Scientists discover unexpected role of drinking coffee in lowering risk of life-threatening medical emergency

If you need another reason to start your day with a cup of coffee, a recent study has revealed that at least one cup a day can reduce your risk of severe kidney failure (AKI).

The results, published on May 5 in Kidney International Reports, show that those who drink any amount of coffee every day have a 15% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, with the largest decrease observed in the group that drank two to three cups per day (22% - 23% lower risk).

• "We already know that drinking coffee on a regular basis has been associated with the prevention of chronic and degenerative diseases including type 2 diabetes

• cardiovascular disease and liver disease," says study co-author Shirag Barrick, M.D.

• Director of the Department of Nephrology and Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

• We can now add a potential reduction in the risk of acute renal insufficiency to the growing list of health benefits of caffeine. "

Acute kidney failure, or acute kidney failure, as described by the National Kidney Foundation, is a "sudden case of kidney failure or kidney damage occurring within a few hours or a few days". This results in the accumulation of waste in the blood, making it difficult for the kidneys to maintain the correct balance of fluids in the body.

Acute kidney failure is a life-threatening medical emergency.

1. Symptoms of acute kidney failure vary depending on the cause and may include: very little urine out of the body
2. swelling of the legs and ankles and around the eyes
3. fatigue and shortness of breath, confusion, nausea

chest pain. In severe cases, seizures of epilepsy or coma are most common in hospitalized patients whose kidneys are affected by stress, medical and surgical complications.

Using data from the atherosclerosis risk study in communities, an ongoing cardiovascular disease survey in four American communities, the researchers evaluated 14,207 adults recruited between 1987 and 1989 with an average age of 54.

Participants were surveyed seven times over 24 years about the number of 230 ml cups of coffee they consumed daily: zero, one, two to three, or more than three. During the survey period, 1,694 severe kidney injuries were recorded.

When calculating demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, lifestyle effects and nutritional factors, there was a 15% reduction in the risk of severe kidney failure for participants who consumed any amount of coffee versus those who did not consume it.

Taking into account additional comorbidities, such as blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), diabetes status, use of hypotensive medications and kidney function - individuals who drank coffee remained at 11% lower risk of severe kidney deficiency than those who did not.

"We suspect that the cause of coffee's impact on the risk of acute renal insufficiency may be either that bioactive compounds along with caffeine or caffeine itself improve irrigation and the use of oxygen inside the kidneys. Good kidney function and acute kidney deficiency tolerance, depends on constant blood and oxygen supply. "

Barrick explains that further studies are needed to identify possible preventive mechanisms for the consumption of coffee to kidneys, especially at the cellular level.

He explains: "It has been assumed that caffeine inhibits the production of molecules that cause chemical imbalances and the use of a lot of oxygen in the kidneys. Kidney caffeine may help maintain a more stable system. "

Barrick and his colleagues noted that coffee additives such as milk, cream, sugar, or sweeteners can also affect the risk of acute kidney failure and need further investigation.

In addition, the authors argue that the consumption of other caffeinated beverages, such as tea or soda, should be considered a potential confusing factor.