Many individuals routinely consume tea instead of plain water, believing in its antioxidant properties. However, nephrologist Hong Yongxiang from Taiwan, China, warns that completely abstaining from pure water does not offer health benefits; instead, it can push the excretory organs into a critical state.

In clinical practice, Dr. Hong once treated a 60-year-old male patient who was admitted for emergency care due to severe lower back pain, painful urination with dark brown urine, and vomiting. Imaging results revealed both kidneys were filled with dense calcium oxalate stones, leading to urinary tract obstruction and acute kidney failure. The root cause was a decades-long habit of exclusively drinking strong tea in large pots, never consuming a single sip of plain water.

According to Dr. Hong Yongxiang, while tea contains beneficial compounds like polyphenols and catechins, completely substituting water with tea activates three health risks:

Oxalate accumulation causing kidney stones

Both green and black teas contain high concentrations of oxalate. Prolonged consumption of strong tea causes this substance's level in the body to surge. When excreted through the urinary tract, oxalate binds with calcium to form calcium oxalate crystals, leading to kidney stones or oxalate nephropathy.

Kidney dehydration due to diuretic effect

The caffeine content in tea leaves accelerates urine excretion. If the body eliminates large amounts of fluid without proper replenishment, it can enter a state of latent dehydration, increasing blood viscosity and reducing blood flow to the kidneys.

Increased burden of toxin clearance

Kidneys require pure water to dissolve and excrete metabolic waste. Meanwhile, components such as theophylline, phosphorus, and oxalate in strong tea demand continuous work from the kidneys to process, making this organ susceptible to overload and functional decline.

Many people have a daily habit of drinking tea instead of plain water, believing in its antioxidant properties. Illustration: Bao Bao

To enjoy the flavorful taste of tea while protecting kidney function, Dr. Hong Yongxiang recommends adhering to the golden rule of "1:1 rehydration": healthy adults must still prioritize plain water as their primary fluid source daily.

When desiring tea, individuals should follow an "alternating tea and water" mechanism: after consuming each cup of tea, the body must be replenished with at least an equivalent amount of plain water. Additionally, it is essential to avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach or consuming tea steeped for too long, as these contain highly concentrated oxalate. This approach allows one to enjoy tea while maintaining healthy kidneys.

My Y (According to Yahoo TW)