Kidney disease is one of the fastest-growing diseases globally. The risk of kidney disease is being seen in people of almost every age. Health experts say that unhealthy lifestyles and diets hurt kidney health like other parts of the body. Studies have shown that kidney problems can be serious and life-threatening, not only this, kidney patients are also at risk of developing mental health conditions like depression and stress, hence it is important that this organ is taken care of from an early age. Serious attention should be given to better care.
Today is World Kidney Day, World Kidney Day is celebrated on the second Thursday of March to make people aware of the increasing number of kidney diseases across the world. This year's Kidney Day theme is Kidney Health for All.
Health experts say that to keep the kidneys healthy and prevent diseases related to them, it is most important to maintain a proper diet. In some studies, coffee consumption has been shown to prevent kidney diseases and reduce the risk of kidney injury.
Does coffee cure kidney problems?
Earlier studies have shown the benefits of moderate consumption of coffee to the liver. In another similar study, researchers said that if you drink coffee in moderation, it can also benefit the kidneys.
According to the report published in Kidney International, drinking coffee can prevent kidney damage. This drink can be helpful for you in protecting you from the risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and also reducing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
What did the study find?
To understand how beneficial coffee is for the kidneys, the team of researchers included 14,207 adults aged 45 to 64 years. In this, an attempt was made to know the consumption of coffee and its effects along with dietary habits. In this study conducted for 24 years, 1694 cases of AKI were reported.
The researchers found that kidney disease increases due to decreased total calories, lack of physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption, and poor diet quality. However, participants who consumed coffee along with diet and lifestyle improvements were found to have a lower risk of serious problems like AKI.
What does coffee do?
Researchers said that a component called caffeine is found in coffee, which works as a methylxanthine alkaloid and adenosine receptor. It helps promote kidney functions. Apart from this, caffeine also prevents excessive absorption of sodium, which keeps blood pressure under control.
However, health experts say, coffee is beneficial only when nothing is mixed in it and it is consumed in moderate quantities. Drinking less than three cups of coffee per day is generally considered safe. Black coffee should be consumed for maximum benefits; adding sugar or milk to it may reduce its nutritional value.
What is the conclusion of the study?
We sought to explore the associations between coffee consumption and the risks of AKI in a large and diverse population of middle-aged adults, the scientists said in the study's conclusion. Research shows that coffee may be a good drink for cardiovascular health, but only if consumed less than three cups a day.
Some studies have warned of the risk of high blood pressure from drinking too much coffee, a condition known to be problematic for the kidneys. Consuming it in small quantities can help in keeping both kidney and liver organs healthy.
(PC: iStock)
