Drinking strong tea daily leads to severe kidney stones, doctor warns

A man's daily habit of drinking strong tea as his primary beverage led to a severe kidney stone crisis, requiring emergency treatment and highlighting the risks associated with certain drinks. The 40-year-old office worker, who rarely drank plain water, had suffered recurrent kidney stones since age 30, with his most recent episode landing him in the emergency room.

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Strong tea contains a high concentration of oxalic acid. Remember to add plenty of water to dilute it and avoid drinking large gulps on an empty stomach to prevent the risk of stone formation.

During his latest visit, doctors discovered his right kidney was packed with dozens of tiny, sand-like calcium oxalate stones, causing significant swelling and acute pain. This condition had progressed to the point of nearly causing kidney failure. The incident serves as a stark warning about the potential consequences of beverage choices on kidney health.

According to Dr. Hong Yong-xiang, director of Hong Yong-xiang Clinic, one in ten people in Taiwan develop kidney stones, with a 50% recurrence rate within five years. He identified three major "minefield" beverages that contribute to stone formation: sugary drinks and packaged juices, which increase uric acid and calcium/oxalate excretion; dark carbonated drinks like cola, which alter urine pH due to high phosphate content; and overly concentrated tea, cocoa, and beer. Beer's metabolic byproducts can hinder uric acid excretion and cause dehydration.

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Taiwan has one in 10 people suffering from kidney stones, and the recurrence rate within 5 years is as high as 50%.

To protect kidney health, Dr. Hong advises drinking plenty of plain water, aiming for 3-4% of body weight in fluid intake daily to maintain clear, pale yellow urine. Adding lemon can help prevent calcium oxalate crystal formation, and consuming milk with meals can bind to oxalate in the intestines, reducing its absorption. For tea or coffee drinkers, diluting the beverages and avoiding large gulps on an empty stomach is recommended. Dr. Hong emphasizes that simple changes, like choosing water over sugary drinks, can prevent painful stone episodes.

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Plain water is the best choice. Adults should replenish enough water every day, drinking 3%-4% of their body weight in water, so that the urine output is maintained above 2000cc.