Kidney Stones Not Just from Dehydration! Doctor Warns of '3 Dangerous Drinks' Popular in Taiwan—40-Year-Old Man Nearly Suffers Kidney Failure

In Taiwan, 1 in 10 people suffer from kidney stones, and acute attacks often bring excruciating pain. Nephrologist Dr. Hong Yong-Xiang shared a clinical case of a 40-year-old man who, after drinking strong tea as a substitute for water for 10 years, suffered four recurrent episodes of acute kidney stones, nearly developing kidney failure during his most recent attack last week.

Dr. Hong, in a post on his Facebook page 'Dr. Hong Yong-Xiang's Chronic Kidney Failure Conquest Therapy,' explained that the man was first diagnosed with kidney stones at age 30 and has since experienced four episodes over 10 years. During one episode, he suddenly collapsed from severe pain in his lower right back while climbing stairs and was rushed to the hospital. Tests revealed dozens of sand-like calcium oxalate stones filling his right kidney, confirming acute kidney stone formation. His right kidney was swollen, putting him at risk of kidney failure.

Upon further questioning, the doctor discovered the man rarely drank plain water and had long replaced it with strong tea, leading to repeated accumulation of oxalate and stones. Dr. Hong emphasized that 1 in 10 people in Taiwan suffer from kidney stones, with a 50% recurrence rate within five years, making it a serious health concern.

Doctor’s Warning: 3 'Dangerous Drinks' That May Trigger Kidney Stones

Dr. Hong identified three commonly consumed beverages that, when overconsumed, can promote kidney stone formation:

1. Sugary bubble teas and packaged fruit juices: High-fructose corn syrup in these drinks is metabolized in the body to directly promote uric acid production, while increasing urinary excretion of calcium and oxalate, accelerating kidney stone growth.

2. Dark-colored carbonated drinks like cola: Cola contains large amounts of phosphoric acid, which alters urine pH and contributes to kidney stone formation.

3. Strong tea, cocoa, and beer: Strong tea and cocoa contain high concentrations of oxalate. Beer, when metabolized, produces lactic acid that hinders uric acid excretion. Its diuretic effect also causes dehydration and urine concentration, significantly increasing stone risk.

Preventing Kidney Stones: Doctor’s 'Golden Hydration Rule' for Kidney Health

To effectively prevent and reduce kidney stone risk, Dr. Hong recommends the following kidney-protective principles:

· Water is best: Adults should consume fluids equivalent to 3%–4% of their body weight daily, aiming for over 2,000cc of urine output per day. Urine should remain clear and light yellow.

· Use lemon water and fresh milk: Citric acid in lemon prevents calcium oxalate crystal formation. Drinking milk with meals allows dietary calcium to bind with oxalate in the intestines, excreting it through feces and reducing urinary oxalate levels.

· Dilute tea and coffee: Always dilute tea or coffee with water and avoid drinking them on an empty stomach.

Q1: Why does drinking strong tea instead of water lead to kidney stones?

A: Strong tea contains high levels of oxalate. If fluid intake is insufficient and strong tea is consumed long-term instead of water, oxalate binds with calcium in the body and may precipitate in the kidneys, forming calcium oxalate stones.

Q2: How much water should one drink daily to prevent kidney stones?

A: It is recommended that adults consume fluids equivalent to 3%–4% of their body weight, ensuring daily urine output exceeds 2,000cc, with clear, light yellow urine as the target.

Source: Dr. Hong Yong-Xiang's Chronic Kidney Failure Conquest Therapy