How can you delay the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD)? Exercise, diet, and smoking status are all areas to consider. Even the drinks you choose may have a significant impact on your kidneys. Registered dietitian Melissa Rifkin explains more and discusses which drink is the worst for your kidneys.* 

What may be the worst drink? 

Many beverages enjoyed in the United States have excessive amounts of added sugar that may be detrimental to health. According to Rifkin, both regular and diet sodas may be the worst of all. Rifkin provides a few reasons why sodas are bad for your kidneys, which include:

• Excessive amounts of sugar in regular soda. One study found that drinking more than four sugar-sweetened carbonated drinks per week was associated with an increased risk of CKD. Moreover, they may worsen diabetes, leading to a decline in kidney function.
• Phosphoric acid is an ingredient found in mostly dark regular and diet sodas such as colas. Research finds that drinking sodas with phosphoric acid lead to urinary changes that promote kidney stones and increase the risk of CKD. 
• Diet sodas are often sweetened with artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and saccharin. Another study found that consuming more than two servings of artificially sweetened soda per day increased kidney function decline in women. 

What are some healthier drinks?

Drinking enough fluid and staying hydrated are very important for kidney health. One soda on occasion is still safe to have, but there are better beverages to consume on a regular basis. These can include: 

• Unsweetened green tea
• Black coffee
• Low-sugar smoothie
• Sparkling water
• Water, with a little added lemon, lime, or other low-glycemic fruits for flavor

Depending on your stage of CKD and other health conditions, there may also be more options. Speak with a registered dietitian to learn more about other beverages that would be beneficial to your kidneys. 

*Rifkin, M. (2022, October 20). The #1 Worst Drink for Your Kidneys, Say Dietitians. Yahoo Life. Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/1-worst-drink-kidneys-dietitians-130019328.html