Can Drinking Tea Cause Kidney Stones?
Monica Reinagel, M.S.,L.D./N
Ask the Diva: Can Drinking Tea Cause Kidney Stones?
Q. I drink tea throughout the day and I’ve heard that high tea consumption can cause kidney stones. Is this true? If so, is there an ideal amount for getting the antioxidant benefits of tea with lowered risk for stones?
Answer. It depends on whether you’ve ever had a kidney stone in the past. For women who have never had a kidney stone, drinking tea actually lowers the risk of forming one in the future. In fact, the risk decreases about 8% for every 8 ounce cup of tea you drink per day! (Here’s a link to the study if you’d like read more.)
The rules are a little different for people who’ve had kidney stones in the past. So-called “stone formers” are usually advised to increase their intake of fluids but to limit their intake of foods and beverages that are high in oxalates, and that includes tea. In that case, it might be prudent to limit your tea consumption to one or two cups a day and be sure to drink plenty of water.
More information on tea: