Can you get kidney stones by drinking cola and carbonated beverages?

Had a heavy meal and now reaching for that bottle of cola to wash it down with?Hold on, do you know what that bottle of carbonated beverage might be doing to your body? It’s common knowledge that carbonated drinks, especially those with added sugars, are unhealthy due to their potential negative impacts on dental health, weight gain, and increased risk of chronic diseases.Why and how? Firstly, high sugar content also contributes to weight gain, obesity, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Moreover, the combination of sugar and acids in these drinks can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities and dental decay. Additionally, some carbonated drinks contain phosphoric acid, which may interfere with calcium absorption and potentially weaken bones.But do you know, there’s more to the list of cons of gulping down those cola drinks?Science says your frizzy favorites, with all their sugar content, fructose, and phosphoric acid, can raise your risk of forming these hard mineral deposits and eventually form kidney stones.

In fact, research now shows that drinking sugar-sweetened colas regularly can raise your chances of forming painful kidney stones by around 23%.Want more insight?Read on.

The soda-kidney stone link: What research shows

A landmark long-term study spanning nearly 200,000 people found that consuming one or more servings of sugar-sweetened cola daily was linked with a 23% higher risk of developing kidney stones compared to those who drank less than one per week. Sugar-sweetened non-cola drinks increased the risk even more, by a staggering 33%.

Even some artificially sweetened non-colas showed a marginal increase in risk.That’s not all.A Brazil-based urologist, Dr. Thales Andrade, recently showed what drinking too much soda can do to the kidneys, to an extent where an excruciatingly painful medical condition (kidney stones) can even sometimes require surgery to fix. In an Instagram video that the doctor shared, he showed how he removed 35 kidney stones from the bladder of a man who downed 2 to 3 liters of cola every day.

The video featured a dish filled with large, yellow stones as the patient lay behind him on the operating table.

Why is cola such a problem for kidney health

But what's behind this massive risk? Researchers say phosphoric acid, a common cola additive, can acidify urine and promote stone formation, while high fructose corn syrup loads contribute to imbalances in calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, major building blocks for kidney stones.Meanwhile, carbonation itself, as in sparkling water, does not show any increased risk, though people sensitive to sodium or who overdo mineral water should be cautious.

Sip smarter: What drinks help protect the kidneys

Cola, soda, and all the other carbonated beverages aren’t good for the kidneys. We’ve established that. But what to drink instead?WaterThe gold standard for kidney health. Staying well-hydrated dilutes urine, helping to flush out crystals and reduce stone formation. Most health professionals recommend 2-3 liters per day, especially for those with a history of kidney stones. The NHS advises drinking enough so your urine stays clear or pale yellow, clear signs you're flushing out minerals that can form stones.

Citrus juices (lemon and orange)Loaded with citrate, these juices help prevent calcium oxalate stones by inhibiting crystal growth and aggregation. Drinking ½ cup of lemon juice diluted in water (or the juice of two lemons) daily can help raise citrate levels. Orange juice may have even stronger effects, as indicated by some studies.Coffee and teaSurprisingly protective, both caffeinated and decaf coffee have been linked to a lower risk of stones, possibly due to increased fluid intake and certain benefits of non-caffeine components.

Green tea also offers antioxidants (catechins) that may resist crystal formation.Other hydrating, kidney-friendly drinksWant some other kidney-friendly drink options?Coconut water, wheatgrass, pomegranate juice, and herbal teas like dandelion or nettle are noted in traditional and modern remedies for their natural diuretic and antioxidant properties. These add delicious variety while supporting urine flow and reducing mineral build-up.Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. If you have concerns about kidney health, kidney stones, or any medical condition, please consult your doctor or a licensed healthcare provider. Reliance on the information in this article is at your own risk.