Why cold drinks are harmful to kidneys | Hospital in Haryana

Regardless of the weather, cold drinks remain a constant companion for every individual. Be it sizzling summers or harsh winters, many individuals are addicted to soft drinks, but is it healthy? Have you ever noticed that older people warn against drinking too many cold beverages? They frequently shake their heads and provide wise advice, warning us to avoid soft drinks.

Well, it turns out that cold drinks are not healthy for our kidneys. So, the next time you visit the convenience store to buy your favourite soft drink, think before picking one up from the shelf. This article writen by doctors at Hospital in Rewari will discuss the harmful impact of cold beverages on the kidneys.

How does kidney function?

The kidneys' primary function is to eliminate waste from the blood and return the clean blood to the body. Each minute, approximately one litre of blood - one-fifth of the blood pumped by the heart - reaches the kidneys via the renal arteries. After cleaning, the blood returns to the body via the renal veins.
A healthy kidney can improve the overall bodily function. Each kidney performs 50% of the normal kidney function. However, if one kidney is lost, the other kidney enlarges and provides up to 75% of the normal function.

Impact of cold drinks on kidneys

As good as they may taste, the impact of cold drinks on the kidneys is the opposite. Cold drinks harm our vital organs, building up trouble for the future. Many critics have compared cold drinks to a toilet cleanser. In many countries, cold drinks replace toilet cleansers, and various videos have surfaced over the internet explaining the disadvantages of cold drinks.

Soft drinks can cause numerous diseases like obesity, heart disease, diabetes, liver damage, teeth disorders, stomach problems, etc. Soft drinks contain large amounts of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and food colours unsuitable for our health and can impact our kidneys in worse ways. Cold drinks have some ingredients which are responsible for harsh effects on the kidneys, and they are:

• High level of sodium: Sodium is essential for the body. However, if a person consumes high levels of sodium, it may cause chronic kidney disease. High salt consumption increases the quantity of protein in the urine, a key risk factor for declining kidney function.
• Phosphoric acid: High phosphorus levels can also mix with calcium, resulting in clotting of blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and heart. High phosphorus levels have direct effects and result in kidney function loss. This lack of function raises the chance of kidney failure.
• High dose of caffeine: Taking a high dosage of caffeine can cause hypertension, which directly affects the kidneys and hinders its process.
• High sugar content: Many cold drinks are rich in sugar, which can cause rises in blood glucose levels. For diabetic people, poorly regulated blood sugar levels can further damage the kidneys and hasten the onset of renal disease.

While occasional use of cold drinks may not pose significant risks to kidney health, excessive consumption, particularly of sugary and artificially flavoured beverages, can have a severe impact on renal function and general health, especially in those with kidney disease. Those with renal difficulties must prioritise hydration with water and talk with a healthcare practitioner about their food choices.

How to maintain healthy kidney function

Maintaining an active lifestyle and a healthy diet may help prevent kidney diseases. Here are some tips on how to maintain a healthy kidney function:

• Exercise daily: Individuals must exercise every day for at least 20-30 minutes to prevent chronic kidney diseases. Walking, cycling, or dancing can be beneficial for your health.
• Regularly monitor the blood pressure: High blood pressure can directly impact the kidneys. Individuals must monitor their blood pressure regularly and contact a doctor if they notice any irregularity.
• Avoid cold drinks: Aerated beverages are not suitable for kidneys. Excessive sugar and artificial flavours impact kidney health and the overall health of the vital organs.
• Drink water: The best way to keep the kidney healthy is by increasing the water intake. Water helps your kidneys eliminate salt and toxins. It also reduces the risk of chronic kidney disease.

Best alternatives to cold drinks

Avoiding soda can be difficult. However, replacing sodas with healthier alternatives can help individuals maintain a healthy kidney function. Here are some healthier alternatives:

• Lemonade (Lemon water)
• Natural fruit and vegetable juice (not tetra-packed)
• Coconut water
• Buttermilk
• Detox water (fruits and vegetable infused

Your kidneys are essential for your overall health. These organs perform various duties, so maintaining good kidney health should be a primary concern. Maintaining an active, health-conscious lifestyle is the most effective way to keep your kidneys healthy. You must avoid drinking cold beverages to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you have a chronic health condition that puts you at risk for kidney damage or kidney disease, you should consult a good kidney hospital in Haryana to look for indicators of kidney function loss.

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