These many cold drinks every day can damage your kidneys

HERE'S THE NUMBER OF SODA CANS THAT CAN DAMAGE YOUR KIDNEYS: Well, most of us want to say no to sodas and those fizzy drinks as we know they are harmful for us. But, nothing can beat the feeling of gulping down that fizzy and refreshing soda after a busy, sunny day. It makes us feel so fresh and cool that one cannot easily refrain from having it. However, these sugary beverages are harmful for your kidneys, a fact that many of us are already aware of. But how much harm can they actually cause? Any idea? If no, then read on to find out how much soda can make your kidneys sick.

THE RESEARCH: A research conducted by Osaka University, Japan examined around 8,000 people with normal kidney function. During the research, the participants were divided into three groups. The first group drank one soda every day, the second group enjoyed two cans of soda every day while the third group did not have any fizzy drink at all.

RESULTS: After three years, more than 10 per cent of people who drank two sodas every day developed proteinuria - high level of proteins in the urine. Proteinuria is one risk factor for advanced-stage kidney disease.

THE REASON: The exact connection between soda and proteinuria is still not found. Probably, the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by fructose is the reason behind the kidney damage, say studies.

OTHER STUDIES: Some animal studies have also found that fructose can affect kidneys and make them sensitive to protein. One such study was conducted by Case Western Reserve University, where fructose, when given to rats for 13 days regularly, made them sensitive to protein.

IS DIET SODA SAFE? You are not safe even if you are having diet soda. The participants in the Japanese study drank both diet and regular soda and it still led to proteinuria.

OTHER EFFECTS: These sodas cannot only kill your kidneys but can also lead to hypertension and cardiovascular problems.

HOW MANY CANS OF SODA IS SAFE TO CONSUME: One of the leading websites says, there is no safe amount of soda that one can have in order to not harm their kidneys. This is because even one can of soda exceeds the recommended amount of sugar one should consume in an entire day! A 350 ml of can contains approximately seven teaspoons of sugar while the recommended intake is between five to nine teaspoons, depending on your age and gender.