In the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, the choice of beverages is of great significance. Plain water is beneficial for health but may lack flavor. On the other hand, various sugary drinks, milk teas, and fruit juices, although delicious, are not very friendly to blood sugar, blood lipids, and uric acid levels, especially for kidney health. Today, we will introduce six natural beverages in detail. They are not only pleasant to drink but also can invigorate the kidneys. Whether you are someone who pays attention to kidney health or a kidney disease patient, you might as well learn about them.
Green Tea: A Powerful Antioxidant for Kidney Health
Green tea is widely loved in China for its "elegant appearance, high - grade aroma, and pure taste". It is not only a delicious drink but also a guardian of kidney health. Among various teas, green tea contains the most antioxidant substance - tea polyphenols. Animal experiments have shown that tea polyphenols are a super antioxidant that can prevent kidney fibrosis and effectively delay the progression of kidney diseases.
Many studies have also confirmed the protective effect of green tea on the kidneys. A study published in the journal *Food and Function* found that tea polyphenols can reduce the release of inflammatory factors by inhibiting the oxidative stress response in the kidneys, thus alleviating kidney damage. In another clinical trial on patients with chronic kidney disease, after the participants continuously drank green tea for a period of time, their kidney function indicators were significantly improved, with a decrease in serum creatinine levels and an increase in glomerular filtration rate.
In addition to its direct protective effect on the kidneys, green tea also performs well in preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. A 13 - year follow - up study involving more than 80,000 people published in the authoritative medical journal *Stroke* found that drinking green tea is closely related to a reduced risk of stroke. Compared with those who do not drink green tea, people who drink 2 - 3 cups of green tea per day have a 14% lower risk of stroke, and those who drink ≥ 4 cups per day have a 20% lower risk. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are the number one killer of patients with renal failure and uremia. Therefore, for kidney disease patients, drinking an appropriate amount of green tea is of great significance for preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications.
There are many common varieties of green tea. For example, West Lake Longjing has a flat and smooth shape, a tender green and lustrous color, a fresh and high - pitched aroma, and a fresh, sweet, and mellow taste. Dongting Biluochun has slender and curly strips, is covered with fine hairs, has a silver - white and emerald - green color, a strong aroma, and a fresh, mellow, and sweet - aftertaste. Xinyang Maojian has a thin, round, smooth, and straight shape, with many white hairs, a green color, a clear and bright soup, a high - pitched and long - lasting aroma, and a strong, mellow, and fresh taste. Lu'an Guapian has single - piece and straight leaves, without buds or stems, a precious - green color, a frosty appearance, a high - pitched aroma, and a fresh, mellow, and sweet - aftertaste. Huangshan Maofeng has a slightly curled shape like a sparrow's tongue, a yellow - green color with silver hairs showing, and a golden - yellow fish - leaf (commonly known as the golden piece). When brewed, it has a fog - like top in the cup, a clear and slightly yellow soup, yellow - green and vibrant leaves at the bottom, a mellow and sweet taste, an orchid - like aroma, and a profound charm. You can choose the green tea that suits you according to your taste preferences.
Black Tea: Warming the Body and Protecting the Kidneys
Black tea originated in China and was later introduced to West Asia and Europe, becoming widely popular around the world. It is rich in nutrients such as catechins, flavonoids, and theanine, with a unique flavor and multiple health benefits.
A 7 - year follow - up study involving more than 50,000 people in Zhejiang, China, showed that drinking black tea is related to a reduced risk of stroke. The research data shows that compared with non - tea drinkers, people who drink 1 - 3g of black tea per day have a 3% lower risk of stroke; those who drink 3 - 5g per day have an 11% lower risk; and those who drink ≥ 5g per day have a 20% lower risk. The nutrients in black tea can promote vasodilation, reduce blood viscosity, and decrease the risk of blood clots, thus protecting cardiovascular health and indirectly reducing the burden on the kidneys.
In terms of the direct protection of the kidneys, the theanine in black tea can regulate the metabolism of kidney cells and enhance the kidney's detoxification function. A study in Japan found that theanine can improve the oxidative stress state of the kidneys and reduce the damage of kidney cells. In addition, the flavonoids in black tea have anti - inflammatory effects, which help to relieve chronic inflammation in the kidneys and protect kidney tissues.
Common black teas in China include Lapsang Souchong from the Wuyi Mountain area, which has a unique pine - smoke flavor and longan - soup taste. Congou black tea is exquisitely made, with tightly - knotted strips, a black and lustrous color, a strong aroma, and a mellow taste. Broken black tea has small particles and a quick - releasing flavor when brewed, which is suitable for making tea bags. Kidney disease patients can choose different types of black tea according to their preferences.
Ginger Tea: Warming, Anti - inflammatory, and Relieving Discomforts
Ginger is not only a common seasoning but also a health - promoting ingredient. Drinking a bowl of hot ginger tea on a cold day can warm the body and bring many benefits.
The main effect of ginger tea comes from gingerol, a powerful antioxidant. In lupus mouse experiments, it was found that gingerol has anti - neutrophil properties and can reduce inflammatory reactions. Clinical studies have also confirmed that the unique smell of gingerol has a certain effect on relieving nausea and vomiting. For kidney disease patients, if they experience discomfort such as nausea and vomiting during the treatment process, drinking an appropriate amount of ginger tea may be helpful.
Ginger tea can also promote blood circulation, help the body dissipate heat better, and improve the body's immunity. A study published in the journal *Evidence - Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine* pointed out that the active ingredients in ginger can regulate the immune system, enhance the body's resistance, help prevent infections, and reduce the risk of kidney infections.
When making ginger tea, you can cut or shred fresh ginger and soak it in boiling water. You can also add an appropriate amount of brown sugar to improve the taste. However, it should be noted that ginger tea is hot in nature. If kidney disease patients already have symptoms of getting angry, such as a sore throat or gum bleeding, they should drink it in moderation to avoid aggravating the symptoms.
Wolfberries: Nourishing the Eyes and Kidneys
The saying "soaking wolfberries in a thermos cup" fully reflects the status of wolfberries in the field of health preservation. Wolfberries are rich in nutrients and are known as the "red treasure", which have good health - care effects on the kidneys and eyes.
Wolfberries are rich in β - carotenoids such as zeaxanthin and lutein, which are essential for eye health. Research has found that supplementing zeaxanthin from wolfberries helps prevent the loss of macular pigment in high - myopia patients. For kidney disease patients who often use mobile phones and computers, drinking wolfberry tea in moderation can relieve eye fatigue and protect eyesight.
The wolfberry polysaccharides contained in wolfberries have a positive impact on the body's immune and metabolic functions. It can regulate the immune system, enhance the body's resistance, and at the same time promote metabolism, help the body excrete toxins, and reduce the burden on the kidneys. In a study on patients with diabetic nephropathy, it was found that wolfberry polysaccharides can improve the patients' kidney function indicators and reduce the level of urinary protein.
In recent years, black wolfberries have gradually attracted people's attention. Black wolfberries contain relatively more anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that are helpful in improving chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is an important factor in the progression of many kidney diseases. Therefore, black wolfberries are also a good choice for kidney disease patients.
However, although wolfberries are good, they should not be consumed in excess. Put about a dozen or 20 grains each time. Eating too many wolfberries may cause discomfort such as dry mouth, sore throat, swollen gums, hot flashes, and night sweats. If these symptoms occur, the amount should be reduced accordingly.
Fruit Tea: Natural Nutrition, a New Healthy Choice
With the popularization of health concepts, fruit tea is becoming more and more popular among young people. However, we recommend making fruit tea with real ingredients at home instead of choosing the products made from fruit flavor powder in milk tea shops.
Passion fruit is one of the high - quality raw materials for making fruit tea. It is named for its aroma of various fruits. It contains rich nutrients such as vitamin C, β - carotene, minerals, dietary fiber, and flavonoids. Vitamin C has antioxidant effects and can enhance immunity. β - carotene can be converted into vitamin A, which is beneficial to eye and skin health. Dietary fiber helps to promote intestinal peristalsis, prevent constipation, and reduce the excretory burden on the kidneys.
Lemon is also a common ingredient in fruit tea. It was first known for its high vitamin C content. In the past, sailors prevented scurvy by drinking lemon juice. Lemons also contain citric acid. Although it tastes sour, it is metabolized into an alkaline substance in the human body, making it suitable for kidney disease patients with high uric acid. Some studies have shown that citric acid can combine with uric acid in the body and promote the excretion of uric acid, thus reducing blood uric acid levels.
When making fruit tea, you can cut the passion fruit in half, take out the pulp and juice and put them in a cup, add an appropriate amount of lemon slices, and brew with warm water. You can also add honey or rock sugar according to your personal taste, but pay attention to controlling the sugar intake.
Flower Tea: Unique Flavor, Special Care
Flower teas such as "chrysanthemum tea" and "honeysuckle tea" are deeply loved by people. Although they have the word "tea" in their names, they are different from ordinary teas. They are made from flower petals and do not contain caffeine. For kidney disease patients who are sensitive to caffeine and feel palpitations or insomnia after drinking tea or coffee, flower tea is a good choice.
Chrysanthemum tea has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, and improving eyesight. Chrysanthemums contain ingredients such as volatile oils and flavonoids, which have anti - inflammatory and antibacterial effects and are helpful in relieving upper respiratory tract inflammations such as pharyngitis and tonsillitis. Some studies have shown that the flavonoids in chrysanthemums can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors and reduce the inflammatory response.
Rose tea is a great choice for female kidney disease patients. Some studies have found that drinking rose tea helps relieve menstrual pain, anxiety, and psychological disorders. Roses are rich in volatile oils and anthocyanins, which have the effects of soothing emotions and regulating the endocrine system. Drinking rose tea in moderation during menstruation can make female kidney disease patients feel more comfortable during this special period.
Precautions for Drinking
1. Potassium Intake: Kidney disease patients may worry that tea leaves, passion fruits, etc. are high in potassium. In fact, only a few grams of tea leaves are used each time, and a passion fruit is about several tens of grams. Drinking in moderation will not lead to excessive potassium intake. Kidney disease patients with high creatinine levels can also drink them, but just avoid making the drink too strong. If a patient's blood potassium level is already high, they should drink with caution under the guidance of a doctor.
2. Iron Supplementation Precautions: If kidney disease patients are taking iron supplements due to anemia, it is recommended to drink less green tea, black tea, and other teas, and give priority to other beverages. The tannic acid in strong tea can combine with iron to form insoluble substances, affecting iron absorption.
3. Moderate Honey Addition: If kidney disease patients want to add some honey to their drinks, it is acceptable, but since honey contains a lot of sugar, only a small spoonful is enough each time to avoid excessive sugar intake and increasing the burden on the kidneys and other organs of the body.
4. Precautions for Pomelo Tea: Pomelo can also be used to make fruit tea. However, kidney disease patients who are taking medications such as amlodipine and other dihydropyridine - type calcium channel blockers, finerenone, tacrolimus/cyclosporine, and statin - type lipid - lowering drugs should not drink pomelo tea. The components in pomelo can affect the metabolism of these drugs, which may lead to too high a concentration of the drugs in the body and an increased risk of adverse reactions.
5. Cautious Selection of Chinese Herbal Medicines: If you plan to soak some Chinese herbal medicines in water, from the perspective of kidney disease patients' need for streamlined medication, unnecessary medications should be taken as little as possible to reduce the burden on the kidneys. However, if it is to relieve some discomfort symptoms, such as using ginseng tea (American ginseng, red ginseng) to improve fatigue, or astragalus to improve palpitations and low blood pressure, it is acceptable to soak these herbs without nephrotoxicity in water, but it should also be done under the guidance of a doctor.
These six natural beverages have their own characteristics and provide rich choices for kidney disease patients. In daily life, kidney disease patients can choose suitable beverages according to their tastes, physical conditions, and needs. At the same time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as a reasonable diet, appropriate exercise, and regular work and rest, is also crucial for kidney health. We hope that everyone can take good care of their kidneys through the correct choice of beverages and enjoy a healthy and beautiful life. Let's start now, invigorate our kidneys, and toast to good health!
References
[1] The impact of green tea and coffee consumption on the reduced risk of stroke incidence in Japanese population: the Japan public health center - based study cohort. *Stroke*. 2013 May;44(5):1369 - 1374.
[2] Wang H, Du HD, Hu RY, et al. A prospective study on the association between tea consumption and stroke incidence among adults in Zhejiang Province. *Chinese Journal of Epidemiology*. 2018, 39(09):1200 - 1205.
[3] Antineutrophil properties of natural gingerols in models of lupus. *JCI Insight*. 2021 Feb 8;6(3):e138385.
[4] A randomized, double - blind, placebo - controlled, multicenter study of a ginger extract in the management of chemotherapy - induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients receiving high - dose cisplatin. *Ann Oncol*. 2017 Oct 1;28(10):2547 - 2551.
[5] Macular pigment optical density responses to different levels of zeaxanthin in patients with high myopia. *Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol*. 2022 Jul;260(7):2329 - 2337.
[6] Rose tea for relief of primary dysmenorrhea in adolescents: a randomized controlled trial in Taiwan. *J Midwifery Womens Health*. 2005 Sep - Oct;50(5):e51 - e57.
This article was independently created and published by Herbfields.net.