The kidneys are the body’s purification station, removing waste from the blood, balancing fluids and blood pressure, and removing excess medications. Their illnesses can last a lifetime, so they deserve all the care and attention.

Some people may be genetically predisposed, but chronic kidney disease can also be prevented with a healthy lifestyle. Diet, smoking, alcohol, hypertension and diabetes can be risk factors. And drinks can significantly affect the health of the kidneys.

It is useful to know that carbonated juices, the common name “soda”, diet or regular, are among the most dangerous drinks for the kidneys. You knew they weren’t nutritious, but not that they’re actually unhealthy for several reasons.

To begin with, the sugar content of regular sparkling water is a problem. A 2015 study found that four sugar-sweetened sodas a day dangerously increased the prevalence of chronic kidney disease. Sugar affects the blood vessels in the kidneys, and diabetes is a big risk factor.

Another ingredient found in “regular” or “diet” soda, especially cola, is phosphoric acid. Studies have shown that this is due to changes in the urine that contribute to the formation of kidney stones, an extremely dangerous chronic disease.

Current guidelines state that people with urolithiasis or other chronic kidney disease should avoid cola drinks. Even for healthy people, two or more drinks a day is a big risk factor.

And artificial sweeteners in “diet” drinks increase the risk of kidney disease. They are usually preferred by women, but two drinks a day doubles the risk of kidney disease, according to research.

Aspartame and saccharin were beverage sweeteners in the studies, but the researchers did not identify a specific sweetener associated with kidney problems. Therefore, to protect kidney health, it is recommended to be careful and avoid diet sodas, regardless of the sweetener content.

Sources: EatThis, Not That!, Mayo Clinic