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Black coffee may help prevent kidney stones, nutritionist reveals

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Drinking coffee, particularly black coffee, may be associated with a lower risk of kidney stones, according to research.
  • Coffee may help by increasing urine output and reducing the concentration of minerals like calcium oxalate.
  • Certain groups, including those with late-stage chronic kidney disease, pregnant women, and individuals sensitive to caffeine, should consult a doctor before increasing coffee intake.

A daily cup of coffee might offer more than just a morning pick-me-up; it could potentially lower the risk of developing kidney stones. Research suggests a correlation between higher coffee consumption and a reduced incidence of kidney stones. A large study involving over 210,000 people tracked for more than eight years found that individuals with greater caffeine intake had a significantly lower risk of kidney stones.

Coffee intake may be associated with a lower risk of kidney stones.

— Chang Hsin-fangThe nutritionist explains the findings of recent research linking coffee consumption to reduced kidney stone risk.

Experts theorize that compounds in coffee, such as caffeine and natural polyphenols, play a role in this protective effect. Caffeine may increase urine volume, thus decreasing the chance of minerals becoming overly concentrated. It might also lower oxalate levels in urine, reducing the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, a common component of kidney stones. Additionally, antioxidants like chlorogenic acid in coffee could help mitigate oxidative stress.

Caffeine may increase urine volume, reducing the chance of minerals becoming overly concentrated.

— Chang Hsin-fangThe nutritionist explains one of the proposed mechanisms by which coffee might prevent kidney stones.

However, the benefits appear to be linked specifically to coffee. One study indicated that caffeine from coffee sources might be more protective than caffeine from other sources, and non-coffee caffeine sources could even be associated with an increased risk. Therefore, the emphasis is on drinking black coffee rather than simply supplementing with caffeine.

Adequate water intake remains the most crucial habit for preventing kidney stones.

— Chang Hsin-fangThe nutritionist emphasizes that while coffee may help, proper hydration is paramount for kidney stone prevention.

Nutritionist Chang Hsin-fang recommends opting for black coffee with minimal sugar and creamer, suggesting one to three cups daily, adjusted for individual tolerance. She stresses that adequate water intake remains the most crucial habit for preventing kidney stones. Chang also advises caution for specific individuals: those with late-stage chronic kidney disease, pregnant women, individuals with severe acid reflux, those with arrhythmias, and people sensitive to caffeine or prone to insomnia should consult their doctor before increasing their coffee intake.

Individuals with late-stage chronic kidney disease, pregnant women, severe acid reflux, arrhythmias, and those sensitive to caffeine or prone to insomnia should consult their doctor before increasing their coffee intake.

— Chang Hsin-fangThe nutritionist lists specific groups who should exercise caution and seek medical advice regarding coffee consumption.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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