Energy drinks are said to have a negative impact on health, one of which is damaging the kidneys. Is this true or just a myth? Let's explore the answer in the following article!
Energy drinks are soft drinks that are efficacious in increasing energy, stamina, physical performance, concentration, mood, and overcoming fatigue. Therefore, this drink is often used to overcome sleepiness and fatigue.
The most content in energy drinks is caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant (stimulant) of the nervous system that makes the body more alert and awake. Energy drinks also have a high sugar content, which can be in the form of fructose, sucrose, or artificial sweeteners.
In addition, energy drinks can also contain various other substances, such as ginseng, taurine, glucuronolactone, guarana, L-carnitine, inositol, sorbic acid, and B vitamins, although in small amounts.
Impact of Energy Drinks on the Kidneys
Energy drinks have several side effects that can affect organs in the body. The organs most commonly affected by the side effects of this drink are the heart, nerves, and brain. Although less common, energy drinks can also have an impact on the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.
The following is the impact of consuming energy drinks on the kidneys:
Increase the frequency of urination and the risk of dehydration
Caffeine has a diuretic effect, namely the ability to increase urine production. That is why, you will urinate more often after consuming caffeinated drinks, including energy drinks.
In addition, caffeine can also increase the excretion of salt (sodium) in the urine. Sodium serves to retain fluids in the body, so the body does not lack fluids.
The amount of sodium and fluid that is wasted after consuming caffeine will put the body at risk of becoming dehydrated.
Causes kidney damage
These side effects are rare, but quite serious. Consumption of energy drinks in excess or in the long term can increase the risk of damage to the kidneys that can cause:
- Acute kidney failure.Acute kidney failure is a condition in which the kidneys fail to function, which occurs suddenly (within a few hours or a few days). Excess caffeine, taurine, ginseng extract, and sugar in energy drinks play a role in causing this condition. Too often or too many energy drinks that contain these substances can lead to increased blood pressure and impaired blood flow to the kidneys. This is what causes acute kidney failure
- Chronic kidney failure.The indirect effect of excessive consumption of energy drinks is chronic kidney failure, namely disorders of the structure and function of the kidneys that develop gradually, for at least 3 months. One can of energy drink contains about 54 grams or the equivalent of 13 teaspoons of sugar. Excessive sugar intake in the long term can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. Both conditions can eventually lead to chronic kidney failure.
It turns out that the opinion that energy drinks have a bad impact on the kidneys is a fact. These adverse effects generally occur in the consumption of energy drinks in excess or in the long term.
To prevent kidney problems, you are advised to limit energy drink consumption to no more than 500 ml or 1 can per day. In addition, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
You should not consume energy drinks if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience severe side effects after consuming energy drinks.
Written by:
dr. Caroline Claudia
