In the sweltering summer, after commuting, staying at home to binge-watch TV shows, or exercising, many young people are accustomed to replenishing their fluids with milk tea, carbonated drinks, and fruity beverages, or even directly substituting these drinks for plain water. To many, these beverages are delicious and refreshing, and are not considered a significant issue. However, little do they know that a long-term addiction to sweet drinks is silently draining their kidneys and laying the groundwork for serious health problems.
A 35-year-old man who drank beverages instead of water all year round was diagnosed with uremia and required lifelong dialysis
Xiao Wu (pseudonym), 35 years old, usually appears to be physically robust, without underlying chronic diseases such as hypertension or diabetes.
Over the years, he has developed a bad habit: he almost never drinks plain water, relying solely on carbonated drinks, sugary milk tea, and fruit-flavored soda for daily hydration. In addition, he often stays up late, sits for long periods of time, and exercises little. Occasionally, he experiences lower back pain and general fatigue, but he simply attributes it to exhaustion, does not take it seriously, and has never gone to the hospital for a check-up.
It was only when his both lower limbs were severely swollen and his appetite had severely decreased that he went to the hospital for treatment. The examination results showed that Xiao Wu's blood creatinine level exceeded 1000 μmol/L, far higher than the normal reference range for adults. At the same time, he was also diagnosed with severe anemia and significant atrophy of both kidneys. He was ultimately diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, also known as uremia. At the prime of his life, he could only rely on lifelong dialysis to sustain his life.
How can a mere sweet drink trigger uremia?
Many people are puzzled: how can drinking beverages in daily life gradually damage the kidneys and lead to uremia?
Chen Wen, the director of the Nephrology Department at Hainan Chengmei Hospital, explained that the kidney is the core detoxification and metabolic organ of the human body, and all blood in the body must pass through the kidneys for filtration and purification. Long-term and large-scale intake of sugary beverages can cause hidden, cumulative, and irreversible damage to the kidneys. The accumulation of multiple injuries can ultimately lead to complete renal failure.
The high content of fructose and refined sugar in sweet beverages can exacerbate the filtering and metabolic burden on the kidneys, causing the glomerulus to operate under prolonged overload conditions, gradually leading to glomerulosclerosis, damage, and a gradual loss of filtration function. Secondly, most beverages on the market contain phosphates and various artificial additives. Excess phosphorus is difficult to metabolize and excrete, and it continuously accumulates in the kidneys, damaging the renal blood vessels and renal parenchyma. At the same time, substituting beverages for plain water can lead to insufficient effective water intake in the body, resulting in persistently concentrated urine and delayed excretion of toxins, which continuously exacerbates kidney damage and forms a vicious cycle.
Director Chen Wen specifically reminded that young people have strong renal compensatory capacity. Most early mild kidney damage does not exhibit obvious symptoms such as pain and edema, making it easy to be overlooked. By the time significant discomfort appears, kidney damage often has progressed to the middle or late stages, and the damage cannot be reversed. This is also an important reason why many young people are diagnosed with severe kidney disease once it is detected.
The body sends out 4 kidney-protection alarms, don't ignore them
People who frequently drink sweet beverages, stay up late for extended periods, and have irregular work and rest routines belong to the high-risk group for chronic kidney disease. Director Chen Wen reminds us to pay close attention to our bodily signals. If any of the following abnormalities occur, it is necessary to seek medical attention for screening of kidney function.
1. Persistent foam in urine: The appearance of fine and dense foam in urine that persists even after standing for several minutes is often a sign of protein leakage from the kidneys, indicating impaired glomerular filtration function.
2. Repeated morning edema: Upon waking up in the morning, there is puffiness around the eyelids and face. After prolonged sitting or standing, the legs become swollen, and when pressing the skin, it sinks in and rebounds slowly.
3. Unexplained fatigue and weakness: Despite not staying up late or engaging in excessive labor, one continues to feel sore and weak all over, with poor energy and a noticeable decline in physical strength.
4. Increased frequency of nocturia: Excluding the factor of drinking a large amount of water before bed, experiencing frequent trips to the bathroom during the night, with urination occurring 2 or more times per night.
Three common misconceptions about kidney care among young people
Drawing from his clinical experience, Director Chen Wen stated that many young patients' kidney injuries stem from inherent cognitive misconceptions:
1. Misconception 1: Young people are healthy and will not suffer from kidney disease
This is the most common and dangerous idea. Chronic kidney disease is no longer exclusive to the elderly, and the trend of younger onset is becoming increasingly prominent. Long-term high-sugar diet, staying up late and sitting for long periods, holding back urine, and lack of exercise can all continuously damage the kidneys. Young people have a high tolerance for these factors, and the damage progresses quietly, so by the time symptoms appear, the condition is often already severe.
2. Misconception 2: The kidneys are healthy if there is no waist ache or edema
The kidney is often referred to as the "silent organ", as early kidney diseases often do not manifest with symptoms such as back pain, severe pain, or noticeable edema. One cannot accurately assess kidney function solely based on personal sensations. Regular physical examinations are the most effective way to detect early kidney diseases.
3. Misconception 3: It's okay to drink beverages occasionally, no need to avoid certain foods
Occasional consumption of small amounts of sweetened beverages is not necessarily a cause for undue concern, but frequent and prolonged consumption should be avoided, and they should never be used as a substitute for plain water. The accumulated intake of sugar, additives, and phosphorus over time can disrupt body metabolism and gradually induce chronic kidney disease.
How to scientifically prevent chronic kidney disease
Director Chen Wen reminds us that the key to chronic kidney disease lies in prevention. By following these points, we can effectively reduce the risk of kidney damage:
Adhere to regular physical examinations: Complete at least one physical examination every year, with a focus on improving urine routine and kidney function-related tests, to catch early kidney lesions as early as possible.
Cultivate a healthy lifestyle: maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late for extended periods; consume a balanced diet, with daily salt intake recommended to be controlled within 6g; drink plenty of plain water in moderation, urinate frequently, and never hold back on urination.
Control basic chronic diseases: People with diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and other diseases should receive standardized treatment to control blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood lipids within ideal ranges, reducing secondary damage to the kidneys.
Use all types of medications with caution: antibiotics, antipyretic analgesics, some cold medications, and Chinese herbal medicines all carry potential risks of kidney damage, so do not take them arbitrarily; do not consume health supplements or traditional Chinese medicine remedies of unknown origin.
The kidneys lack the ability to regenerate and repair, and many injuries, once incurred, are irreversible. Indulging in the momentary pleasure of drinking may come at the heavy cost of lifelong dialysis. Abandoning the habit of drinking beverages as water, adhering to drinking plain boiled water, maintaining regular lifestyle, and undergoing regular physical examinations are all ways to treat the kidneys kindly and safeguard one's own health.
Expert Introduction
Chen Wen, Director of Nephrology Department
Chief Physician, Professor, Master's Supervisor
Outstanding Experts with Outstanding Contributions in Hainan Province
Leading talents in Hainan Province
Key experts directly connected with the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government of Hainan Province
Medical expertise
Skilled in treating primary glomerular disease, IGA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, hypertensive nephropathy, uric acid nephropathy, and diabetic nephropathy; especially proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of critical and complex diseases in nephrology, as well as clinical pathological diagnosis and treatment; proficient in the indications, diagnosis, and treatment of complications of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis; proficient in the establishment of temporary and long-term vascular dialysis access, peritoneal dialysis access, and the management of complications.