Coffee, alcohol and your kidneys: what is safe?
Dr. Joan J. Morales Lappot, MD3 min read · Leer en español
In briefTwo of the most common things my patients ask about are their morning cafecito and an occasional drink. The good news: you usually do not have to give up everything.
Coffee and tea
For most people, moderate coffee, about 1 to 3 cups a day, has not been linked to kidney harm, and some studies even suggest a lower risk of kidney disease. Watch what goes into it: sugar, flavored creamers with added phosphate and large milk drinks can add up. If your potassium is high, keep coffee to a cup or two. Black and green tea are fine in moderation; very large amounts of iced black tea can add oxalate, which matters if you form kidney stones.
Alcohol
- If you drink, keep it moderate: no more than one drink a day for women and two for men, and less is better
- Heavy drinking raises blood pressure, damages the liver and can dehydrate you, all of which strain the kidneys
- Beer is high in purines and can trigger gout
- Alcohol and NSAID pain relievers together are especially hard on the kidneys and stomach
Energy drinks
These can pack large amounts of caffeine, sugar and additives, and they raise blood pressure. I recommend avoiding them if you have kidney disease or high blood pressure.