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What Are The Adverse Effects Of Consuming High Amounts Of Iced Tea?
Question: Hello,
I recently read an article on how too much iced tea every day is bad for you as it can cause kidney failure. They never REALLY specified what kind of iced tea it was and how it was made. I recently bought a Mr. Coffee Iced Tea maker and have been using three tea bags (Usually a green tea and then two other berry teas) along with about 1 Quart of water and 2 Quarts of ice. After the ice melts, you're left with 2 quarts of iced tea. I do not add any other sugars or sweeteners so it's only tea and water. If I drink the 2 Quarts throughout the day, is that bad for me? Is that too much? I am trying to find a good solution to replace soda as I used to drink A LOT. It also helps me feel more full which is a plus as I am also trying to lose weight. I just don't want to do something that could end up hurting me. I know too much of a good thing is never good, so that's why I am asking.
Here are the articles that talked about the dangers of too much iced tea:
http://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2015/04/042315_cvarticle-iced-tea-kidney.php
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/medical-conditions/iced-tea-danger-how-much-is-too-much
I recently read an article on how too much iced tea every day is bad for you as it can cause kidney failure. They never REALLY specified what kind of iced tea it was and how it was made. I recently bought a Mr. Coffee Iced Tea maker and have been using three tea bags (Usually a green tea and then two other berry teas) along with about 1 Quart of water and 2 Quarts of ice. After the ice melts, you're left with 2 quarts of iced tea. I do not add any other sugars or sweeteners so it's only tea and water. If I drink the 2 Quarts throughout the day, is that bad for me? Is that too much? I am trying to find a good solution to replace soda as I used to drink A LOT. It also helps me feel more full which is a plus as I am also trying to lose weight. I just don't want to do something that could end up hurting me. I know too much of a good thing is never good, so that's why I am asking.
Here are the articles that talked about the dangers of too much iced tea:
http://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2015/04/042315_cvarticle-iced-tea-kidney.php
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/medical-conditions/iced-tea-danger-how-much-is-too-much
Brief Answer:
Hello Welcome to HCM
Detailed Answer:
The case in question involves a man who drank a GALLON of iced tea per day.
This is the proposed mechanism:
As your article says quite clearly, the amount of oxalates in the amount of tea you are drinking is still quite high and you get oxalates from other foods mentioned below, even brewing as you do.
The average person gets 150 - 500 mg of oxalates per day from vegetables,legumes beverages. One gallon of tea contains 1500 mg of oxalates, which is a lot.
Everyone is different, but 2 quarts of iced tea is a lot no matter how well your kidneys work. Then if you add kidney beans, legumes, broccoli, you are getting a very high load of oxalates. Spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts, chocolate, wheat XXXXXXX strawberries, peanuts, almonds, are also high in oxalate.
If you have kidney stones in the family, one needs to drink 3-4 gallons of water and restrict their oxalates. So, it is all individual. I suggest you cut down on the iced tea and try the suggestion below.
Here'a an idea - if you get tired of plain water use the Sweet drops that contain stevia sweetener. It is the only sugar substitute I advise using.
Yes, cut down on the ice tea and increase plain water.
Everything in moderation. . .
Regards, Kathy Shattler, MS,RDN
Hello Welcome to HCM
Detailed Answer:
The case in question involves a man who drank a GALLON of iced tea per day.
This is the proposed mechanism:
As your article says quite clearly, the amount of oxalates in the amount of tea you are drinking is still quite high and you get oxalates from other foods mentioned below, even brewing as you do.
The average person gets 150 - 500 mg of oxalates per day from vegetables,legumes beverages. One gallon of tea contains 1500 mg of oxalates, which is a lot.
Everyone is different, but 2 quarts of iced tea is a lot no matter how well your kidneys work. Then if you add kidney beans, legumes, broccoli, you are getting a very high load of oxalates. Spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts, chocolate, wheat XXXXXXX strawberries, peanuts, almonds, are also high in oxalate.
If you have kidney stones in the family, one needs to drink 3-4 gallons of water and restrict their oxalates. So, it is all individual. I suggest you cut down on the iced tea and try the suggestion below.
Here'a an idea - if you get tired of plain water use the Sweet drops that contain stevia sweetener. It is the only sugar substitute I advise using.
Yes, cut down on the ice tea and increase plain water.
Everything in moderation. . .
Regards, Kathy Shattler, MS,RDN
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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