Soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks contain ingredients like phosphoric acid, high amounts of sugar, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and oxalates, which can silently put pressure on the kidneys.
The kidneys work continuously to filter waste, regulate blood pressure, balance minerals and maintain fluids in the body. Excessive consumption of certain beverages puts unnecessary pressure on this important organ, causing it to gradually decline in function. The initial impact may be difficult to notice, but long-term pressure accumulation will affect kidney health.
Some small adjustments in drinking water choices can significantly reduce the long-term burden on the kidneys, supporting filtration, mineral balance and overall health. Below are 4 types of drinks consumed too much are not beneficial for the kidneys.
Carbonated soft drinks
Carbonated soft drinks contain phosphoric acid, a compound that when entering the body can disrupt the balance of calcium and phosphate, affecting the formation of kidney stones. When phosphate levels are high, the kidneys have to work harder to stabilize blood chemistry, especially when water levels in the body are low. The excess sugar in these drinks adds to the stress, contributing to weight gain, insulin resistance and hypertension, all significant risk factors for chronic kidney disease.
Hydration plays an important role in reducing the impact of carbonated soft drinks on the kidneys. With that, limiting consumption of this beverage and switching to healthier alternatives like lemon water or green tea can help.
Energy drinks and sugary coffee
Drinking a lot of energy drinks and sweetened coffee can increase the content of caffeine, sugar and other stimulants, leading to overload of the kidney’s regulatory system. Large doses of caffeine increase urine output, leading to dehydration when not adequately rehydrated. Dehydration thickens the blood and increases the concentration of waste products that the kidneys must filter. The high amount of sugar in these drinks increases metabolic demands, potentially affecting blood pressure, exacerbating kidney stress.
If you are used to drinking coffee every day, you should prioritize pure, high-quality coffee, keeping it to 2 or 3 cups a day. Consider alternative drinks like green tea as it also contains caffeine but is milder, providing a healthier and more sustainable source of energy.
Sports drinks
Sports drinks are suitable for people with intense physical activity and should not be abused in daily activities. These drinks contain high levels of sugar, artificial sweeteners and food coloring. The kidneys must filter these solutes, creating osmotic pressure, thereby increasing the workload, weakening the kidneys in the long run.
When used outside of heavy sweating or endurance training, sports drinks provide more solutes than the body needs. This excess amount affects blood pressure regulation, fluid balance and metabolic stability. Regular use may cause low-level and persistent dialysis pressure.