Brenda Khan
There is some evidence to suggest that drinking soda can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. One study found that participants who drank one soda every day had a 23% higher chance of forming kidney stones. However, it is not just the frequency of consumption that matters, but also the type of soda. Dark cola beverages, artificial fruit punch, and sweet tea are the top drinks that contribute to kidney stones due to their high levels of fructose or phosphoric acid. On the other hand, some studies have found that citrus-based diet sodas may help prevent kidney stones due to their high citrate levels. While the exact link between diet pop and kidney stones is still unclear, it is generally recommended to limit soda consumption and increase water intake to maintain optimal urological health.
Does diet pop cause kidney stones?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk of kidney stone formation | Studies show that there is a 23% higher risk of kidney stone formation in individuals who consume sugar-sweetened colas and a 33% higher risk for sugar-sweetened non-colas. Artificially sweetened non-colas also show a marginally significant higher risk. |
| Phosphoric acid | Phosphoric acid is an ingredient in sodas that contributes to kidney stone formation. |
| Fructose | Fructose or high fructose corn syrup can metabolize into oxalate, increasing the excretion of uric acid and calcium, which encourages kidney stone formation. |
| Citrate | Citrus-based diet sodas have higher citrate levels, which may help prevent kidney stones. However, the effectiveness of "lemonade therapy" is still unclear. |
| Phosphorus | Diet sodas have a high phosphorus content, which may increase the acid load on the kidneys and contribute to kidney damage and stone formation. |
| Artificial sweeteners | Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, cyclamates, saccharin, acesulfame-k, and sucralose are used in diet sodas instead of sugar. |
| Pregnancy | Drinking diet soda during pregnancy has been linked to negative outcomes such as an increased risk of preterm delivery and childhood obesity. |
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What You'll Learn
Phosphoric acid in soda
Phosphoric acid is added to sodas to give them a tangy, sour taste. It is made from the mineral phosphorus, which is found naturally in many foods. Phosphoric acid is added to sodas to make them less sweet and give them a slight acidic taste. The sourness of phosphoric acid also makes soda less prone to spoilage as microorganisms grow more slowly due to the lower sugar content.
Phosphoric acid is also used to stabilize the colour of the soda. When mixed with the liquid that forms the soft drink, it protects the colour from being changed or bleached by oxygen. It also helps to regulate acidity.
Phosphoric acid has been used in sodas since the mid-1800s, when it was used as a longer-lasting alternative to lemon juice. It is also used in foods and beverages to keep them fresh, as it prevents the growth of mould and bacteria.
Phosphorus is needed in the body to form and maintain healthy teeth and bones, and it supports kidney function and the way the body uses and stores energy. It also helps muscles recover after a workout. However, it is possible to have too much phosphorus, and this can cause health problems. Excess phosphorus can decrease the amount of calcium in the body, leading to bone loss, and it can also impair the body's ability to use other minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium. Research has linked high consumption of soda to an increased risk of bone fractures.
Some sodas contain high levels of phosphoric acid, and this additional phosphorus from processed food and drink is likely more than the body needs. It is very easily absorbed by the body, and some experts are concerned about the amount of added phosphorus in the typical Western diet. Colas are known to be high in phosphate, and it is recommended that they are drunk in moderation or eliminated from the diet.
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Lemonade therapy
While it is unclear how effective lemonade therapy is at preventing kidney stones, some doctors do recommend it to their patients. Lemonade therapy is based on the idea that citrate in lemonade can help prevent new kidney stones from forming and stop existing stones from growing. Citrate binds to calcium in the urinary tract, preventing stone formation.
A 2019 study found that urine volume was significantly higher in participants who consumed 2 litres of either regular or diet lemonade daily, compared to a baseline diet. Urinary citrate also increased significantly with the consumption of diet lemonade.
However, it is important to note that acidic beverages like lemon juice can erode tooth enamel. Additionally, lemonade therapy may not be suitable for patients dealing with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). In such cases, citrate pills can be prescribed.
Overall, staying well-hydrated has been shown to have a beneficial effect on decreasing kidney stone formation and size.
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High phosphorus content
While the exact causes of kidney stones vary, they are generally understood to be hardened deposits of salt and other minerals that do not properly filter through the kidneys. One study found that participants who drank one soda every day had a 23% higher chance of forming kidney stones.
Sodas are filled with unhealthy chemicals, including high levels of processed bleached sugar, phosphoric acid, caffeine, and high fructose corn syrup. These ingredients can be extremely harmful to the body, especially when consumed in large amounts. High fructose corn syrup, in particular, can metabolize into oxalate and increase the excretion of uric acid and calcium. This combination of high-level oxalate, uric acid, and calcium encourages kidney stone formation. Colas are also high in phosphate, which promotes the formation of kidney stones.
The high phosphorus content of soda may increase the acid load on the kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage and an increased risk of kidney stone development. Observational studies have found an association between drinking a lot of diet soda and the development of kidney disease. However, it is important to note that the health effects of diet drinks and artificial sweeteners are controversial, and not all studies support these findings.
It is worth noting that some doctors recommend "lemonade therapy" for preventing kidney stones, as lemonade is high in citrate, which binds to calcium in the urinary tract and prevents stone formation. Interestingly, some diet sodas have been found to have higher citrate levels than homemade lemonade, which may help treat kidney stones, particularly in people with low urine pH and uric acid stones. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of citrus-flavored diet sodas in preventing kidney stones.
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Weight gain
While diet soda contains no calories, it may still contribute to weight gain. The artificial sweeteners in diet soda trigger the same response in the brain as real sugar. When the brain detects "sweetness", it signals the body to release hormones to process the sugar. As diet soda is hyper-sweetened, it can trigger cravings for more sweet, calorie-dense foods, leading to weight gain. This theory is supported by a study which found that replacing sugar-sweetened drinks with water led to more weight loss than replacing them with diet soda.
However, the evidence is mixed. Some studies have found no correlation between diet soda and weight gain, and one study even found that replacing sugar-sweetened drinks with diet soda resulted in more weight loss than replacing them with water. Another theory suggests that people who drink diet soda and experience weight gain may be doing so because of their existing dietary habits, not the diet soda.
In addition, some studies have found that drinking diet soda can cause the thyroid gland to work less efficiently, potentially leading to increased fat storage and weight gain.
While the evidence is not entirely clear, it is important to note that diet soda has no nutritional value and offers no benefits to human consumption. As such, it is generally recommended to quench your thirst with healthier alternatives like water, seltzer, and unsweetened tea or coffee.
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Pregnancy risks
Pregnancy increases the risk of kidney stones, which can cause severe pain and discomfort when they move through the urinary tract. Kidney stones can affect any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the bladder. They typically do not elicit any symptoms until they move around within the urinary tract, often becoming stuck and blocking the flow of urine.
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of dehydration due to the increased fluid needs of the growing baby. This can lead to a buildup of calcium and oxalate in the kidneys, increasing the risk of kidney stone formation. Additionally, pregnant women are often advised to increase their calcium intake to support the growth and development of the baby's bones, but a high intake of calcium can also increase the risk of kidney stones.
Furthermore, studies have shown that consumption of cola beverages may be a risk factor for kidney stone formation. While one observational study noted that diet soda drinkers have a slightly increased risk of kidney stone development, the risk is much smaller than that associated with drinking regular soda. Another study reported that the high citrate and malate content of some diet sodas may help treat kidney stones, particularly in people with low urine pH and uric acid stones. However, more research is needed.
To reduce the risk of kidney stone formation during pregnancy, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids. Additionally, limiting the intake of foods high in calcium and oxalate, as well as certain stone-forming foods such as beets, chocolate, spinach, rhubarb, tea, and nuts, can help prevent kidney stones. Increasing the intake of alkali citrate can also reduce the ability of calcium in the urine to bind with oxalates.
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Frequently asked questions
Kidney stones are hardened deposits of salt and other minerals that do not properly filter through the kidneys.
There is no clear answer to this question. Some studies have found a link between drinking a lot of diet soda and the development of kidney stones, while others have not.
High phosphorus content in soda may increase the acid load on the kidneys, potentially causing kidney damage. Phosphoric acid, an ingredient in sodas, has also been linked to kidney stone formation.
Colas are high in phosphate, which promotes the formation of kidney stones. Dark cola beverages, artificial fruit punch, and sweet tea are the top drinks that contribute to kidney stones due to their high amounts of fructose or phosphoric acid.
Fresh-squeezed lemonade is great for preventing the formation of kidney stones as it is high in citrate, which binds to calcium in the urinary tract and prevents stone formation. Some studies have also shown that citrus-based diet sodas may have higher citrate levels than lemonade.
