One of the most popular hot beverages in our country is tea. Though enjoyed by everyone, tea is a matter of discussion for a dialysis guest as dialysis therapy comes with dietary restrictions and recommendations. Now the question is, is tea completely off-limit for dialysis patients? The answer is “no”. The good news is that dialysis guests can still enjoy this hot beverage with some modification.
Let us now dive into a detailed understanding of the factors of having tea:
Understanding Renal-Diet:
Dialysis guests are bound to follow a strict renal diet suggested by their dietician. The diet plan is usually designed to minimise the waste buildup and excess fluids in their bodies. This diet mainly involves monitoring and controlling the intake of certain nutrients, such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluids – which are bad for a dialysis guest’s body. Hence, when we talk about consuming tea, it is crucial to observe whether it contains one of these nutrients.
Tea and its components:
Many kinds of tea leaves – black, green, herbal, etc. are made from the Camellia Sinensis plant leaves. Additionally, they have components such as caffeine, polyphenols, and oxalates, which have different effects on our bodies. Let us now see how these components influence kidney health.
Caffeine Content:
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in tea. It can temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate. Physicians generally advise limiting caffeine intake to dialysis guests because it can worsen hypertension, which is a common symptom of kidney disease. Although tea has less caffeine content in comparison to coffee, it is still essential for dialysis guests to be mindful of their overall caffeine consumption. Moreover, they should always consult their doctors before changing their diet.
Polyphenols and Antioxidants:
Tea is rich in polyphenols – good antioxidants with several health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. These antioxidants are generally considered a positive aspect of tea consumption for dialysis guests, as they can help relieve stress.
Oxalates and Kidney Stones:
Oxalate content is a harmful compound present in tea. This contributes to the formation of kidney stones. Tea, like black tea, is high in oxalates. For individuals with a history of kidney stones, it’s crucial to consult their physician/dietician about the advisability of including tea in their diet.
Moderation Is Key:
The key to incorporating tea into a dialysis diet is moderation. Here are two tips for dialysis patients who want to enjoy tea safely:
The dietician of NephroPlus suggests, Herbal Tea containing ginger, pepper, honey, mint and basil leaves, is kidney-friendly and has ailing properties. These can be a safer option for dialysis patients.
Always remember that tea is not a substitute for water. Dialysis guests need to maintain prescribed hydration. Therefore, don’t rely solely on tea for your fluid intake.
Every dialysis guest can enjoy a cup of hot tea like everyone – with moderation and careful consideration. As always, dialysis guests must consult with their doctor/dietician first and then include any product in their diet plan that aligns with their overall health goals and only kidney function. With proper guidance, dialysis guests can continue savouring tea’s warmth and flavour while safeguarding their kidney health.
To learn more about renal-friendly diets and dialysis-friendly recipes, click here!