Is drinking tea good for the kidneys?
Yes! Drinking tea in moderation can offer many benefits for the kidneys, such as supporting reduced inflammation, enhancing kidney function in filtering blood and eliminating toxins. Some teas also have properties that regulate blood sugar, improve mood, and balance electrolytes, helping to protect the kidneys from damage caused by inflammatory responses and oxidative stress.
What kind of tea is good for the kidneys?
If you’re wondering what kind of tea is good for your kidneys , consider the following teas to maintain kidney health naturally:
1. Green tea – Antioxidant, protects kidneys from damage.
Green tea tops the list of teas that are good for the kidneys because it contains a high amount of catechins, a group of polyphenols with strong antioxidant properties. This compound helps protect kidney cells from damage caused by free radicals, while also reducing inflammation and supporting improved kidney filtration function.
Furthermore, green tea has been shown to reduce the risk of kidney stones due to its ability to regulate oxalate levels in urine. If you’re wondering what kind of tea is good for your kidneys , green tea is a worthwhile option to consider.
2. Dandelion tea – Supports diuresis, reduces water retention
Dandelion has long been used in traditional medicine to support kidney function due to its natural diuretic properties. This tea helps enhance the elimination of waste products, reduce water retention, and lessen the burden on the kidneys.
In particular, dandelion tea is rich in potassium, an important mineral that helps maintain electrolyte balance and supports stable blood pressure. Therefore, if you’re wondering what tea is good for your kidneys , you shouldn’t overlook this type of tea.
3. Corn silk tea – Detoxifies, reduces inflammation, and acts as a natural diuretic.
Corn silk tea is a popular choice when it comes to what tea is good for the kidneys , thanks to its natural diuretic properties that help eliminate toxins through urine. In addition, corn silk tea helps reduce inflammation in the urinary tract and supports the treatment of urinary tract infections due to its high content of:
- Flavonoids: Possess strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract lining.
- Tannins: Have been shown to have astringent effects on the mucous membrane, helping to limit bacterial adhesion to the bladder and urinary tract walls, thereby reducing the risk of recurrent infections and inflammation.
Corn silk tea has diuretic properties and helps fight inflammation.
4. Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea – Improves kidney filtration function
Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea contains many saponins, a group of compounds with anti-inflammatory properties and protective effects on renal blood vessels. This tea helps improve kidney filtration function and supports blood sugar regulation, reducing pressure on the kidneys. Therefore, if you are looking for tea that is good for your kidneys , Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea may be a suitable choice, especially for people with diabetes or high blood pressure.
5. Artichoke tea – Cools the body and supports the kidneys in filtering toxins.
Artichoke tea is known for its ability to cool the body, detoxify, and help the kidneys function more efficiently. Artichokes contain cynarin, a compound that helps increase bile production, supports digestion, and effectively eliminates toxins in the liver, thereby indirectly reducing the excretory burden on the kidneys. If you’re wondering what tea is good for your kidneys , artichoke tea is one worth trying.
6. Ginger tea – Anti-inflammatory, reduces the risk of chronic kidney failure.
Ginger contains many compounds, including gingerol and shogaol, which help fight inflammation, reduce the risk of infection, and protect kidney cells from damage caused by prolonged inflammation. In addition, ginger tea helps improve blood flow to the kidneys, supporting the filtration and excretion of waste products. If you’re wondering what tea is good for your kidneys , ginger tea can be a helpful option, especially on cold days, thanks to its warming effect and ability to improve blood circulation.
7. Houttuynia cordata tea – Antibacterial, supports treatment of urinary tract infections.
Houttuynia cordata tea is a helpful option for those looking for teas that are good for the kidneys , thanks to its strong antibacterial properties. This tea contains quercetin and flavonoids, which help reduce urinary tract infections. In addition, Houttuynia cordata acts as a natural diuretic, helping the kidneys function more efficiently in filtering toxins and balancing fluids in the body.
8. Chamomile tea – Relaxes, reduces inflammation, and protects the kidneys.
Apigenin in chamomile flowers has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, protecting kidney cells from damage caused by free radicals. Furthermore, chamomile tea contains chamazulene and bisabolol, which help reduce stress, a factor that indirectly harms kidney health.
In particular, the flavonoids in chamomile flowers help control blood sugar and blood pressure, two important factors affecting kidney function. If you’re looking for an answer to the question of what tea is good for the kidneys , chamomile tea is an effective and pleasant option.
Chamomile tea has mild sedative properties and reduces stress.
9. Plantain tea – Supports excretion and prevents kidney stones
Those concerned about what tea is good for the kidneys may consider plantain tea, as it contains many antioxidant flavonoids. Animal studies have also shown that plantain tea has kidney-protective properties, reducing kidney damage and improving kidney function in various conditions, including significant improvements in biochemical indicators related to kidney function, such as serum protein, urea, and creatinine levels.
10. Roasted black bean tea – Balances electrolytes, good for weak kidneys.
Roasted black bean tea is one of the teas that can support kidney function recovery thanks to its magnesium, potassium, and anthocyanin antioxidants. This tea helps regulate electrolyte balance and supports toxin elimination without putting excessive strain on the kidneys.
In particular, black beans help reduce uric acid levels in the blood, thereby preventing gout – one of the causes of kidney damage if not properly controlled. Therefore, if you are looking for a tea that is good for your kidneys , roasted black bean tea is a worthwhile option to consider.
11. Hibiscus tea
Hibiscus tea contains many polyphenol and anthocyanin antioxidants, which help control blood pressure, reduce strain on the kidneys, and protect blood filtration function. Additionally, this tea can help inhibit kidney stone formation by regulating oxalate and citrate levels in urine.
12. Nettle Leaf Tea
Nettle leaves are an herb rich in potassium and flavonoids, which help cleanse the kidneys and eliminate toxins through a mild diuretic mechanism. In addition, nettle leaves contain plenty of iron, calcium, and vitamin C, providing essential nutrients to the body. Therefore, if you’re wondering what tea is good for your kidneys , you might consider nettle leaf tea.
13. Peppermint tea
Unlike other herbal teas, peppermint tea does not contain oxalates – one of the components that can contribute to kidney stone formation. In addition, peppermint tea contains plenty of menthol – a compound that helps relax smooth muscles, aids digestion, and helps the body absorb nutrients more effectively. So, what tea is good for the kidneys without increasing the risk of kidney stones? Peppermint tea is a suitable suggestion.
Peppermint tea is oxalate-free, minimizing the risk of kidney stones.
14. Goldenrod Tea
Kim Tien Thao (Desmodium gyrans) is an herb that helps reduce kidney stone formation and supports diuresis due to its high saponin content. Studies show that this compound helps prevent kidney stones by preventing the deposition of calcium oxalate crystals, while also supporting the reduction of inflammation in the urinary tract. Therefore, if you are wondering what tea is good for the kidneys to prevent stones, Kim Tien Thao tea is an option worth considering.
15. Syzygium jambos leaf tea
Voi leaf tea contains many tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which help improve digestion, support the kidneys in eliminating toxins, and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. In addition, voi leaf tea helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which is very beneficial for people with diabetes – one of the groups at high risk of kidney problems.
Certain types of tea can be harmful to the kidneys when consumed in excessive amounts.
Not all teas are good for kidney health, especially when consumed in large quantities. If you’re wondering what teas are good for your kidneys , keep in mind that some teas can put strain on the kidneys, increasing the risk of kidney stones or affecting excretory function. Below are some teas that should be consumed in moderation if drunk excessively:
- Black tea and matcha tea contain high levels of oxalates, which can increase the risk of oxalate buildup in the kidneys, leading to kidney stone formation. This risk is even higher if consumed regularly without drinking enough water.
- Strong tea (with a rich flavor): Not only does this type of tea contain high levels of oxalates, but it also has a high caffeine content, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure, stress the kidneys, and disrupt electrolyte balance.
- Sugary tea: Regularly consuming sugary tea can raise blood sugar levels and stimulate inflammatory responses in the kidneys. If prolonged, this can increase the risk of kidney dysfunction.
Potential risks of tea to kidney health
Is drinking tea good for the kidneys ? The answer is “yes” if consumed in moderation. However, if consumed excessively, tea can increase the risk of kidney stones due to its high oxalate content. Oxalate can combine with calcium in the urine, forming calcium oxalate kidney stones if consumed excessively or when not drinking enough water.
Furthermore, tea contains a lot of caffeine, which can stimulate the nervous system, increase blood pressure and heart rate, and put strain on the kidneys. In addition, some types of tea are at risk of heavy metal contamination due to cultivation and processing, which can harm kidney function with long-term accumulation.
Tea also has a diuretic effect; drinking too much can lead to dehydration, forcing the kidneys to work continuously to maintain fluid balance, which can affect their filtering function in the long run.
Excessive tea consumption may increase the risk of kidney stones.
Things to remember for drinking tea that’s good for your kidneys.
Now that you know which teas are good for your kidneys , here are some important tips to help you enjoy tea safely and maintain optimal kidney function:
- Choose the right time: It’s best to drink tea about 30-60 minutes after a meal to avoid affecting mineral absorption and kidney function. Avoid drinking tea late at night to prevent disrupting sleep.
- Drink in moderation: Maintain a level of 1-2 cups of tea (230-460ml) per day, avoiding excessive consumption to prevent electrolyte imbalance and kidney strain.
- Brewing tea properly to preserve nutrients: Avoid brewing tea too hot or steeping it for too long, as this can destroy polyphenols and increase tannins, potentially irritating the stomach.
- Limit your consumption of very strong tea or tea with added sugar and milk: Strong tea can contain high levels of oxalates, increasing the risk of kidney stones. Adding sugar or milk to tea can increase the metabolic burden on the kidneys.
- Ensure you drink enough water: Tea has a diuretic effect, and if you don’t drink enough water, your body may become mildly dehydrated, affecting kidney function.
- Prioritize low-caffeine teas: If you’re wondering what kind of tea is good for your kidneys , choose herbal teas or teas with low caffeine content to avoid raising blood pressure, which can damage the small blood vessels inside the kidneys.
- Combine tea with a healthy diet and lifestyle: Maintain balanced eating habits and limit foods high in oxalates to protect your kidneys from the risk of kidney stones.
- Consult your doctor if you have kidney disease, are pregnant, or breastfeeding: Some types of tea may not be suitable for people with underlying medical conditions and for pregnant and breastfeeding women, so it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before use.
If you or a loved one is experiencing kidney problems and needs to find a reliable treatment center, the Urology – Nephrology – Andrology Center at Tam Anh General Hospital System is a worthwhile option. The center brings together a team of leading experts in the fields of Urology and Nephrology, possessing not only high professional qualifications but also extensive practical treatment experience.
In particular, the Center also collaborates closely with the Nutrition and Dietetics Department of Tam Anh General Hospital to develop optimal meal plans for kidney patients. The combination of advanced medical expertise and a rational nutritional regimen helps kidney patients receive comprehensive care, improve their health, and enhance their quality of life.