If you start each day with a cup of coffee, you’re not alone. Coffee is one of the most popular drinks worldwide, with an estimated 2.25 billion cups consumed daily. But for as much as people love coffee, it’s often debated in the world of health. One common concern: Does coffee cause kidney stones?
The short answer is no. Coffee does not appear to cause kidney stones. In fact, recent research suggests it may offer some protection. But to understand why, it helps to know what kidney stones are and how they form.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are small, hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys. They can vary in size, from a grain of sand to a pebble. Some people may pass them without even realizing it, but larger stones can cause intense pain and lead to complications if they block urine flow.
Kidney stones develop when certain substances in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, become too concentrated. This can cause crystals to form, which may stick together and grow into stones. Contributing factors include:
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Diets high in sodium, sugar, or animal protein
- A family history of kidney stones
- Certain medical conditions, including diabetes and obesity
The most common type of kidney stone is a calcium oxalate stone, formed when calcium binds with oxalate in the urine.
Does Coffee Cause Kidney Stones?
Coffee has long been thought to contribute to dehydration, due to its caffeine content. Since dehydration is a known risk factor for kidney stones, many assumed that coffee might increase the risk. But more recent studies suggest otherwise.
Here’s what we now know:
- Coffee increases urine output. When consumed in moderate amounts, coffee helps the body excrete more urine, which may reduce the concentration of minerals that form kidney stones.
- It may lower calcium levels in urine. Some studies have found that coffee drinkers have slightly lower levels of calcium in their urine, which may reduce stone formation.
- Coffee contains beneficial compounds. Antioxidants and other bioactive substances in coffee may help prevent crystal formation.
- It may support blood sugar control. Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of kidney stones. Some research suggests that black coffee may improve insulin sensitivity.
In fact, several studies have shown that people who drink coffee regularly are less likely to develop kidney stones. The benefit appears strongest with unsweetened, black coffee consumed in moderation. That’s about 1 to 2 cups per day.
When to Talk to a Doctor
If you’ve had kidney stones in the past or are at risk, it’s smart to review your diet and fluid intake with a healthcare provider. In most cases, coffee is safe and may even offer protective benefits. But everyone’s risk factors are different, especially for those with other medical conditions.
So, does coffee cause kidney stones? For most people, the answer is no. Moderate coffee consumption may actually help lower the risk of stones
If you’re concerned about kidney stone symptoms, don’t delay – call 843.347.2450 to schedule an appointment with a urologist today.