Are you aware that the kidneys filter some 50 gallons of blood per day? That’s a full marathon of hard work! However, this is something that most of us do not consider — the choice of our drinks can be compared to putting hurdles in their path. The National Kidney Foundation reports that in the United States, 37 million adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD) – and most aren’t aware of it. Additionally, 1 in 3 American adults is at risk for CKD.
The figures are increasing globally, with nearly 10 percent of the population being under attack. Shockingly, only one out of every ten individuals with kidney illness is diagnosed. It would be beneficial to take the time to ask, ‘What do I drink, and is it benefiting or affecting my kidneys?’
Grab your favorite mug of unsweetened tea or glass of water, and let’s sip through the drinks that might be doing more harm than you think.
Soda: Bubbly, but Troubling
The can of soda may go down like a charm after a hard day, but at a price. Research indicates that the average number of sodas one consumes a day, or even a healthy diet with two or more servings of sugar, overloads your kidneys due to the high levels of sugar and phosphoric acid present, as well as the hidden artificial sweeteners.
According to Urology Specialists, this may predispose you to kidney stones and even chronic kidney disease with time. Not having soda could finally be an opportunity to give the kidneys the well-deserved rest they deserve.
Sugary Drinks: A Sticky Situation
Energy drinks, fruit punches, and those bottled “tea” drinks pretend to be your best friend, but your kidneys see through the facade. The consumption of high levels of sugar in these guilty drinks has been associated with an increased chance of contracting kidney disease.
The more sugar and fructose they contain, the more your kidneys have to overwork. On the contrary, replace it with water that has fresh mint or a piece of lemon instead. It’s equally refreshing, minus the kidney drama.
Energy Drinks: Buzz Now, Crash Later
Have you ever used energy drinks on a hectic day or to stay awake while watching TV in the wee hours? Although convenient when you need immediate energy, the high amounts of caffeine and sugar in them can cause elevated blood pressure and possible dehydration. Neither of those is great for kidney health.
The National Institutes of Health reports that a considerable number of them may cause such dangerous disorders as acute injuries or even kidney stones.
Alcohol: Cheers, But… Care
Consuming the occasional wine or mixed drink need not mean your downfall. However, if one drink easily becomes three or four, your kidneys will not be happy about it. Alcohol predisposes you to dehydration and stretches your kidneys over time. Chronic drinking may cause high blood pressure or kidney damage.
The secret word here is moderation, although you might substitute the second drink with soda water mixed with a dash of cranberry juice. Hopefully, everything will (and your kidneys) return to a more normal proportion.
Flavored Waters and Sports Drinks: Not Always Pure Intentions
You pick up one of those fluorescent-colored sports drinks and think it’s going to restore your after-exercise glow. The twist is that most of these drinks contain hidden amounts of sugar and sodium.
High sodium levels increase blood pressure at the expense of your kidneys, as reported by UCLA Health. Want hydration done right? You can use plain water or take your DIY route with cucumbers or berries.
Sweetened Iced Teas: Danger in Disguise
Sweet iced tea is fresh, satisfying…and covertly high in sugar and, most of the time, phosphoric acid. Frequent consumption of them can lead to the formation of calcium oxalate stones in the kidneys and place a burden on your filtration system.
My advice? Have a safer, yet delicious, alternative to brewing your own unsweetened or herbal tea.
Bottled Fruit Juices: Not as Healthy as You Think
Most fruit juice is sold as a healthy type of juice, yet most bottled juices are nothing more than sugar bombs! They contain minimal amounts of natural fiber and a high amount of sugar. This can hardly be helpful to your kidneys.
When you feel like munching on something fruity, then consume the entire fruit. It would supply you with the nutrients without overloading the kidneys.
Diet Drinks: The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
The temptation of a diet drink is to offer it without sugar. However, the additives and sweeteners contained in these drinks may also have long-term harmful effects on the kidneys.
Researchers have suggested that consuming two or more diet sodas per day may be associated with impaired performance in filtration. In case of a fizzy fix, you can opt for sparkling water and a squeeze of juice.
High-Sodium Tomato or Veggie Juices
And because the base of a cocktail is tomato or vegetable, chances are that you may have a misperception and believe it would be healthier, but it is not.
Most of them contain a lot of salt, and consuming drinks with high sodium levels can cause your blood pressure to rise, eventually straining your kidneys. The cures are: low-sodium types (or, better still, homemade).
Coffee: Handle With Care
Delighted news for coffee drinkers: Coffee is safe in moderate portions. Yet, do not spill out your fourth cup of the day thinking that it might be harmful before remembering that it is risky to drink in excess, particularly when you have issues with high blood pressure or problems with the kidneys.
Limit yourself to two to three cups a day to reap the advantages of the coffee without straining your system.
Key Takeaway
Your kidneys do most of the work in your body, trying to ensure everything is running at an optimum level. But they deserve more than just a “thanks”! The solution to this is to reconsider the beverages you take regularly and give them some rest, allowing them to perform optimally.
A simple switch from sugary, caffeinated, and over-processed drinks to refreshing and natural alternatives is needed. Why not take a spill of water and hit your kidneys?
Disclaimer–This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
We scoured the Internet to see what people had to say about gas station food. If you think the only things available are wrinkled hot dogs of indeterminate age and day-glow slushies, we’ve got great, tasty news for you. Whether it becomes part of a regular routine or your only resource on a long car trip, we have the food information you need.
Let’s look at 6 gas stations that folks can’t get enough of and see what they have for you to eat.
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
I was in the grocery store the other day, and it hit me—I’m buying the exact same things I always do, but my bill just keeps getting higher. Like, I swear I just blinked, and suddenly eggs are a luxury item. What’s going on?
Inflation, supply-chain delays, and erratic weather conditions have modestly (or, let’s face it, dramatically) pushed the prices of staples ever higher. The USDA reports that food prices climbed an additional 2.9% year over year in May 2025—and that’s after the inflation storm of 2022–2023.
So, if you’ve got room in a pantry, freezer, or even a couple of extra shelves, now might be a good moment to stock up on these staple groceries—before the prices rise later.
