5 types of tea that may support kidney health.. Do you drink one of them?

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The kidneys act as the body's filtration system, removing waste and excess fluid from about 50 gallons of blood each day. The drinks you drink affect the amount of effort your kidneys make to keep you healthy.

However, no drink in general can treat or reverse kidney disease, but some types of tea can be part of a kidney-friendly routine, according to a report published by the “Verywell Health” website.

The following types are widely available, easy to drink in abundance, and are supported by some research related to hydration and antioxidant activity, or to blood pressure and blood sugar factors related to kidney health.

Green tea is one of the most studied types of tea in terms of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and some studies have linked drinking it regularly to slight improvements in blood pressure and blood sugar. Some observational research has also found that tea drinkers tend to have a lower risk of kidney stones, perhaps because tea adds to their daily fluid intake.

Green tea is good for health, but more is not better when it comes to concentrated supplements. Always choose infused tea over green tea extract supplements, which provide much higher doses of catechins and have been linked to rare cases of liver damage.

Hibiscus is made from dried Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers. It is naturally caffeine-free, with a tart, cranberry-like flavor and a deep red color due to anthocyanins, antioxidants that give plants some of their pigments.

Hibiscus has some of the strongest human evidence of a kidney-related risk factor, specifically helping to lower high blood pressure. But because of this effect, those taking blood pressure medications or diuretics should consult their healthcare provider before drinking it daily.

Chamomile is extracted from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant. It is caffeine-free and has a mild taste, which is why it is popular as a bedtime drink.

Chamomile generally contains less oxalate than black tea. Oxalate is a mineral that may accumulate and contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Chamomile contains flavonoids such as apigenin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, although human research remains limited.

You should keep in mind that chamomile may interfere with blood thinners such as warfarin. People who are allergic to ragweed (Ambrosia), chrysanthemums, golden chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum), marigolds or plants close to them may also react to it.

Ginger is naturally caffeine-free, has a warm flavor, and can be prepared from fresh, sliced ​​ginger roots or from prepared tea bags. It contains compounds called gingerol and shogaol that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Ginger in large quantities may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners, and may affect blood sugar in those taking diabetes medications.

White tea is the least processed form of Camellia sinensis, made from only young leaves and buds that are withered and dried. Oolong, or “black dragon tea,” is partially oxidized, placing it between green and black tea in terms of flavor and processing. However, it contains polyphenols, another type of antioxidant compound in plants.

Tea is a popular drink for many, and it has a long list of potential benefits, including those related to the kidneys. Although there is no tea that treats existing kidney disease or the effects of high blood pressure, diabetes, or other conditions that stress the kidneys, unsweetened tea can be a great addition to a kidney-supportive diet.

Tea helps support hydration, provides antioxidant benefits, and contributes to controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, which are the two main causes of chronic kidney failure, and together represent about two-thirds of cases. Both damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys that filter blood. Anything that helps keep these conditions under control may indirectly contribute to protecting the kidneys.

Although drinking unsweetened tea in moderation is likely low-risk for most people, some people may need to consult a healthcare provider before adopting a new habit, such as those with chronic kidney disease or those undergoing dialysis, those with kidney stones, and those taking certain medications, as some types of tea may interact with blood pressure medications, diuretics, blood thinners, lithium, and some organ transplant medications.