To say coffee is a fan favorite of Americans is an understatement. It is a morning staple for half the population who drink it daily.

When someone is diagnosed with kidney disease and is forced to make dietary changes, they often ask if they need to give up coffee. The kidneys are one of the body's filtration systems, after all. 

In short, the answer is no, but there are some things to consider for all you coffee lovers with kidney issues.

How Much Coffee You Drink Matters

The key to everything in life is moderation. Mercury poisoning can result from overeating tuna. Too much cinnamon can cause liver toxicity. The question is, can coffee raise your potassium level?

Regarding coffee, three to four cups a day (standard for Americans) is considered high in constituents harmful to those with kidney disease - such as potassium. Then when you factor in that, most people add creamer or milk, and the potassium content is even further elevated. 

To keep the body balanced and not over-consume coffee, limit your intake to three or fewer cups daily. 

Mind Your Blood Pressure

Research indicates that coffee may increase blood pressure shortly after consumption. For those who are more habitual coffee drinkers, this impact was not associated with the same temporary increase.

Researchers speculate it may be due to caffeine tolerance that develops when you habitually drink coffee. However, this will more likely occur for those who are infrequent coffee drinkers, but there won't be any associated kidney pain after drinking coffee. 

While coffee may increase blood pressure temporarily after consumption, the effects don't extend beyond a short duration. For those with high blood pressure and kidney disease, research suggests coffee is unlikely to impact the overall risk significantly.

That being said, limiting consumption to three or fewer cups daily is ideal. 

Synthetic Additives 

The way coffee is processed and what has often been added are more significant problems than coffee itself. An 8-ounce latte made without flavored syrup rings in with 183 mg of phosphorus and a surprising 328 mg of potassium.

Additionally, cheaper versions of coffee are often sources of toxic mold. According to Dave Asprey, "cheaper coffee varieties cost less because they use poor quality beans, and they allow a higher percentage of damaged [moldy] beans, and then companies process them with techniques that add flavor but amplify the number of toxins."

Then there is the consideration of coffee creamers. Manufacturers are known to add chemical phosphates for flavor, shelf stability, or other reasons. These chemical phosphates are easily and readily absorbed by the body and can cause damage to the average layperson, specifically those with kidney disease. 

To ensure premium, clean coffee, a good beverage for those with kidney disease, always purchase from trusted sources and buy organic and locally roasted whenever possible. You may get our wild coffee beans right here.

In conclusion, persons who have kidney illnesses shouldn't worry about the risks of drinking coffee in moderation. Additives like milk and cream can raise coffee's potassium and phosphorus levels. Always speak with your doctor or dietitian when in doubt about a specific matter regarding how coffee may affect your health.

How horrible could things be as long as there was coffee in the world?" - Cassandra Clare, City of Ashes.

Common Questions and Answers:

1. Is coffee bad for the kidneys?

No research indicates that 3-4 cups of coffee per day increases the risk of kidney disease or the rate at which the kidneys decline. Caffeine itself causes sharp and sudden increases in blood pressure. Like anything, moderation is key. We recommend cycling on and off from coffee to achieve the best results in drinking it. 

2. Does coffee cause kidney stones?

Kidney stones are a common condition and have a 10% prevalence among men and 7% among women.

According to one study, "Although in our previous reports, we consistently found an inverse association between consumption of caffeine-containing beverages, such as coffee and tea, and the risk of incident stones, caffeine intake is associated with increased urinary calcium excretion (6) and, as a result, could potentially increase the risk of developing kidney stones.

3. What is bad for the kidneys?

While coffee may not hinder the kidneys, many other things are. Processed foods contain significant amounts of phosphorus and iodized sodium (not Real Food).

Many individuals who suffer from kidney disease need to limit their sodium and phosphorus intake. Research has shown that those with kidney disease may be harmed by consuming high amounts of processed foods with high phosphorus. 

4. How can I improve my kidney function?

To keep your kidneys functioning optimally, there are a few things everyone needs to do.

1. Keep your body hydrated. Drinking adequate fluids will keep your kidneys functioning properly. 
2. Eat Real Food. Keeping your diet balanced and consisting of Real Foods will ensure you intake all the vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive. There are also many beneficial herbs for kidneys. 
3. Keep an eye on your blood pressure.
4. Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol. 
5. Move your body and keep off excess weight.