New research suggests that consuming high amounts of added sugars in your diet could significantly increase your risk of developing kidney stones. A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition analyzed data from over 28,000 adults on kidney stone history and daily added sugar intake. The results showed that individuals who obtained more than 25% of their total energy from added sugars had an 88% higher chance of developing kidney stones compared to those who consumed less than 5% of their energy from added sugars.
The study took into account various risk and lifestyle factors, such as gender, age, race or ethnicity, body mass index, smoking status, and history of diabetes. It also found that certain demographics, such as Native American or Asian people, had higher odds of developing kidney stones when exposed to greater-than-average amounts of added sugars.
The link between added sugars and kidney stones is attributed to the increase in certain substances in the urine, such as oxalate and calcium, which are key components of kidney stones. When these substances become concentrated in the urine, they can crystallize and form stones in the kidneys or urinary tract.
To reduce the risk of kidney stones, experts recommend cutting back on added sugars and checking nutrition labels for total grams of added sugars. It's important to be aware of various names for added sugars, such as sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, and maltose. Focusing on whole foods as snacks, increasing water intake, and lowering sodium intake are also recommended.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, increasing physical activity, and getting the recommended daily servings of calcium can help prevent kidney stones. It's important to remember that reducing sugar and salt intake may require some adjustment in taste buds, but over time, cravings for excessive sweetness or saltiness can be reduced.
In conclusion, the study highlights the potential risks of consuming high amounts of added sugars in relation to kidney stone development. Taking simple steps to reduce added sugar intake and adopting a healthier diet can help prevent the formation of kidney stones.