Regular soft drink consumption is linked to an alarming increase in the risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Components such as fructose and phosphoric acid overload the kidneys, causing irreversible damage.
Frequent consumption of soft drinks, especially those loaded with sugars and phosphoric acid, is associated with a significant increase in the risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Recent research highlights that drinking between five and seven soft drinks per week increases the risk of this condition by 33%, while exceeding seven servings per week raises the risk to an alarming 83%.
The negative effects of soft drinks on kidney health are due to several key factors. Among them is the high concentration of sugar, especially fructose, present in these drinks.
High-fructose corn syrup, a common ingredient, is linked to conditions such as insulin resistance, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome , all risk factors for CKD. Furthermore, excess fructose increases blood uric acid levels, damaging the vascular endothelium and promoting the development of kidney disease.
A study by Johnson et al. published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2007 showed that excessive fructose consumption activates metabolic mechanisms that damage the kidneys. Added to this is the action of inorganic phosphates, such as phosphoric acid found in cola drinks, which alter calcium and phosphorus metabolism, causing soft tissue calcification and renal tubular damage.
These metabolic imbalances not only promote the formation of kidney stones but also contribute to the progressive decline of kidney function. Research conducted by Sherman and Mehta in 2009, published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, documented a direct relationship between high phosphate levels and chronic kidney damage.
Another worrying consequence of regular soft drink consumption is chronic dehydration. Replacing plain water with these beverages creates a fluid deficit that affects the kidneys’ glomerular filtration capacity. According to the National Kidney Foundation, this combination of low water intake and high sugar intake produces osmotic stress that harms these vital organs.
Mexico, recognized as one of the world’s largest consumers of soft drinks, faces an elevated risk of kidney disease. High intake of these beverages is closely linked to rising rates of type 2 diabetes and obesity, conditions that significantly increase the risk of CKD.
The situation is worse in rural and semi-urban communities where access to drinking water is limited. According to the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), many people turn to soft drinks as a substitute for water, perpetuating public health problems and increasing the incidence of kidney disease.
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