Soft drinks have become an important element in modern life, all thanks to their sweet taste and fizzy bubbles. The potential negative effects on our health especially on vital body organs like kidneys cannot be ignored for the sake of immediate temporary relief. Let us understand how consumption of soft drinks can affect kidney functioning.
How do soft drinks affect the kidneys?
Dr A Santosh, a senior nephrologist at Kamineni Hospital, LB Nagar, Hyderabad, said, “Soft drinks have harmful effects on kidney function. These beverages are rich in high sugar content, which leads to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Contribute to diabetes.” , a significant risk factor for kidney disease because it can damage the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their waste filtration ability. Additionally, many soft drinks contain caffeine, which acts as a diuretic and potentially causes dehydration, which is important for maintaining healthy kidneys. The kidneys depend on adequate hydration to eliminate waste and toxins.”
“Soft drinks often contain phosphoric and citric acids, which create an acidic physiological environment, which can put a strain on the kidneys responsible for regulating the body’s pH balance, potentially leading to kidney damage over time. Additionally, the phosphoric acid in these beverages can bind with urinary calcium, increasing the risk of kidney stone formation, while the high levels of sodium in some soft drinks can increase blood pressure, which can lead to kidney disease. is a known risk factor, damaging the blood vessels of the kidneys and impairing their filtration function. We need to strongly advise limiting or avoiding soft drinks to protect kidney health and overall well-being. Drinks,” he said.
Effect of soft drinks on kidney function:
Dr Prakash Chandra Shetty, a urologist at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai, lists the effects of soft drinks on kidney function:
- Sugar overload: The main source of added sugars for people on diet are soft drinks. Excessive consumption of sugar can disrupt kidney health due to increase in oxidative stress, insulin resistance, inflammation and all other factors.
- Disruption of mineral balance: Consumption of soft drinks can upset the balance of important minerals in our body as it contains phosphorous acid, which can increase the risk of stones and kidney dysfunction.
- Increase in uric acid: High fructose corn syrup is a major ingredient in soft drinks that has been linked to high uric acid levels. This increase in uric acid can result in kidney damage and set the stage for gout.
- Artificial Sweeteners and Kidney Function: In diet soft drinks, artificial sweeteners are present in high amounts and recent studies have shown that they have potentially adverse effects on kidney function.
- Indirect Risk: Diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity are often linked to soft drink consumption, posing a serious threat to kidney health.
Finally, SC Sharma, Ghaziabad-based coordinating physician and naturopath expert, concluded, “Soft drinks have become an integral part of the daily lives of many people, but their impact on kidney function should not be underestimated. Should. As a naturopath, I am deeply concerned about the harmful effects of soft drinks on our kidneys. Excessive consumption of soft drinks increases the risk of kidney stones, as high levels of phosphoric acid damage the kidneys. Calcium can accumulate in the kidney. It is important for individuals to be mindful of their soft drink intake and consider healthy alternatives that support kidney health, such as drinking more water, herbal teas, or natural fruits. By making informed choices about what we consume, we can take active steps toward preserving our kidney function and overall well-being.”
