of kidney stones.
The study authors also advised that people at risk for
kidney stones should take the following steps: Avoid foods
with high levels of oxalates, including spinach, chocolate,
rhubarb and nuts; Reduce salt intake; Eat less meat; Get
enough calcium, which reduces the amount of oxalate absorbed
by the body. Although hot tea also contains oxalates, the
researchers noted it's hard to drink enough to cause kidney
stones. |