Coffee Or Tea - Which Is Better For Dialysis And Kidney Transplant Patients With CKD?

 
© ALL CREDIT TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.

© ALL CREDIT TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.

 

A viewer wrote, "I have to have caffeine in the morning. I have always had coffee, but I switched to tea because it seemed healthier. Now when I drink tea my heart rate is elevated and I feel warm. Should I go back to coffee? Is it better?"

Recommended Reading: The Truth About Coffee And Its Effect On Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Most Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis and Kidney Transplant patients need a "pick-me-up" to start their mornings. Coffee and tea (hot or cold) are two common drinks both in western countries and eastern countries that offer patients a daily dose of energy boosting caffeine. However, is this the best for those with Chronic Kidney Disease?

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In most cases, the caffeine found in both coffee and tea provides those with Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, Diabetes and a Kidney Transplant with the energy they need to comfortably begin their day. While both drinks are considered "Low Potassium" options for Dialysis patients who often must limit potassium intake, "Consuming more than 1 portion can make a lower potassium option such as coffee and tea into a higher potassium drink," according to the National Kidney Foundation.

Recommended Reading: A Surprising Pick-Me-Up Which Is Better Than Coffee For Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetic Patients

Hence, Chronic Kidney Disease patients should consider limiting coffee intake to eight (8) ounces and tea to just sixteen (16) fluid ounces. Aside from the daily intake recommendations, there is not much of a difference between the two commonly consumed drinks.

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Patients should know that over-consumption of tea or coffee may lead to heartbeat irregularity, tremors, sleep issues, confusion, swelling, dizziness, High Blood Pressure, poor Blood Sugar Management, and even Heart Health complications. These drinks can also actually make those with Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis thirstier, causing them to over-drink and risk fluid overload ( too much fluid in the blood).

Recommended Reading: Sodas And Drinks That Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetic Patients Can Enjoy Or Should Avoid

For Kidney Transplant patients, studies have found that the consumption of both black and green teas may improve several markers of a healthy Kidney Transplant, "including Creatinine Levels, Blood Urea Nitrogen, Uric Acid and Excretion of Glucose," suggested Livestrong.com. The 40 year old organization, Nephrology Physicians LLC., noted that Coffee and tea were also low in fat/cholesterol, phosphorus and sodium.  

Recommended Reading: Is Juice Really Better Than Colas For Chronic Kidney Disease And Diabetic Patients?

Still, by drinking less caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee as well as limiting sugar filled juices and sodas, and drinking more water while abiding by any applicable fluid restrictions - patients may further boost their health outcomes.

Recommended Reading: Juice Many Chronic Kidney Disease And Diabetics May Be Avoiding Found To Help Improve Health

What do you prefer to drink to start your day, and why - coffee or tea? Share your answers at KidneyBuzz.com. Also, for more peer-to-peer insights as well as to share additional experiences, join the over 25,500 Friends who have Liked KidneyBuzz.com's Facebook Fan Page (click here). Also, visit KidneyBuzz.com for your Number One (1) source of Daily News, Information, Impact Meals, Inspiration, and Products and Services tailored for Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure patients.

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