Do Energy Drinks Cause Kidney Stones

Do Energy Drinks Cause Kidney Stones? Is There a Warning You’re Missing?

For instant energy boosts, an increase in focus, and better performance, many people consume energy drinks, popular beverages. The much-needed relief from fatigue and increased alertness are the advantages provided by caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants in these drinks. Although energy drinks are widely consumed, concerns about their health risks, particularly concerning the kidney, have been on the rise. Among the many side effects associated with energy drinks, one of the most dreadful is kidney stones. In this article, we explore the possibility of kidney stone formation from energy drinks while ascertaining whether or not these beverages really present health risks to kidneys.

What is a kidney stone?

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals as well as salts that form in the kidneys. They vary in size and may cause severe pain as they pass through the urinary tract. Kidney stones are common but can cause serious health complications if not treated effectively. Urinary imbalances in calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and phosphate mostly lead to the formation of kidney stones.

Vacuous Ingredients of Energy Drinks

Energy drinks have more ingredients than just what's consumed in the drink. These ingredients are meant to improve both mental and physical performance. Their main constituents are:

-Caffeine: Caffeine is really the first stimulant found on energy drinks, for it makes a person enhance alertness, focus, and reduces fatigue. An energetic drink has about 50 to 500 milligrams of caffeine, and amount of caffeine also varies significantly.

-Sugar: Most energy drinks have high amounts of sugar or collude artificial sweeteners. Contribute to many health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, that could raise the risk of kidney problems in the future.

-Taurine: Sometimes this is an amino acid and usually is found in energy drinks. It is postulated that taurine can improve exercise performance ability, but the findings are not consistent.

-B Vitamins: Generally, these are included into energy drinks for the whole metabolism and cognitive functions.

-Other stimulants: Some of these energy drinks can contain some herbal extracts, guarana, or ginseng and this can lead to enhanced activity of the respective energy drink.

image credit: FREEPIK

How precisely energy drinks alone contribute to the development of kidney stones 

There are many components in energy drinks that may enhance the risk of kidney stones, but definitely more research is required to establish figurative links. However, quite a few possible mechanisms can explain how it happens.

1. They Are High in Caffeine

Caffeine acts as a common diuretic, which means it stimulates urine production and results in dehydration. This dehydration concentrates urine, making conditions ripe for forming solid materials like kidney stones, which frequently take the shape of crystals. Dehydration due to caffeine can lower the kidney's capability in flushing out wastes and extra minerals from the body; this could consequently act as a contributory factor in the formation of stones.

Moreover, prolonged consumption of caffeine can also increase the excretion of calcium in urine. Hypercalciuria (high levels of calcium in the urine) constitutes one of the most common causes of kidney stone formation, particularly calcium oxalate stones which are the most common type of rocks found in human kidneys.

2. Sugar Contents

Sugar generally contributes to kidney stone formation, as energy drinks tend to have sugar. Sugar can increase insulin levels, which is going to increase calcium excretion, and that excess calcium can form a combination with oxalate or phosphate, resulting in kidney stones later.

Sugar intake has also been linked with metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes, all common risk factors for kidney stones. In addition, it results in increased urinary excretion of calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, all components known to promote stone formation in kidneys.

3. Increased Oxalate Levels

Some energy drinks particularly with added fruit flavors or other additives can increase levels of oxalate in the urine. Oxalate can found in many food items, but at high amounts, combined with calcium, they form calcium oxalate stones. Thus, in such individuals who are most subjected to produce high amounts of oxalate through consumption of energy drinks or any other source, becoming prone to kidney stone formation is probable.

4. Dehydration

Caffeine has shown to have diuretic effect, making the person become dehydrated if he does not match the water intake while taking caffeine. Whenever dehydration occurs in the body, urine is more concentrated, and the ability of the kidneys to flush waste products and extra minerals is less effective. This shadow is made into stones in the kidneys as the concentrated urine increases the likelihood of crystallization of calcium, oxalate, and other crystals into stones.

5. Increased Urine Calcium and Uric Acid

Energy drinks with increasing amount of caffeine are additional means to increase levels of calcium and uric acid in urine. High levels of both of these substances in urine are risk factors for the formation of some types of kidney stones. For example, uric acid stones develop at a high uric acid concentration in urine, while dehydration or excessive purine consumption causes uric acid levels to rise. Increased calcium excretion, as induced by caffeine, may facilitate the development of calcium-based kidney stones, such as calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones.

Who Is at Greater Risk? 

Certain people are more likely to develop kidney stones because of the energy drinks that they drink. Such people include:

-The dehydrated: A person wanted to drink less water; an athlete forgot to hydrate; or someone used energy drinks to keep himself awake. This person is now dehydrated.

-Those who have been diagnosed with nephrolithiasis: A person with a past history of suffering from nephrolithiasis is more likely to get it once again if they do not stop consuming caffeinated and sugary beverages like energy drinks.

-Underlying conditions: Diabetes or obesity or metabolic syndrome can increase the risk of developing kidney stones because of their detrimental effects on kidney functions and mineral excretion.

-Those who drink too many energy drinks: People who drink multiple energy drinks in a day, especially when combined with caffeine from coffee or tea, are more likely to be at risk of developing kidney stones.

Preventing Kidney Stones by Consuming Energy Drinks 

Occasional intake of energy drinks does not in most cases lead to kidney stones development. However, taking such drinks often can elevate the chances of one developing kidney stones. Here are ways you can reduce possible future dangers due to energy drinks with respect to your kidneys:

-Drink Water: Make sure to have adequate intake of water during the day, especially if it includes energy drink intake. This form of hydration dilutes urine substances and decreases the chances of forming kidney stones.

-Energy Drink Consumption Limits: Be thrifty. Limit energy drinks and don't take more than a few servings each day. Choose soft drinks that offer lower caffeine and sugar content.

-Eat Healthy Balanced Diet: Ensure the majority of your food intake comprises fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and eat less between the oxalates, e,g spinach, nuts, chocolate, etc. One of the possible protective effects of balanced diet is the availability of reduced chances from kidney stone formation, which naturally predispose one to develop stones.

-Get a Doctor Always Consult Him: If you tend toward kidney stones or have a past kidney problem, you need to be consulted by a healthcare professional about the use of energy drinks due to the different compatibility of each person.

Energy Drink buying link is given below:

CLICK HERE

Conclusion: Do Energy Drinks Cause Kidney Stones?

Energy drinks certainly have become the most sought-after source for instant energy, but, at the same time, they increase the risk of kidney stone formation. The high caffeine content along with the sugars and diuretic effects of these drinks can cause dehydration, raised calcium and oxalate levels, and many other causes that make one prone to the formation of kidney stones. To curb risk, there should be moderate consumption of energy drinks along with hydration and maintenance of a balanced diet. And if you have a history of kidney stones or other kidney-related health issues, consult a healthcare professional before consuming energy drinks on a regular basis.