Last Updated on December 2, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
Does coffee cause kidney stones? Many people wonder if their daily cup might increase the risk. Kidney stones are hard objects made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys and can cause severe pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Recent studies have found that sugar-sweetened soda, like dark cola, is the leading cause of kidney stone formation. Drinking at least one sugar-sweetened cola a day can increase your risk of kidney stones by about 23% compared to rarely drinking them.
We will explore the link between sugar-sweetened soda and kidney stones. We will provide a detailed overview based on recent studies and medical expertise.
Key Takeaways
- Consuming sugar-sweetened soda daily increases the risk of kidney stone formation.
- Dark cola is linked to a higher risk of developing kidney stones.
- Dehydration and diet play a significant role in the development of kidney stones.
- Kidney stones can cause severe pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Understanding the causes of kidney stones can help in prevention.
The Leading Culprit: Sugar-Sweetened Sodas
Sugar-sweetened sodas are a major cause of kidney stone risk. Drinking them often can greatly raise your chance of getting kidney stones.
Studies with nearly 200,000 people found that sugar-sweetened sodas increase kidney stone risk. The high sugar in these drinks is a big part of the problem.
Why Dark Colas Are Particularly Problematic
Dark colas are very bad because of their sugar and phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid can disrupt your body’s acid balance and increase calcium in your urine. This can lead to more kidney stones.
- High sugar content can cause insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
- Phosphoric acid in dark colas can lead to more calcium in your urine.
- The mix of high sugar and phosphoric acid makes dark colas very risky for kidney stones.
The 23% Increased Risk Factor
Drinking at least one sugar-sweetened cola a day can increase your kidney stone risk by 23%. This shows how important it is to watch how much soda you drink.
Key findings from recent research include:
- A big link between daily sugar-sweetened soda drinking and higher kidney stone risk.
- Phosphoric acid in dark colas might help form kidney stones.
- Choosing what drinks you have is key to avoiding kidney stones.
How Sugar and Phosphoric Acid Contribute to Stone Formation
Sugar-sweetened sodas contain sugar and phosphoric acid. These are big risks for kidney stones. We’ll see how they harm kidney health and increase stone formation.
The Mechanism Behind Sugar’s Effect on Kidney Health
Drinking lots of sugar, like in sodas, can cause insulin resistance. This makes cells less responsive to insulin. It also leads to more calcium in urine, a key stone component.
A diet full of sugar changes metabolism. This can up the risk of stones. A study on Medical News Today shows soda’s link to stone risk.
Phosphoric Acid: The Hidden Danger in Dark Sodas
Phosphoric acid in dark colas also raises stone risk. It makes urine more acidic. Acidic urine means more calcium, which forms stones.
- Phosphoric acid increases urinary calcium excretion.
- It alters the urine’s pH, making it more acidic.
- This acidic environment promotes stone formation.
Knowing how sugar and phosphoric acid cause stones is key. It helps us choose better drinks. Being informed can lower our stroke risk.
Other Sweetened Beverages That Increase Kidney Stone Risk
Sugar-sweetened sodas are known to increase kidney stone risk. But other sweetened drinks also play a big role. Studies show that sugary drinks can raise the risk of getting kidney stones.
Fruit punches and sweetened juices can harm our kidneys. They are full of sugar and can raise the risk of kidney stones. The fructose in these drinks can make urine more likely to form stones.
Fruit Punches and Sweetened Juices
Fruit punches and sweetened juices are popular. But they are not good for our kidneys. They have a lot of sugar and not enough nutrients. Drinking them often can increase the risk of kidney stones, just like sugary sodas.
It’s important to check what’s in these drinks. Many have added sugars, preservatives, and artificial flavors. These can harm our health.
Can Energy Drinks Cause Kidney Stones?
Energy drinks have raised concerns about kidney stones. They have caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants. The exact link to kidney stones is being studied, but sugar and caffeine can increase the risk.
If you’re worried about kidney stones, be careful with energy drinks. It’s wise to limit or avoid them. This can help lower the risk of kidney stones.
Does Coffee Cause Kidney Stones? The Surprising Answer
Recent studies have looked into if coffee causes kidney stones or if it helps prevent them. This is important because coffee is very popular worldwide.
Coffee’s Possible Protective Effects
Coffee has many health benefits, including possibly protecting against kidney stones. Research shows that coffee might help prevent kidney stones, even though it makes you pee more.
Coffee’s protective effects could be due to several reasons. It might help prevent stones by making you pee more often. It also has antioxidants that could reduce kidney inflammation.
Research Findings from the 200,000-Participant Study
A big study with almost 200,000 people found that coffee drinkers were less likely to get kidney stones. This study gives strong evidence that coffee might be good for you.
The study’s results were clear: drinking coffee was linked to a lower risk of kidney stones. This means that drinking coffee in moderation could help prevent kidney stones.
Even though scientists are not sure how it works, the data show that coffee is good for those worried about kidney stones.
Alcoholic Beverages and Their Impact on Kidney Stone Formation
Studies have shown interesting findings about alcohol and kidney health. Too much alcohol is bad for health, but some research suggests that drinking in moderation might affect kidney stones differently.
Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Possible Protective Effects
Some studies found that drinking beer and wine in moderation might lower the risk of kidney stones. Beer, in particular, has been linked to a lower risk in some research. The reason might be alcohol’s diuretic effect, which helps reduce substances in urine that can form stones.
But, it’s important to know the difference between moderate and too much drinking. Too much alcohol can cause dehydration, which increases the risk of kidney stones. So, finding the right balance is key.
Understanding the Risks: Can Alcohol Cause Kidney Stones?
While moderate drinking might have benefits, it’s important to know the risks. Dehydration from alcohol can increase the risk of stones, which might cancel out any benefits.
The type of alcohol matters too. For example, drinking patterns and the choice between beer, wine, and spirits can affect kidney stone risk. Scientists are working to understand the complex link between alcohol and kidney health.
It’s also important to remember that how well someone can handle alcohol and their overall health affects kidney stone risk. So, it’s best to talk to a healthcare professional for advice that fits your situation.
Tea and Fruit Juices: Friends or Foes for Kidney Health?
Drinks like tea and fruit juices are not just tasty. They can also affect our kidney health. We’ll look into how they might impact kidney stone risk. We’ll also check out the various teas and citrus drinks that could affect our kidneys.
Does Tea Cause Kidney Stones? Types and Effects
Green tea has been studied for its health benefits, including its effect on kidney stones. Some research shows that certain teas might lower the risk of kidney stones. This is because of their antioxidants and possible diuretic effects.
For example, a study found green tea drinkers had a lower risk of kidney stones. Different teas, like black, green, and herbal, might affect the kidneys differently. Black tea might raise oxalate levels, which could lead to stones. But green tea’s antioxidants might help balance this.
Herbal teas, being caffeine-free, could offer hydration and health benefits without the risk of stones.
Orange Juice and Other Citrus Beverages
Citrus drinks, like orange juice, are full of citrate. This compound can help prevent kidney stones by binding to calcium. Studies suggest drinking citrus juices, like orange or grapefruit, might lower kidney stone risk.
Orange juice, with its high citrate, might protect against kidney stones. But, it’s important to drink it in moderation. Too much sugar is bad for health. Other citrus drinks, like lemon or lime, could also be good for you when part of a balanced diet.
It’s wise to talk to a doctor about the best drinks for your kidney health.
The Importance of Hydration in Preventing Kidney Stones
Drinking enough water is key to keeping your kidneys healthy and avoiding kidney stones. Water helps dilute your urine, making it less likely for minerals to form stones. So, make sure to drink water all day to help your kidneys work properly.
Water Intake Recommendations
Experts say drinking at least 2 liters of water a day can help prevent kidney stones. But how much you need can change based on where you live, how active you are, and your health. It’s better to drink water little by little all day, not all at once.
Studies show that drinking enough water can really lower your risk of getting kidney stones. A study on the National Center for Biotechnology Information website talks about how important water is for preventing kidney stones.
Is Carbonated Water Bad for Your Kidneys?
Some people wonder if carbonated water is bad for their kidneys. But most research says it’s safe for most people. Just remember, flavored or sweetened carbonated water might have ingredients that could affect your kidneys.
To keep your kidneys healthy, try to avoid drinking too much cola or sweet drinks. They can increase your risk of kidney stones. Instead, choose water or other drinks that help keep your kidneys in good shape.
Conclusion: Making Informed Beverage Choices for Kidney Health
The drinks we pick are key to keeping our kidneys healthy and avoiding stones. By choosing wisely, we can lower the chance of getting kidney stones.
Staying away from sugary sodas is important. These drinks not only raise the risk of stones but also harm our health in other ways. Instead, we should drink water, coffee, and some teas that are good for our kidneys.
Preventing problems is the best way to keep our kidneys in good shape. Being careful about what we drink helps our kidneys work better. We urge you to think about your drink choices to help your kidneys and overall health.
FAQ
What is the main cause of kidney stones?
Sugar-sweetened soda, like dark cola, is the top cause of kidney stones. Drinking these daily can greatly raise your risk.
Can soda cause kidney stones?
Yes, soda can increase your risk of kidney stones. Dark colas are a big risk because of their sugar and phosphoric acid.
How does sugar-sweetened soda contribute to kidney stone formation?
Sugar and phosphoric acid in soda can harm your kidneys and raise stone risk. Sugar increases the risk, and phosphoric acid makes it worse.
Are energy drinks a risk factor for kidney stones?
Yes, energy drinks can also raise kidney stone risk. They have lots of sugar and other ingredients that can cause stones.
Does coffee cause kidney stones?
Actually, coffee might protect against kidney stones. A big study found that drinking coffee can lower your risk.
Can alcoholic beverages cause kidney stones?
Excessive alcohol is bad for health, but some drinks like beer and wine might protect against stones. But, too much alcohol is risky.
Does tea cause kidney stones?
Tea’s effect on kidney stones is complex. Different teas might affect your kidneys differently. More research is needed to understand the risks and benefits.
Is carbonated water bad for your kidneys?
There’s some worry about carbonated water harming kidneys, but the evidence isn’t clear. Drinking water, whether bubbly or not, is good for you.
How much water should I drink to prevent kidney stones?
Drinking lots of water is key to preventing stones. Aim to drink plenty throughout the day to help flush your kidneys.
Can black kidney stones be prevented by changing my beverage choices?
Yes, choosing the right drinks can lower your risk of kidney stones, including black ones. Avoiding sugary sodas and opting for preventive drinks is smart.
Are fruit juices and punches a risk factor for kidney stones?
Yes, fruit punches and sweetened juices can increase stone risk because of their sugar. Be careful of what’s in these drinks.
Can orange juice and other citrus beverages affect kidney stone risk?
Citrus drinks like orange juice might help prevent stones because of their citrate. This can help stop stones from forming.
References
- Ferraro, P. M., Taylor, E. N., Gambaro, G., & Curhan, G. C. (2013). Soda and other beverages and the risk of kidney stones. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 8(8), 1389-1395. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23676355/
- Curhan, G. C., & Taylor, E. N. (2020, November 15). Soda, punch consumption linked to stone risk. Urology Times. https://www.urologytimes.com/view/soda-punch-consumption-linked-stone-risk
