2023-08-06 14:02:24
Consuming Added Sugars Increases Risk of Kidney Stones, Study Shows
Kidney stones, known for causing excruciating pain, may be linked to the consumption of added sugars, according to a recent study conducted in China. This study, which analyzed the diet and health data of over 28,000 American adults, found a clear correlation between the amount of added sugars in one’s diet and the development of kidney stones.
Lead researcher Shan Yin of Nanchong stated, “This is the first study to show a link between consuming added sugars and kidney stones. It strongly appears that moderating the daily amount of sugar can help prevent the development of kidney stones.”
The study revealed that individuals who consumed higher amounts of added sugars were more likely to develop kidney stones. The quarter of participants who consumed the most sugar were almost 40 percent more likely to develop kidney stones than the average participant. Moreover, those who obtained more than a quarter of their daily calories from added sugars faced an 89 percent higher risk of kidney stones compared to individuals who consumed only 5 percent of their energy from added sugars.
Added sugars are commonly found in soft drinks, sweets, ice cream, cookies, and cake. Therefore, experts suggest cutting down on the consumption of these sugary treats to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.
It is important to note that kidney stones affect up to 15 percent of North Americans and up to 9 percent of Europeans. The accompanying symptoms of kidney stones often involve severe shooting pains, nausea, vomiting, chills, and blood in the urine. While an occasional kidney stone is typically a minor annoyance, frequent episodes can lead to infections, swollen kidneys, impaired kidney function, and serious kidney disease.
Known risk factors for kidney stone development include obesity, being male, chronic diarrhea, dehydration, diabetes, gout, and certain intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. However, this study suggests that diet also plays a significant role in the formation of kidney stones.
The exact mechanism behind the relationship between sugar and kidney stones remains unknown. Yin emphasized the need for further research to explore the specific types of kidney stones most strongly linked to added sugars and determine the recommended reduction in sugar intake to mitigate the risk of kidney stones. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers who can now emphasize the importance of reducing sugar consumption to prevent kidney stones.
Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, are formed when waste products in the urine fail to completely dissolve and instead crystallize in the renal pelvis. While small stones often pass through the urinary tract without causing noticeable symptoms, larger stones can get stuck, leading to intense waves of pain known as colic pains. These pains occur as the stone moves down towards the exit, causing discomfort in the lower abdomen. While kidney stones may result in swollen kidneys or urinary tract infections, the symptoms typically subside within a few days as the stone reaches the bladder. It is noteworthy that men are twice as likely to develop urinary stones compared to women.
In case of a kidney stone attack, taking strong pain relievers such as diclofenac or ibuprofen is recommended. However, individuals should seek medical attention if the painkillers are ineffective, pain occurs during urination, or if fever accompanies the kidney stone attack.
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of reducing added sugar intake in order to lower the risk of kidney stones. By adopting healthier dietary habits and cutting down on sugary foods and drinks, individuals can potentially prevent the development of kidney stones and avoid the severe pain and complications associated with this condition.]
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