World Kidney Day 2025: This year, World Kidney Day is observed on March 13, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about kidney-related diseases and the necessity of their prevention. As we commemorate this day, it is crucial to discuss the impact of carbonated beverages on kidney health.

It is widely recognized that excessive intake of carbonated drinks can have detrimental effects on general health. However, in an interview with Lifestyle, Dr. Vishnuvardhan BR, a consultant nephrologist and transplant physician at Manipal Hospital Whitefield, elaborated on how these beverages can specifically harm the kidneys.

Part of an unhealthy lifestyle

Carbonated drinks, especially those based on cola, are often associated with a 'junk food culture' characterized by meals that are high in calories, sugar, and salt, such as hamburgers and fried foods. This type of lifestyle significantly increases the risk of developing several lifestyle-related diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, all of which are major contributors to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Consequently, the frequent consumption of carbonated beverages, as part of an unhealthy lifestyle, can indirectly contribute to kidney problems by elevating the risk of these underlying conditions, stated the nephrologist.

Risk of chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease refers to the progressive decline in kidney function, resulting in the kidneys' inability to effectively filter waste and excess fluids from the bloodstream, ultimately leading to kidney failure. The physician indicated that excessive intake of carbonated beverages is associated with a heightened risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

The physician further noted, "Cola-flavored carbonated drinks, regardless of whether they contain artificial sweeteners or natural sugars, are linked to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease. In contrast, this association has not been observed with non-cola carbonated beverages."

Higher risk of kidney stones

Individuals with a prior occurrence of kidney stones who frequently consume cola-based beverages face an elevated risk of experiencing stone recurrence. This heightened risk is attributed to the presence of phosphoric acid in these drinks, which can accumulate in the urine and raise the likelihood of oxalate stone formation. Furthermore, the repeated formation of kidney stones is recognized as a contributing factor to the development of chronic renal disease over time, as noted by Dr. Vishnuvardhan BR.

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