Tea has been used medicinally for a long time, and generally, its effects on the kidneys are beneficial. However, everything has two sides, and excessive or improper tea consumption can negatively impact health. While tea is believed to support kidney function, incorrect drinking habits can harm the kidneys. If you engage in any of the following practices, it's advisable to avoid them to protect your kidney health...

Drinking overly strong tea harms the kidneys.

Tea leaves contain oxalic acid. Regularly consuming strong tea can lead to high oxalate levels in urine, forming calcium oxalate stones in the urinary tract and causing kidney stones. Additionally, strong tea increases kidney workload by promoting frequent urination, potentially damaging the kidneys. Therefore, drinking mild tea is healthier for the body.

Drinking tea on an empty stomach harms the kidneys.

Some people habitually drink tea immediately after waking up. However, tea contains caffeine, which stimulates the body, accelerates heart rate, and increases kidney workload by promoting urination. In severe cases, it may impair kidney function. Therefore, tea lovers should avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach and instead drink some water first.

Excessive tea consumption harms the kidneys.

Tea contains fluoride, and excessive intake can damage the kidneys. The kidneys are the primary organs for fluoride excretion. When fluoride intake exceeds the kidneys' capacity, it accumulates in the body, particularly in the kidneys. Studies show that excessive fluoride retention can damage kidney tubules.

Drinking tea with alcohol or after alcohol harms the kidneys.

Some believe that strong tea can "sober up" after drinking, but this is a misconception. While tea alone doesn’t harm the kidneys, combining it with alcohol or using strong tea as a hangover remedy can be damaging.

Alcohol is broken down in the liver into water and carbon dioxide, which are excreted by the kidneys. The diuretic effect of tea's theophylline can cause premature entry of acetaldehyde (a byproduct of alcohol metabolism) into the kidneys, which is highly damaging. As the saying goes, "Rome wasn’t built in a day." Neglecting these small details can lead to significant harm. To maintain good health, it's best to avoid these mistakes and develop healthier tea-drinking habits.