Many tea enthusiasts have heard that tea can nourish the kidneys, but incorrect drinking habits may harm rather than benefit them. If you engage in any of the following practices, it is advisable to avoid them to protect your kidney health...

Combining tea with alcohol or drinking tea after alcohol harms the kidneys.

Some believe that strong tea can "sober up" after drinking, but this is a misconception. Drinking tea alone does not harm the kidneys, but consuming it with alcohol or using strong tea as a hangover remedy can damage them.

Alcohol is broken down in the liver into water and carbon dioxide, which are excreted by the kidneys. The diuretic effect of theophylline in tea causes premature entry of acetaldehyde (a liver metabolite of alcohol) into the kidneys, where it can cause significant damage.

Excessive tea consumption harms the kidneys.

Tea contains fluoride, and overconsumption can strain the kidneys. The kidneys are the primary excretory organs for fluoride, and excessive intake can lead to fluoride accumulation, damaging renal tubules.

Drinking tea on an empty stomach harms the kidneys. Some people habitually drink tea first thing in the morning, but the caffeine in tea stimulates the heart and increases kidney workload, potentially impairing kidney function. It is better to drink water before tea.

Drinking overly strong tea harms the kidneys.

Tea is rich in oxalic acid, and excessive consumption can lead to high oxalate levels in urine, increasing the risk of kidney stones. Strong tea also forces frequent urination, burdening the kidneys. Opting for lighter tea is healthier.

As the saying goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day." Neglecting small details can lead to significant harm. To safeguard your health, avoid these mistakes and cultivate better tea-drinking habits.