Carbonated water has long been a favorite drink of many people, especially in hot weather. However, health experts warn that regular consumption of carbonated water can cause many dangerous consequences for kidney health.
1. Causes electrolyte imbalance and increases the risk of kidney stones
One of the common ingredients in carbonated water is photphoric acid. According to the National kidney Foundation, this acid can increase the risk of kidney stone formation by upsetting the balance of calcium and phosphorus in the body. In addition, the high sodium content from carbonated soft drinks also causes the body to retain water and increase pressure on the kidneys.
2. Increased filter load and damage kidney gland
Consuming too much sugar from carbonated soft drinks causes high blood sugar levels, thereby causing insulin resistance and damage to the small capillaries in the kidneys. A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology shows that people who drink 2 cans of soft drinks/day have a higher risk of kidney damage than normal people.
3. Increases blood pressure - the enemy of the kidneys
Many carbonated drinks contain caffeine - a temporary increase in blood pressure. When consumed regularly, caffeine can lead to chronic high blood pressure, causing damage to blood vessels in the kidneys and increasing the risk of kidney failure.
4. Contributing to obesity - a major risk factor for the kidneys
The amount of empty calories from carbonated water can easily cause drinkers to gain weight quickly. Obesity increases the filter pressure of the kidneys and is a leading risk factor for chronic kidney disease.
According to Dr. Jessica Manning - a kidney expert at Mayo Clinic, if you want to protect kidney function in the long term, limit sugary drinks, carbonated water and replace them with water, herbal tea or unsweetened pure juice.
