Although some are genetically predisposed to kidney disease, lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet, smoking, blood pressure levels and diabetes can also increase a person’s risk of developing chronic kidney disease. You should know that acidic and sugary drinks are the biggest enemy for your kidneys.
Sugary and carbonated drinks top the list of worst drinks for your kidney health. While you may know that these types of drinks are not the most nutritious, you may not have thought about how they affect your kidneys in particular.
TRIGGERED CHRONIC RENAL DISEASE
To begin with, the sugar content of a regular soda is one of the issues. Drinking more than 4 sugar-sweetened sodas per week was associated with an increased prevalence of chronic kidney disease, according to a 2015 study. High sugar content in the blood can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, making high blood sugar and diabetes risk factors for developing CKD.
RISES BLOOD SUGAR
The acidic concentrated sugar content can make blood sugar management more difficult and should be limited for those with diabetes or existing kidney disease, and even people with a family history of kidney disease should closely monitor their sugar intake and blood sugar levels.
CAUSES KIDNEY STONE
Another ingredient found in regular and diet sodas, and especially cola sodas, is phosphoric acid. Research shows that cola drinks containing this ingredient are associated with urinary changes that increase kidney stones and increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
RENAL PATIENTS SHOULD NOT DRINK
Current recommendations state that those with kidney stones or kidney disease should avoid cola drinks. Even in those without existing kidney stones or disease, drinking two or more sodas a day was associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease.
While phosphoric acid is found in regular and diet soda beverages, artificial sweeteners found in diet soda also seem to increase the risk of kidney disease. According to a 2011 study, drinking more than two servings of artificially sweetened soda a day doubles the odds of reduced kidney function in women.