Pop, also known as soda or soft drinks, has been the subject of numerous scientific studies, as well as long-circulated rumors about the drink's effect on health. While drinking pop occasionally poses little risk to your health, there is some evidence to show that pop can negatively affect your kidneys and cause medical problems. Talk to a physician or health care provider if you need medical advice about kidney problems or are worried about the possible effects of pop on your health.
Pop and Kidneys
Drinking some kinds of pop may be bad for your kidneys, and can lead you to develop serious kidney problems. According to a 2008 study published in "Epidemiology," people who drank two or more colas per day were twice as likely to have chronic kidney disease than those who did not. The study, however, also showed that non-cola soft drinks, such as carbonated sodas that were not cola flavored, did not result in an increase kidney disease risk.
Causes
The relationship between pop and kidney damage isn't exactly clear. According to "The New York Times," colas contain high levels of phosphoric acid. This acid has been linked to developing kidney stones as well as other kidney problems, such as renal failure. Cola may also pull calcium from your bones and lead to an increased risk for kidney stones.
Diet Pop
There is also evidence that shows drinking diet pop may also damage your kidneys or lead to kidney problems. A 2009 study published in Beacon News that followed more than 3,000 women for 11 years, showed that those who drank two or more artificially sweetened diet sodas had a higher rate of kidney function decline than those who did not. Further, women who drank sugar-sweetened beverages did not show an increase in kidney damage or decrease in kidney functions.
Considerations
While there is some evidence to show that soda can lead you to develop kidney problems, there is also evidence showing that some types of soda may actually prevent some kidney problems as well. According to two separate studies from the University of California San Francisco and Massachusetts General Hospital, citrus-flavored diet sodas may prevent kidney stones. Kidney stone-treating supplements contain citrate, and sodas that contain higher levels of citrate may prevent calcium from building up in the kidneys as a result.
References
- Beacon News; Research Shows Diet Soda Damages Kidneys; Sarah Lupkes, Nov 6, 2009
- "The New York Times";The Claim: Too Much Cola Can Cause Kidney Problems; Anahad O'Connor, January 22nd, 2008
- University of Florida Health Science Center; Diet Soda Could Prevent Kidney Stones; April Frawley Birdwell, August 5th, 2010
