Your kidneys are responsible for filtering out waste products from your blood, regulating blood pressure, and producing hormones that help your body function properly.
Maintaining healthy kidneys is crucial to your overall well-being, and one way to protect your kidneys is by being mindful of the beverages you consume.
Here are 30 drinks that can harm your kidneys and should be consumed in moderation or avoided altogether:.
Sugary Drinks
1. Soda.
2. Fruit juice (especially those with added sugars).
3. Sweet tea.
4. Lemonade.
5. Energy drinks.
Caffeinated Drinks
6. Coffee.
7. Black tea.
8. Green tea.
9. Chai tea.
10. Cola.
Alcoholic Drinks
11. Beer.
12. Wine.
13. Cocktails (especially those with high sugar content).
14. Liquor.
15. Sake.
Milk and Dairy Drinks
16. Chocolate milk.
17. Whole milk.
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18. Flavored milk.
19. Eggnog.
20. Milkshakes.
Flavored Water and Sports Drinks
21. Flavored water (especially those with added sugars).
22. Electrolyte replacement drinks.
23. Vitamin-enhanced water.
24. Sports drinks (especially those with high sugar content).
25. Coconut water.
Herbal Teas
26. Hibiscus tea.
27. Nettle tea.
28. Dandelion root tea.
29. Licorice tea.
30. Horsetail tea.
While some of these beverages may have health benefits in moderation, consuming them in excess or on a regular basis can lead to negative effects on your kidneys.
Sugary drinks, such as soda and fruit juice, can cause blood sugar spikes and increase your risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Caffeinated drinks, like coffee and tea, can dehydrate your body and lead to kidney stones. Alcoholic beverages can increase your blood pressure and damage your kidneys over time.
Milk and dairy drinks can contain high amounts of phosphorus, which can be harmful to people with kidney disease. Flavored water and sports drinks can contain high amounts of sugar and sodium, which can increase your risk of kidney stones, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Herbal teas, while generally considered healthy, can have diuretic effects that dehydrate your body and strain your kidneys.
It’s important to stay hydrated and consume a balanced diet that is low in sodium, sugar, and processed foods in order to maintain healthy kidneys.
If you have kidney disease or other kidney-related conditions, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the best diet and beverage choices for your individual needs.
