Top 20 Foods that Can Cause Kidney Stones: What to Avoid for Optimal Kidney Health

8. Sugary Beverages

Sugary beverages, such as soda, fruit juices, and sports drinks, can contribute to kidney stone formation. These drinks often contain high levels of fructose, which has been linked to increased urinary excretion of calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. This can create an environment conducive to the formation of kidney stones.

To reduce your risk of kidney stones, consider the following suggestions:

• Replace sugary beverages with water, herbal tea, or low-sugar alternatives. Staying well-hydrated can help dilute the substances responsible for kidney stone formation and reduce the risk of stone development.
• If you enjoy fruit juice, opt for 100% fruit juice with no added sugar and practice portion control. Consuming small amounts of fruit juice is less likely to have a significant impact on kidney stone formation.
• Limit your intake of processed foods high in added sugars, as these can also contribute to increased urinary excretion of calcium, oxalate, and uric acid.

By reducing your consumption of sugary beverages and replacing them with healthier alternatives, you can lower your risk of kidney stones. (7)