Doctor of Medicine, Level one Specialist Mach Thi Chuc Linh from the Department of Urology - Nephrology - Andrology at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, states that bubble tea is not a direct cause of kidney diseases. However, frequent and large consumption, especially over a long period, can negatively impact this organ. Individuals with a history of kidney stones, those who drink little water, consume excessive salt, are obese, lead sedentary lifestyles, or frequently hold urine are at higher risk of being affected.

The doctor outlines four impacts of excessive bubble tea consumption on the kidneys.

Risk of kidney stone formation

Bubble tea is often made from black or green tea, which contains natural oxalates. These oxalates can combine with calcium to form small crystals. If water intake is low or urine is too concentrated, these crystals can bind together and develop into kidney stones.

Frequent bubble tea consumption can increase the risk of kidney stone formation. *Photo: Dinh Lam*

A typical bubble tea can contain about 30-60g of sugar, even more with added toppings. Excessive sugar intake increases calcium excretion in urine, raises uric acid levels, and alters urine pH. It can also promote insulin resistance and metabolic disorders, making the urine environment more prone to crystal formation and stone development.

Risk of chronic kidney disease

Regular, long-term bubble tea consumption can easily lead to overweight, obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease. Prolonged high blood sugar gradually damages the microvessels in the glomeruli, impairing kidney filtering function over time.

Potential kidney damage

The calorie and sugar content in bubble tea contributes to weight gain and metabolic syndrome. These factors increase the risk of sustained high blood pressure, forcing kidney blood vessels to endure greater than normal pressure. This can eventually lead to fibrosis and impaired kidney function. Doctor Linh states that high blood pressure is a common cause of chronic kidney disease in adults.

Concentrated urine

Some individuals habitually drink bubble tea but do not consume enough plain water. When the body is dehydrated, urine becomes more concentrated, increasing the levels of substances such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid.

Doctor Linh notes that the risk associated with this beverage depends on individual constitution, water intake, diet, and medical history. To consume bubble tea while maintaining kidney health, individuals should not substitute it for plain water, limit daily consumption, choose low-sugar and low-topping options, and avoid overly strong tea. After consumption, it is important to maintain regular physical activity, drink sufficient water, and avoid staying up late.

Patients should seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as lower back pain, painful urination, blood in urine, cloudy urine, or intermittent colicky pain. These could be warning signs of kidney diseases.

Dinh Lam