South Korean researchers found that one fizzy drink a day doubles the risk of renal disease. In JAMA Network Open, researchers examine sugary drinks’ effects on chronic kidney disease and ways to lower the risk.
The 10-year study of 127,830 people found that drinking carbonated drinks like Coke and Fanta regularly increases the risk of chronic kidney disease. Daily consumption of these beverages for a decade was expected to increase the risk.
Dr. Ga Young Heo of Seoul’s Yonsei University College of Medicine said, “One serving per day of any sweetened beverages was associated with the increased risk of chronic kidney disease.” However, the study reveals that natural juices or water may reduce disease risk.
Nearly 7.2 million Brits have chronic renal disease, half of whom have end-stage kidney disease, which is difficult to manage. Since donor kidneys are scarce, 5,000 people need urgent transplants to improve their condition, but the wait time is 2–3 years. Unfortunately, this 3-month delay kills 45,000 Brits from chronic renal disease each year.
The study found that taking artificially sweetened drinks increased the risk of chronic kidney disease by 10% to 26% when taken more than once a day. The study found no link between regular fruit juice drinking and the condition, but it did not prove it either. Dr. Young Heo stressed appropriate beverage consumption to prevent chronic renal disease. To maintain renal health, the study recommends replacing soda with natural juices or water for one in ten at risk. This research on the health risks of sweetened drinks suggests that we should reconsider our beverage choices.
