More Young People Are Developing Kid.ney Disease: 5 Everyday Drinks That Are Silently Har.ming Your Organs

Below are 5 common beverages that may pose hidden risks to kid.ney health, especially for young people.

At the Nephrology, Urology, and Dialysis Center of Bach Mai Hospital, 30 to 40 new patients are admitted each day, many of whom are young individuals undergoing inpatient treatment for chronic kidney disease. Alarmingly, most of these cases are diagnosed with chronic glomerulonephritis—one of the leading causes of end-stage kidney disease, often requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Kidney disease often progresses silently, showing few or no symptoms in the early stages. By the time signs such as swelling, persistent fatigue, frequent nighttime urination, or foamy urine appear, the disease may have already reached an advanced stage—making early detection and intervention extremely difficult.

Kidney health can be seriously affected by seemingly harmless habits—especially from the beverages we consume daily. Below are 5 popular drinks that could be quietly damaging your kidneys, particularly in younger individuals.

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Warning: 5 Common Drinks That May Be Silently Harming Your Kidneys

1. Carbonated Soft Drinks

Many sodas, especially dark-colored ones, contain phosphoric acid, which adds tanginess but is linked to kidney stone formation and kidney tissue damage.

A 2007 study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN) found that high consumption of soft drinks increases the risk of chronic kidney disease—especially in women. Additionally, the high sugar and artificial sweetener content in soda can elevate blood glucose and osmotic pressure—both of which are risk factors for declining kidney function.

Better option: Water, cucumber or lemon-infused water, or coconut water are far healthier alternatives for kidney health.

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2. Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol can disrupt the body's fluid and electrolyte balance. A 2019 study published in Alcohol Research: Current Reviews found that regular alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure, cause dehydration, and lead to inflammation of the kidney’s microvasculature—eventually contributing to kidney failure.

Better option: Herbal teas like dandelion tea or coriander seed tea provide mild diuretic effects and support liver and kidney detox when consumed in moderation.

3. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks often contain caffeine levels 2–3 times higher than regular coffee, plus sugar and stimulants like taurine. A 2021 study in Frontiers in Public Health warned that long-term energy drink consumption negatively impacts blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate, and increases the risk of tubular damage in the kidneys.

Better option: A cup of unsweetened green tea or matcha in the morning can help you stay alert without overloading your kidneys.

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4. Sports Drinks

Often used inappropriately, these drinks contain high levels of sugar, sodium, and potassium—far exceeding daily needs unless you’re doing intense physical activity. Excess sodium and potassium increase the filtration burden on the kidneys, especially in people at risk for chronic kidney disease.

Better option: Water with lemon and natural sea salt or coconut water is a safer alternative.

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5. Bottled Fruit Juices

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many commercial fruit juices contain less than 10% real juice, with the rest made up of added sugars and artificial flavors. Sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame can disrupt gut bacteria and increase insulin resistance—an indirect risk factor for kidney dysfunction.

Better option: Opt for homemade, 100% pure juice with no added sugar. Even better—eat whole fruits to retain fiber and antioxidants.

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Protecting your kidneys starts with mindful choices—especially when it comes to what you drink every day.