Master, Doctor Pham Quang Khai, from the Department of Urology - Andrology Surgery at E Hospital, stated that many common summer drinks can strain the kidneys if consumed excessively.

Sugary drinks

During summer, people often crave various sugary soft drinks, carbonated beverages, and energy drinks to quench their thirst. However, energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, which can temporarily elevate blood pressure and impair glomerular filtration. Regular consumption can lead to metabolic stress.

Soft drinks, high in phosphate and sugar, pose a risk of calcium metabolism disorders, increasing the likelihood of kidney stones and chronic kidney failure if overused. "While these drinks quench thirst, they come at a cost to kidney health," the doctor said.

Bottled juices and industrial fruit juices often contain high amounts of sugar, preservatives, and artificial colors. Frequent consumption not only elevates the risk of obesity and diabetes but also directly impacts the small blood vessel system within the kidneys, leading to decreased filtration capacity.

Bottled fruit juices, high in fructose, can increase uric acid levels, leading to a higher risk of kidney stones and kidney damage. Consuming excessive refined sugar contributes to elevated uric acid in the blood, facilitating kidney stone formation.

Milk tea

Milk tea contains very high sugar levels, often accompanied by various pearls and jellies that are also sugary, increasing the risk of insulin resistance. Many types of tea contain oxalates, which can easily lead to kidney stone formation.

People should not overindulge in sugary drinks, soft drinks, strong tea, or coffee. Photo: Tat Dat

Iced tea, coffee

Strong tea contains high levels of oxalate; drinking it instead of plain water increases the risk of kidney stones. Coffee contains significant caffeine, and when consumed beyond a certain threshold, it ceases to be just a "sleep deterrent" and instead becomes a cardiovascular risk factor.

Studies indicate that for every 5 cups of unfiltered coffee, total cholesterol can increase by approximately 8–10 mg/dL, and at very high doses (above 5–6 cups per day), LDL cholesterol can rise by an additional 15–20 mg/dL or more.

Furthermore, caffeine inhibits melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and possesses antioxidant properties protecting cardiovascular health. Caffeine maintains high cortisol levels at night, promoting systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. Excessive coffee consumption increases the risk of insomnia and is detrimental to cardiovascular health.

Sugarcane juice

Sugarcane juice is traditionally considered cooling and detoxifying. However, sugarcane is extremely sweet, with a high sugar content, essentially "sugar water." Drinking too much sugary sugarcane juice elevates blood sugar, affecting renal microvessels. For individuals with normal health, excessive consumption can lead to weight gain. People with sensitive digestive systems, prone to bloating and diarrhea, should also avoid frequent consumption. Those with underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood fat, or gout need to limit their intake.

Coconut water

Coconut water is a popular cooling drink, but it is rich in potassium. Drinking too much can lead to hyperkalemia (high blood potassium), especially in individuals with underlying kidney disease. It should never be used as a substitute for plain water, nor should it be consumed every day for extended periods or in excessive amounts, as this can cause electrolyte imbalance and affect muscle function.

Children should not drink coconut water every day because their stomachs are small, and excessive consumption can lead to fullness, suppressing appetite or regular meal intake.

Cold beer

Beer is a diuretic, causing dehydration and increasing uric acid, which elevates the risk of gout and kidney stones. "While it may feel refreshing, it actually dehydrates the kidneys further," the doctor said.

Beer contains a specific amount of alcohol; one glass of beer is equivalent to almost one unit of alcohol. For adults, the liver can process approximately one unit of alcohol per hour. This is an average figure, and the actual time can vary depending on individual health, such as medical conditions, age, weight, stomach condition, and other factors.

Thuy An