Doctors in Taiwan reported removing approximately 300 kidney stones from a young woman who frequently drank bubble tea instead of water.

According to The Independent on December 16, the urology team at Chi Mei Hospital in Tainan, Taiwan, was shocked to discover more than 300 kidney stones in the body of a 20-year-old woman identified as Xiao Yu. The medical team performed surgery to remove the unusually large number of stones.

Xiao Yu was admitted to the hospital in early December 2023, suffering from severe lower back pain, intense abdominal pain, and a high fever.

After examination, doctors found that she had an abnormally high white blood cell count. Her right kidney showed fluid accumulation and was filled with hard kidney stones.

The medical team first treated her with antibiotics and drained the accumulated fluid before proceeding with surgery to remove the stones. However, they were astonished to find that the total number of stones reached approximately 300, ranging in size from 5 millimeters to 2 centimeters.

When discussing her lifestyle with doctors, Xiao Yu revealed that she enjoyed drinking bubble tea and fruit juices and often chose them instead of plain water. Physicians believe this habit may have contributed to chronic dehydration, causing her urine to become more concentrated and allowing minerals to crystallize into kidney stones.

Xiao Yu’s case serves as a warning about the health risks associated with inadequate water intake and chronic dehydration.

Doctors at Chi Mei Hospital also advised the public to drink sufficient amounts of plain water every day to help maintain proper bodily functions and support overall health.