Soft Drinks have become an important element in modern life, all credit goes to their sweet flavour and fizzy bubbles. The possible negative effects on our health especially on important body organs like the kidneys cannot be ignored for the sake of the instant temporary relief it provides. Let’s understand how kidney function can be affected by the consumption of soft drinks.
How Do Soft Drinks Affect Kidneys?
Dr. A Santosh, who is a senior nephrologist, at Kamineni Hospitals, L.B Nagar, Hyderabad said, “Soft drinks have been associated with detrimental effects on kidney function. These beverages are laden with high sugar content, contributing to obesity and type 2 diabetes, a significant risk factor for kidney disease as it can harm the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their waste filtration capacity. Additionally, many soft drinks contain caffeine, acting as a diuretic and potentially causing dehydration, which is crucial for maintaining healthy kidney function as the kidneys rely on adequate hydration to eliminate waste and toxins.”
“Soft drinks often contain phosphoric and citric acids, creating an acidic bodily environment, which can strain the kidneys responsible for regulating the body’s pH balance, potentially leading to kidney damage over time. Moreover, the phosphoric acid in these beverages can bind with urinary calcium, increasing the risk of kidney stone formation, while the high sodium levels in some soft drinks can raise blood pressure, a known risk factor for kidney disease, damaging renal blood vessels and impairing their filtration function. We need to strongly advise limiting or avoiding soft drinks to safeguard kidney health and overall well-being,” he added.
Impact Of Soft Drinks On Kidney Function:
Dr. Prakash Chandra Shetty who is a Urologist at Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai listed down te impact soft drink has on kidney function:
- Sugar Overload: The main source of added sugars for people on a diet is soft drinks. Kidney health can be disrupted because of the increase in oxidative stress, insulin resistance,inflammation, and all other factors that can arise due to excessive intake of sugar.
- Disruption of Mineral Balance: The balance of vital mineral in our body can be disrupted by the intake of soft drinks as it contains phosphorus acids, which can increase the risk of stones and dysfunctionality of kidneys.
- Uric Acid Elevation: In soft drinks high fructose corn syrup is a prominent ingredient that has been linked with high uric acid levels. This rise in uric acid may result in kidney injury and set the stage for gout.
- Artificial Sweeteners and Kidney Function: In diet soft drinks, artificial sweeteners are present in high amounts and in recent studies, it has been revealed that it has potential adverse effects on kidney function.
- Indirect Risks: Diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are frequently associated with soft drink consumption all of which pose serious risks to kidney health.
Lastly, S.C Sharma, who is a Ghaziabad based, Co-ordinator Therapist and Naturopath expert concluded, “Soft drinks have become an integral part of many people’s daily lives, but their impact on kidney function should not be underestimated. As a naturopath, I am deeply concerned about the detrimental effects of soft drinks on our kidneys. Excessive consumption of soft drinks has been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones, as the high levels of phosphoric acid can lead to an accumulation of calcium in the kidneys. It is essential for individuals to be mindful of their soft drink consumption and consider healthier alternatives that support kidney health, such as drinking more water, herbal teas, or natural fruit juices. By making informed choices about what we consume, we can take proactive steps towards preserving our kidney function and overall well-being.”