SCIENCE AND EDUCATION
Warning: Consuming added sugars could Increase your risk of kidney stones
Baku, August 7, AZERTAC
For the first time, researchers have demonstrated a link between higher consumption of added sugars and an increased risk of kidney stones, according to the SciTechDaily.
In North America, kidney stones afflict between 7% and 15% of the population, while the figures stand at 5% to 9% in Europe, and 1% to 5% in Asia. These painful mineral formations in the kidneys can cause intense discomfort, manifesting in symptoms such as severe pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and bloody urine. Yet, the problems associated with kidney stones extend beyond a diminished quality of life. Over time, they can result in infections, the swelling of the kidneys known as hydronephrosis, renal insufficiency, and even end-stage renal disease.
The likelihood of developing kidney stones is higher in certain risk groups, including adult males, those who are obese, and individuals suffering from chronic diarrhea, dehydration, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, or gout.
Now, a study in Frontiers in Nutrition has shown for the first time that an elevated consumption of added sugars should probably be added to the list of risk factors for kidney stones. Added sugars occur in many processed foods, but are especially abundant in sugar-sweetened sodas, fruit drinks, candy, ice cream, cakes, and cookies.
“Ours is the first study to report an association between added sugar consumption and kidney stones,” said lead author Dr. Shan Yin, a researcher at the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China. “It suggests that limiting added sugar intake may help to prevent the formation of kidney stones.”