From the ArcaMax Publishing, Health & Fitness Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/healthtips/s-382161-523958
MAYWOOD, Ill. (UPI) -- A U.S. doctor warns iced tea contains high
amounts of oxalate which can lead to kidney stones.
Dr. John Milner of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of
Medicine, in Maywood, Ill., advises patients trying to ward off
painful kidney stones to not reach for the iced tea.
"For many people, iced tea is potentially one of the worst things they
can drink," Milner says in a statement. "For people who have a
tendency to form kidney stones, it's definitely one of the worst
things you can drink."
Kidney stones are crystals that form in the kidneys or ureters, the
small tubes that drain the urine from the kidney to the bladder,
Milner explains. The most common cause of kidney stones is the failure
to drink enough fluids. Dehydration combined with increased iced tea
consumption raises the risk of kidney stones in people prone to
develop them.
"People are told that in the summertime they should drink more
fluids," Milner says. "A lot of people choose to drink more iced tea,
thinking it's a tastier alternative. However, in terms of kidney
stones, they're getting it going and coming. They're actually doing
themselves a disservice."
To remain hydrated there is no better alternative than water, Milner
said.