Do Energy Drink Powders Cause Kidney Stones? (Uncovered)
Summary: Overconsuming energy drink powders may cause kidney stones due to their caffeine content which is a diuretic, and is believed to increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
Energy drinks are bad for you – so bad that they can cause you to develop kidney stones when consumed unhealthily. Such a statement may come off aggressive, won’t it? But really that’s how it is!
On the other hand, we can’t deny the fact they work in terms of boosting energy. At least expect a good surge of energy for a couple of hours.
In addition, some energy drink formulas are designed for enhancing mental boost, which is ideal for those with tasks that require concentration.
But really, no matter how beneficial energy drinks are at some point, it still comes with risks such as kidney stones. For that reason, they’re not designed to be consumed on a regular basis or in the long term.
Contents
Can Energy Drinks Give You Kidney Stones?
Energy drinks can cause kidney stones and other kidney problems, especially when consumed long-term.
Caffeine, one of the primary components in energy powder drinks, may put a strain on your kidneys. The reason is that caffeine in its nature is dehydrating, making your body expel more salt and water as you consume it.
This is the reason why you feel like you need to urinate after a serving of energy mix. Probably not enough to make you dehydrated as long as you make sure to drink lots of fluids.
Contrary to the thought that caffeine could induce kidney stones, there are related studies that disprove such a claim. For example, one study mentioned that caffeine can reduce acute kidney injury and chronic kidney diseases.
In my opinion, it’s unlikely energy drink powders may cause you to develop kidney stones as long as you don’t consume them regularly and you’re careful how much you take.
And to keep your kidneys in good shape, you should eat healthily and exercise regularly to get rid of bad toxins that could trigger kidney problems!
Watch this video for more details!
Does Caffeine Cause Kidney Stones?
Caffeine itself does not cause kidney stones.
According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases (AJKD), caffeine lowers the risk of kidney stones. The findings show that going from one cup of coffee to 1.5 cups reduces kidney stones by 40%.
Generally speaking, if consumed in moderation, it poses a little risk to your kidney stones. However, when you started pouring additives on it such as sugars and creamers, that’s when it starts to become a problem for your kidney.
In the case of energy powder drinks, caffeine concentration is quite low on each serving. I doubt it’s going to induce kidney stones as long as you limit your intake to one serving per day only.
Still, further research is needed to prove the benefits of caffeine to your kidneys’ health.
Can Sugar-Free Energy Drinks Cause Kidney Stones?
Overconsumption of sugar-free energy drinks can cause kidney stones. Energy drinks are loaded with ingredients that can pose a great danger to your kidneys.
Sugar-free drinks tend to contain artificial sweeteners which make it harder for you to rehydrate and in turn force your kidney to work. This can result in kidney problems which can become quite serious over time.
However, there are artificial sweeteners that are kidney-friendly such as Stevia but only in its isolated chemical form. Still, some artificial sweeteners are quite controversial as they’re said to cause potential health problems including cancer.
That said, you should not consume too many servings of your favorite energy powder drinks or stay away from beverages that contain artificial ingredients!
What Causes Kidney Stones?
These are some of the factors that cause kidney stones:
- too much or too little exercise
- drinking less water
- obesity
- weight loss surgery
- salty foods
- sugary foods
- infections
What are the First Signs of Kidney Problems?
Kidney stones can be as small as a grain of salt or as big as a golf ball. And as a general rule, the larger the stone, the more obvious or severe the symptoms. These are some of the most common symptoms of kidney stones:
- stomachache that doesn’t go away
- severe pain on the other side of your lower back
- vomiting or nausea
- blood in the urine
- cloudy or smelly urine
- fever and chills
Apart from medication, the most common treatment for kidney stones is to drink lots of water. The doctor will do her best to let the stone pass without surgery depending on the severity of your condition. If the stone is too large or blocking urine flow or there is a sign of infection, surgery is recommended.
A stone is an irregularly shaped solid mass that grows in the kidney. It can be as small as a grain of salt or sand up to a size of a golf ball. About one in ten people can get kidney stones in their lifetime. Surgery may be recommended depending on how severe the stones are.
How Can I Avoid Getting Kidney Stones?
Although there’s no surefire way to prevent kidney stones, there are ways to avoid them. Making a small adjustment to your diet can go a long way in preventing kidney stones.
- Stay hydrated.
- Eat less sodium.
- Limit oxalate-rich food.
- Minimize animal protein.
- Avoid vitamin C supplements.
- Eat more calcium.
What Dissolves Kidney Stones Fast?
Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice can help dissolve kidney stones fast.
Apple cider is made from fermented apples which contain phosphoric, citric, and acetic acid making the urine acidic and in turn dissolves most types of kidney stones pretty fast.
Moreover, a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil is also a kidney stone remedy. Lemon juice prevents calcium stones while olive oil helps in flushing out the stones.
Moreover, these are other natural options that can help with kidney stones:
- wheatgrass juice
- dandelion root juice
- horsetail juice
- pomegranate juice
- basil juice
- celery juice
These juices are packed with nutrients that reduce inflammation, eliminate waste, enhance digestion, and increase urination.
Remember to drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and stop kidney stones. This can also help the stones pass through the urinary tract quickly.
The Bottomline
Energy powder drinks may cause kidney stones when consumed excessively. There are ingredients in a serving of energy mixes that can potentially trigger kidney stones. I’m talking about caffeine and sugar!
Still, further investigation is needed to prove the link between caffeine and kidney stones. Therefore, it is best to limit your intake of energy mixes to avoid potential side effects.
For now, drink lots of fluid and keep your kidneys healthy!
