Drinking 2-3 cups of coffee per day is associated with a decreased risk of kidney stones, hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. A 2022 study from Harvard Medical School found that increasing coffee intake by 50%, equivalent to going from 2 to 3 cups daily, was linked to a 40% lower risk of kidney stones in healthy individuals. This aligns with 2021 research in the World Journal of Urology, which found no evidence that moderate coffee consumption increases the risk of stone formation in healthy men and women with optimal fluid intake.
So, is coffee good for kidney stones? Yes, moderate coffee consumption (1-2 cups of filtered coffee daily) is associated with a decreased risk of kidney stones, according to a 2022 study in Frontiers in Nutrition. However, drinking more than 2-3 cups may increase the risk, likely influenced by other lifestyle factors.
The safety of drinking coffee with kidney disease varies depending on the specific condition and individual health. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice on caffeine intake, coffee types, and other preventive measures.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis, is a medical condition characterized by the formation of hard deposits within the kidneys that are composed of minerals and salts that crystallize and solidify. The National Kidney Foundation defines kidney stones as hard objects made from chemicals in the urine, typically classified into four types: calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine.
Kidney stones are associated with health risks like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. It can lead to severe complications, such as chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease, thus increasing healthcare costs. Kidney stones are a common and recurring health issue, with a recurrence rate of up to 50% within five years according to a 2013 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Roswitha Siener from the Department of Urology at University Hospital Bonn reports that prevalence of kidney stones has increased worldwide, and is up to 10.1% in the United States (11% for men and 7% for women). The rising incidence of kidney stones is linked to lifestyle changes, dietary habits, and global warming.
What Are the Causes of Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are a common medical issue, and the primary causes include dehydration, dietary factors, and genetic predisposition, according to the National Kidney Foundation and various medical studies. Dietary factors, such as high intake of sodium, meat, and oxalate-rich foods and beverages (including coffee), can significantly contribute to stone formation.
The initial signs of kidney stones often include severe pain in the lower back or side, blood in the urine, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever and chills, as noted in a 2016 study in Nature Reviews Disease Primers. Medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and dietary imbalances can further increase the risk of developing kidney stones. These conditions can lead to increased urine saturation of stone-forming substances and low urine pH, both of which are direct contributors to stone formation.
This image shows how kidney stones form.
Coffee, a popular beverage, is a significant source of dietary oxalate, which can contribute to kidney stone formation. A 2007 study from the Department of Dietetics at Warsaw Agricultural University found that daily oxalate intake from coffee and tea can be as high as 354 mg in men and 406 mg in women, making up 80-85% of total oxalate intake. However, it's important to note that high fluid intake and proper dietary management can mitigate this risk. Thus, while coffee can increase oxalate levels, proper hydration and diet adjustments can reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Does Drinking Coffee Cause Kidney Stones?
Research suggests that drinking regular filter coffee does not cause kidney stones and may even offer protective benefits. A 2021 systematic review published in World Journal of Urology found that consuming more than 300-360 milligrams of caffeine daily (approximately four cups of filter coffee) increases urinary excretion of calcium, sodium, and magnesium, potentially contributing to stone formation. However, this 'hypercalciuric' effect is counterbalanced by the accompanying water intake and other antioxidant beneficial components in coffee.
In fact, other scientific studies have further confirmed this protective effect of coffee on kidney stones.
- A 2022 study titled "Coffee and Caffeine Consumption and Risk of Kidney Stones," in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases found that drinking black caffeinated coffee was associated with a 40% lower risk of kidney stone formation. And, an 80 milligram increase in caffeine intake was linked to a further 19% risk reduction.
- In the 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis "Caffeine intake and the risk of incident kidney stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis" published in International Urology and Nephrology, researchers found that higher coffee intake was associated with a 32% reduced risk of developing kidney stones. This analysis included 772,290 individuals and 9,707 cases of kidney stones, showcasing an inverse relationship between coffee consumption and kidney stone incidence.
- Renal Disease and Transplantation Forum research from 2022 found that drinking coffee did not significantly increase the risk of kidney stones. In fact, research suggests that moderate coffee consumption may reduce the risk by up to 26%. This effect is likely due to caffeine's diuretic properties, which increase urine output and help prevent stone formation.
However, a 2022 population-based observational study published in Frontiers in Nutrition by Jiwen Geng and colleagues from the Department of Nephrology at West China Hospital suggests that more coffee isn't always better for kidney stones. The study of 30,716 men and women found that consuming 1-2 cups of filter coffee (100-200 milligrams of caffeine) was associated with a 5.32% decreased risk of kidney stones compared to those who drank 1 cup or less. However, those who drank 2-3 cups or more had a higher risk. This correlation may not indicate direct causation, as the study also found that participants who drank the most coffee tended to be older, male, more physically active, and have different dietary habits than those who drank less.
The table shows the results of a study examining the relationship between caffeine intake and the risk of kidney stones.
| Group | Caffeine Intake (milligrams/day) | Effect on Development of the Kidney Stones |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | ≤39.5 milligrams | Reference (baseline) |
| Group 2 | 39.5–121.5 milligrams | Slightly Increased Risk |
| Group 3 | 121–237 milligrams | Moderate Risk |
| Group 4 | >237+ milligrams | High Risk |
So, is coffee good or bad for kidney stones? To determine whether drinking coffee protects against or causes kidney stones also depends on if you have a history of kidney stones or not. For example, a 2020 study by Yaofei Sun from the Department of Urology at Weifang People's Hospital in China found that coffee can increase the risk of kidney stones. A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that caffeine intake was associated with a higher risk of recurrent kidney stones in adults. The risk was particularly higher in women, non-white individuals, and those who are not overweight, suggesting a specific vulnerability within these groups.
The relationship between coffee and kidney stones is complex and may depend on individual factors. If you have a history of kidney stones or other risk factors, it's important to talk to your doctor about how much caffeine is safe for you to consume.
Does Drinking Decaf Coffee Cause Kidney Stones?
No, drinking decaf coffee does not cause kidney stones. A 1996 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, involving 45,289 men with no previous history of kidney stones, found that drinking decaffeinated coffee decreased the risk of kidney stones. For each 240-ml (8-oz) serving of caffeinated or decaffeinated instant coffee consumed daily, the risk was reduced by 10%. Conversely, the study also found that some beverages, such as apple juice and grapefruit juice, increased the risk of stone formation by 35% and 37%, respectively.
Does Caffeine Cause Kidney Stones?
There is no evidence suggesting that caffeine causes kidney stone formation. In fact, caffeine intake has been associated with a lower risk of kidney stones, according to a 2014 prospective cohort study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. In a study of 217,883 participants over more than 8 years, those in the highest quintile of caffeine intake had a 26-31% reduced risk of developing kidney stones. This inverse relationship was observed across multiple large cohorts, including the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study and the Nurses' Health Studies.
From a biochemical perspective, caffeine, in doses ranging from 1 micromolar (µM) to 10 millimolar (mM), has been shown to reduce the number of calcium oxalate crystals while increasing their size (keeping the overall crystal mass unchanged), according to a 2016 study by Paleerath Peerapen published in Scientific Reports. The protective mechanism associated with a lower risk of kidney stone disease involves caffeine decreasing the crystal-binding capacity of renal cells by translocating annexin A1 from the cell surface to the cytoplasm.
However, high caffeine intake, such as drinking eight or more cups of coffee per day, can lead to elevated urinary concentrations of substances like 1-methyluric acid (a metabolite of caffeine found in urine), which can promote stone formation. In one case report by Phillip M Davies from Purine Research Unit at Guy's Hospital in London published in Urology Research and Practice in 2006, a patient drinking eight cups of coffee daily had stones with 67% 1-methyluric acid and 33% uric acid. Therefore, moderation in caffeine consumption is advisable to reduce the risk of kidney stones.
The relationship between caffeine and kidney stones is further complicated by caffeine's diuretic effect. While increased urinary output can potentially reduce stone formation, caffeine also slightly raises the stone risk index, a measure of kidney stone likelihood based on various factors.
A 2018 study by Paleerath Peerapen from Siriraj Hospital at Mahidol University, published in the Advances in Nutrition journal, suggested that caffeine may help prevent kidney stones. The study found that the risk of kidney stones generally decreased as caffeine intake increased, with the greatest reduction seen in the fourth quintile (moderate-high intake). However, the protective effect plateaued or slightly decreased in the fifth quintile (highest intake), reinforcing that excessive caffeine consumption might not offer additional benefits.
This image shows the results of 2018 study examining the relationship between daily caffeine intake and the risk reduction of kidney stones.
Given these complex interactions, moderate caffeine consumption (up to 400 mg per day) is generally considered safe for most people regarding kidney stone risk.
What Are the Benefits of Coffee on Different Kidney Conditions?
Drinking caffeinated coffee is associated with beneficial effects on various kidney conditions, according to a 2021 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Renal Nutrition. The study found that drinking two cups of filter coffee per day reduces the risk of developing chronic renal disease by 14%, lowers the risk of progressing from stage 4 to stage 5 (end-stage kidney disease, or ESKD) by 18%, and reduces the risk of albuminuria (a condition where there is an abnormal amount of albumin in the urine) by 19%.
While these benefits of drinking coffee are promising, it's important to understand how coffee may interact with specific kidney conditions such as chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, or kidney displasia, and how to adjust your coffee intake accordingly.
Can You Drink Coffee with Chronic Kidney Disease?
Drinking coffee with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be beneficial. A study analyzing 4,863 patients with chronic renal disease found that those consuming more than 28.2 mg of caffeine daily had a 26% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those consuming less. This protective effect was observed across different stages of CKD. Therefore, moderate coffee consumption could be part of a healthy diet for individuals with CKD.
Can You Drink Coffee with Kidney Failure?
Yes, you can drink coffee with kidney failure (renal failure), but in moderation. A 2024 study published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases found that consuming more than 6 cups of coffee per day was associated with a smaller decline in kidney function, measured as eGFR, compared to non-coffee drinkers. Specifically, higher coffee consumption was linked to a 3% lower risk of significant kidney function decline.
Can You Drink Coffee with Kidney Infection?
Drinking coffee with a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) might have mixed implications, according to experts at Institute of Molecular Biomedicine at Comenius University in Bratislava. Coffee, like cola, can increase liquid intake and diuresis, which could theoretically help reduce bacterial counts in the kidneys. However, caffeine is also a known urinary tract irritant, which might exacerbate symptoms.
Can You Drink Coffee with One Kidney?
Yes, you can drink coffee with one kidney, but moderation is key. National Kidney Foundation suggest that moderate caffeine intake (up to 400 mg per day) does not harm kidney function in individuals with a single kidney. However, excessive caffeine can lead to dehydration, which may stress the remaining kidney. It's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider to personalize recommendations based on your health status.
How To Prevent Kidney Stones?
Here are nine ways on how to prevent or avoid kidney stones, according to a 2023 study review titled "Kidney Stone Prevention" published in Advances in Nutrition Journal.
- Increase Fluid Intake: Drink 2.5-3.0 liters (about 85-100 ounces or 10-12 glasses) of water per day to ensure adequate urine output and prevent stone formation.
- Maintain Diuresis: Aim for a urine output of more than 2.0-2.5 liters per day, which typically translates to going to the bathroom about 6-8 times a day.
- Limit Sodium Intake: Reduce sodium consumption to 2-3 grams per day (about 1 teaspoon) to decrease calcium excretion in the urine. Avoid foods high in sodium such as processed meats, canned soups, salty snacks, and fast food.
- Moderate Protein Intake: Limit animal protein intake to 0.8-1.0 grams per kilogram of body weight per day (for example, about 65-82 grams per day for someone who weighs 180 lbs) and increase plant protein consumption.
- Consume Adequate Calcium: Ensure sufficient calcium intake of 1000-1200 mg per day through diet by consuming foods like dairy products (one cup of milk or yogurt), leafy greens (one cup of cooked kale), and fortified foods (one serving of fortified orange juice). Each serving typically provides about 200-300 mg of calcium.
- Avoid High-Oxalate Foods: Limit foods rich in oxalate, such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate, to reduce oxalate levels in urine.
- Avoid Excessive Vitamin Supplements: Avoid high doses of vitamin C and vitamin D supplements as they can increase the risk of kidney stones.
- Include Citrus Fruits: Increase the proportion of citrus fruits in the diet, such as oranges and lemons, which can help increase citrate levels in urine.
- Include Lifestyle Modifications: Maintain a normal body mass index (BMI), avoid smoking, and compensate for fluid loss if working in high-temperature environments.
The study also highlights the importance of using natural bioactive compounds like caffeine and EGCG, medications such as thiazides, potassium citrate, and allopurinol, addressing bacterial infections, and supplementing with probiotics like O. formigenes and Lactobacillus spp. to reduce kidney stone risk. These measures can help manage and prevent kidney stones by leveraging dietary, pharmacological, and microbiological strategies.
What Kind of Coffee Is Good for Kidney Stones?
Given the nuanced relationship between coffee and kidney health, there's no single "best" type of coffee for everyone. However, at Powerbean Coffee, we recommend hydrating and refreshing options with a lower coffee-to-water ratio. This means coffee drinks like drip (Chemex, V60), filter, or cold brew are preferable, as they naturally contain more water. Remember, the type of bean is up to your taste, but the preparation method is key for kidney-friendly coffee consumption. Explore our range of coffee beans and brewing methods at Powerbean Coffee to find your perfect balance of flavor and hydration!
