Does eating too many sweets cause kidney failure?

Many people say that eating pastries and sweets only causes obesity, overweight, and even kidney failure. Is this true? (Linh, 28, Hanoi).

Eating sweets does not directly cause immediate kidney failure like a poison, but it acts as a "silent killer" by contributing to diabetes and high blood pressure. When people consume too much sugar, blood glucose levels rise, forcing kidneys to overwork and increasing the risk of kidney failure. High glucose consumption also increases sodium absorption in the small intestine, leading to salt accumulation in the body and compelling kidneys to work harder to excrete excess salt.

Excessive sugar intake promotes metabolic disorders, causing obesity—a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes and metabolic disorders also commonly damage blood vessels, including the vascular system supplying the kidneys, thus increasing the risk of chronic kidney failure.

Sugar inhibits the body's production of nitric oxide (NO), a compound that stimulates blood vessel walls to dilate. High sugar intake stimulates the narrowing of blood vessels, causing high blood pressure, leading to kidney disease, and accelerating the progression of chronic kidney failure.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that each person consume less than 25 g of sugar per day, including beverages. This amount is one-half of the average a Vietnamese person currently consumes. Adults and children should reduce their free sugar intake to less than 10% of their total daily energy intake. A ratio below 5%, equivalent to 25 g or 5 teaspoons, would be more beneficial for health.

Sugar is not only found in candy but also abundantly in soy sauce, chili sauce, bread, and especially bottled soft drinks. Instead of sweets, eat fresh fruit and drink enough water to help kidneys filter toxins more effectively.