Sodas and the potential risks to kidney stone formation: An overview of consequences
Lushing on Soda? Beware of Kidney Stones!
Soda's got some secrets hidden beneath its fizzy surface — and some of these secrets might not be so tasty for your kidneys. A steady soda habit could increase your risk of kidney stones, thanks to ingredients such as fructose, phosphoric acid, and caffeine.
So, what's the lowdown on these potentially harmful ingredients? Let's dive in!
Dangerous Liaisons: Fructose, Phosphoric Acid, and Caffeine
Soda typically includes:
- High fructose corn syrup, a blend of fructose and dextrose, which might contribute to the formation of kidney stones
- phosphoric acid, a tangy flavor compiler that strains your kidneys
- caffeine, which, despite perhaps protective effects against kidney stones, could still pose risks, particularly when consumed in soda form
On a Sugar-sweetened Ledger: Sugar-sweetened Soft Drinks and Kidney Stone Risk
A 2021 review on the subject even found that sugar-sweetened soft drinks–particularly those containing phosphoric acid–could increase the likelihood of kidney stones. Sugar-sweetened cola and non-cola may be associated with the formation of kidney stones due to their fructose content.
Further, a 2020 systematic review suggests that consuming high quantities of soda increases the risk of kidney stones compared to low soda consumption. This increase may be linked to soda's metabolism-altering fructose content.
The Caffeine-Kidney Stone Conundrum
Caffeine, a diuretic, could theoretically help prevent kidney stones by increasing urine passage. However, caffeine sourced from soda might have a different impact. A 2022 study found that while caffeine from coffee reduced the risk of kidney stones, caffeine derived from non-coffee sources – such as soda – could increase the risk.
Decaffeinated coffee also decreased the risk, suggesting that some other components in coffee—in addition to caffeine—may help to counter the increased risk of kidney stones linked to soda consumption.
Diet Soda: Not Entirely in the Clear
It might seem like diet soda could be the safer option, but it still carries potential risks. Common ingredients in diet soda, such as phosphoric acid and caffeine, have been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones.
Smooth Sailing with Other Beverages
The same 2021 review also took a look at other beverages and their impact on kidney stone formation. The results regarding fruit juices were inconsistent. While certain fruit juices, like lemon or lime, might have protective effects due to their citrate content, the evidence on this matter is inconclusive.
Fruit juices might also be associated with increased oxalate levels in some people, which could boost kidney stone risk.
Water: Your Kidney's Best Friend
Plenty of H2O is essential for kidney stone prevention. The National Kidney Foundation recommends a daily intake of at least 12 glasses of water for most individuals. Drinking water may help flush out kidney stones in the urine.
A Word from the Doc
If you suspect you've got a kidney stone, immediate medical attention is essential. Symptoms may include severe back or abdominal pain, blood in the urine, persistent nausea or vomiting, fever, or chills. If a kidney stone is large, blocking the urine flow, or causing an infection, surgery might be required to remove it.
To help prevent kidney stones:
- Limit your soda intake
- Stay well-hydrated
- Maintain a balanced diet low in oxalates, sodium, and artificial sweeteners
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle and maintain a moderate weight
Your kidneys will thank you for it!
- The high fructose corn syrup in soda, a blend of fructose and dextrose, might contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
- Phosphoric acid, a tangy flavor compound in soda, strains your kidneys.
- Caffeine, found in soda, despite possibly having protective effects against kidney stones, could still pose risks, particularly when consumed in this form.
- A 2021 review found that sugar-sweetened soft drinks, especially those containing phosphoric acid, could increase the likelihood of kidney stones.
- A 2020 systematic review suggests that consuming high quantities of soda increases the risk of kidney stones compared to low soda consumption.
- A 2022 study found that while caffeine from coffee reduced the risk of kidney stones, caffeine derived from non-coffee sources – such as soda – could increase the risk.
- Common ingredients in diet soda, such as phosphoric acid and caffeine, have been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones.
- To help prevent kidney stones, limit your soda intake, stay well-hydrated, maintain a balanced diet low in oxalates, sodium, and artificial sweeteners, and adopt a healthy lifestyle and moderate weight.
