Can iced tea cause kidney stones?

If you have always liked to reach for that glass of ice tea, preferring that to a beverage, think again.

For, a study indicates that drinking iced tea can contribute to the development of painful kidney stones, due to its high concentration of oxalate, one of the key chemicals that could result in the formation of kidney stones.

What the researchers found
"For people who have a tendency to form the most common type of kidney stones, iced tea is one of the worst things to drink," Dr. John Milner, an assistant professor in the department of urology at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, said in a news release. Researchers went on to explain that the 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, the researchers cautioned they could grow large enough to become wedged in the small tubes that drain urine from the kidney to the bladder. "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," added Milner.

Nutritionist says...
Ice tea may not be all that much low in calories, says nutritionist Dr Priya Karkera. "This is because one tends to add sugar to it. I also feel that ice tea can be a contributing factor to kidney stones and is avoidable to be had on a regular basis." She also recommends that those who are at risk for kidney stones should reduce certain foods that contain high concentrations of oxalates, including spinach, chocolate, and nuts. Salt and meat are extremely harmful. Drink several glasses of water as well one glass of barley water a day can help, she advises.

Beverages that can help
Lemon juice is a good drink to keep the kidneys hydrated, as the citrates present in lemonade inhibits the growth of kidney stones. "Drinking several glasses of water as well one glass of barley water a day can help," advises Dr Karkera.

ismat.tahseen@timesgroup.com

Author : Ismat Tahseen, TNN | Aug 18, 2012, 12.00AM IST
References : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/Can-iced-tea-cause-kidney-stones/articleshow/15530873.cms

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