Coffee?

[summr]

I apologize if this has been asked many times. I drink coffee (regular not decaf) every morning with some non-dairy creamer (coconut milk). I usually have about 2 cups. Is this a no-no for CKD? Also what about alcohol? I have cut it out entirely for now. But I am curious about what the community says about these two diuretics.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Summr,

Oh boy... I hate to be the first to reply because I think you will get many different answers to this question. The bottom line is...what stage and what does your doctor say. So for me, Stage four, my doc said little wine once in a while is fine. If I do have it is a small (tasting size) glass. No other hard liquor or beer. As for coffee, there have been some articles on it being good for CKD, but others say no. So, again, I have two mugs max a day and it is half decaf. I also limit tea. Maybe one cup of decaf chia or rooibos.

[Gotthecall_123]

Hi my name is Dave ive been drinking coffee the whole time since i quit drinking 9 years ago same time i got diagnosed my teams know this and said its fine just dont over do it i drink about 4-5 cups aday im 11 months 💪 now 🙏😝

[Cazzy41]

Whilst I was on dialysis I too drank coffee. My potassium stayed stable and never became a problem. I was honest with my Renal team and they were fine with the situation. However if your potassium does raise blood strongly advise that you reduce the amount you are drinking. Before I started dialysis I was never told to stay away from alcohol or coffee but everyone’s different. If you are concerned speak to your Renal team and they can advise you on the results of your blood test. Good luck my friend 😉

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to Cazzy41]

Coffee is higher in phosphorus not potassium. Technically it comes from a bean/nut. Same with coconut as it comes from a nut. Use discretion and caution and consult your own team as everyone is very different. Blessings

[steve680 in reply to KidneyCoach]

kidney.org/newsletter/coffe...

"Phosphorus, sodium, calories, carbohydrates and protein are minimal in black coffee and not of nutritional consideration."

healthyeating.sfgate.com/ph...

"If you must have your coffee, you’ll only get 5 milligrams of phosphorus from 6 ounces of black coffee."

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to steve680]

6 oz is a minimal amount and most people drink far more than that. Glad you found the information for yourself. Blessings

[steve680 in reply to KidneyCoach]

The information was for you; not for me. You stated that coffee has more phosphorus than potassium. This is incorrect. An 8 ounce cup of coffee contains 7 milligrams of phosphorus and 116 milligrams of potassium.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to steve680]

Okay well agree to disagree. No biggie. Blessings

[steve680]

Alcohol is acidic and in my opinion should be avoided in stages 4 and 5. Alcohol is also toxic (mild poison) and puts an extra work load on your kidneys, which is not good for kidneys which are already damaged. Alcohol at any stage should be drank at a minimum (1 drink per day for women; 2 drinks per day for men), as too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and do more damage to your kidneys. Alcohol has no nutritional value.

Coffee is OK in small amounts and contains anti-oxidants which are good for you. Coffee is considered a "low potassium" drink at 120 mg per cup, but obviously if you're drinking 5-6 cups per day, it becomes a "high potassium" drink. Something to think about if you have a potassium restriction.

[Gotthecall_123 in reply to steve680]

My potassium was 5.6 mmg they called me and told me so i adjusted my diet and reduced the higher food with potassium did labs 2 weeks later i was back at 5.0 mmg wright where they wanted me 💪🙏😝

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to steve680]

Again each person is different. Myself for example have no kidneys so toxic (your opinion) damage can not happen to me. Also my healthteam advised me differently than your advice. Please consult your own team regarding any concerns or restrictions. Blessings

[kungfudude]

As is the case with most anything, moderation is the key. I drink regular in the morning, decaf after that. I often have a beer after work, but only one. And with do many craft beers available now, I prefer one good glass to three mediocre ones anyway.

[Carillon]

Change from a large regular coffee to the classic Italian version of 2oz espresso and (get Nespresso machine with milk foamer) and about 1 oz milk and form. Less caffeine and real taste of coffee. And limit it as you would any other beverage. Enjoy!

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Just as I thought, you did get varying answers to your question.

Just so you know where I am coming from, I am 19+ years post transplant.

When I was in CKD, my nephrologist said it was OK for me to drink coffee, as long as 1-2 cups a day. For me, I was having problems with edema and the coffee, since it is a diuretic helped. I have never been much of a drinker of alcohol. I do like white wine. It was OK for me to drink a glass once in a while.

You need to check with your nephrologist and see what he says. It all depends on your labs and how your kidneys are doing.

Now, that I have had a transplant it is OK for me to drink coffee and have a glass or two of white wine on weekends. My doctor knows this and is OK with it.

I guess if I can give you any advice, always check with your nephrologist before you take any over the counter supplement, vitamin or eat or drink anything out of the ordinary or something is known to be hard on your kidneys.

Best of luck to you!

[Hidden]

I am CKD4 (eGFR 27-29). I have been drinking 4-6 cups of real coffee in the morning, but I am having second thoughts because I also have AFIB (with embedded pacemaker). I am going to switch to decaf. In the past, coffee has served as a mild laxative. I hope decaf will also do this.

[RhenDutchess123]

i drink 1 to 2 cups decaf in the morning....more so just for the warmth...the more my kidney functions declines the less i care about it....the same with alcohol....but when i do have a drink i choose white rum on a glass of coconut water....my nephologist says that is the best for ckd...i questioned the sugar but he said it was a different kind of sugar....lol...but like anything ...in moderation

[Raji838]

Chinese doc and Indian herbal docs told its a no no. in alluopathy its ok 2 cups ?,i cant stop my tea i moderated with various leaves . pl cut alcohol, beer never ever.