Tea and coffee are both hugely popular beverages in Taiwan. However, with research suggesting that coffee may have protective effects on the kidneys, some people have started wondering if tea could be a suitable substitute. Nephrologist Dr. Jiang Shoushan has previously shared professional insights on this topic, urging caution when choosing drinks.
Dr. Jiang explained that tea does not have a recognized protective effect on the kidneys. In particular, the oxalate content in tea, if consumed in excess, can lead to kidney problems. Numerous studies have confirmed that high oxalate intake can cause kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis, and acute kidney injury.
He also shared a foreign case: a young man who drank at least 16 cups (240 ml each) of instant tea daily for a month was diagnosed with permanent oxalate kidney disease, eventually requiring a kidney transplant or lifelong dialysis to maintain health.
Dr. Jiang emphasized that this case involved instant tea, not tea brewed from leaves. Instant tea contains higher levels of oxalate, and combined with the extremely large daily intake, the oxalate overwhelmed the body, leading to severe kidney damage.
He advised the public to consume tea in moderation and avoid excessive intake of high-oxalate instant teas to protect kidney health.
