On a hot summer day or chilly winter afternoon, enjoying a cup of coffee can be both refreshing and fulfilling – but if you live with kidney disease, you may wonder whether coffee is actually healthy for them?

Researchers conducted a large population-based study and discovered that those who regularly consumed two to three cups of coffee per day had a lower risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) compared with those who rarely or never consumed coffee, particularly individuals with higher CKD stage (eGFR 3-5). Furthermore, this protective effect was stronger among individuals who regularly experienced AKI.

The authors of the study suggest that coffee consumption could provide health benefits through increased blood flow and oxygen use by your kidneys, aiding their operation more efficiently. They also note other components found in coffee such as chlorogenic acid and trigonelline may lower overall inflammation and oxidative stress levels.

Coffee has long been linked to improved kidney health. A 2013 meta-analysis of six studies demonstrated this, finding that daily coffee intake was linked with lower risks of renal impairment and death for people living with CKD.

Although the results of this recent study were intriguing, they should be read with some reservations in mind. Notably, it only focused on self-reported coffee consumption without accounting for other variables that may influence kidney function such as age, comorbidities or medications – meaning researchers were unable to pinpoint which coffee metabolites contributed to beneficial results.

However, the authors acknowledge that their study provides strong evidence to demonstrate the positive influence of regular coffee consumption for those living with CKD. Their results should encourage people to include coffee as part of a balanced diet while more research should be conducted to verify these results.

If you’re thinking about adding coffee to your daily routine, the easiest way to help your kidneys is by drinking it black without sweeteners or flavorings. If combining coffee with milk or nondairy creamer, limit its usage to 4 ounces at most so as to keep phosphorus and potassium intake low; or choose soy or almond milk which contain lower levels of these essential elements.

People living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should always speak to their healthcare team regarding caffeine consumption and kidney health. Dialysis patients must consider their fluid intake when making these decisions; coffee counts as part of this fluid allowance. Furthermore, those suffering from kidney stones must remember that coffee may dehydrate the body so it’s important to consume extra water along with your coffee to stay properly hydrated. For more information about how diet affects kidney health visit our Quora Space!