Eating sweets is frequently linked to weight gain, obesity, renal failure, and other kidney problems. Is this accurate? (Hanoi, Linh, 28)
Response:
In addition to being associated with weight gain and diabetes, sweets are thought to pose a serious risk to kidney health. Obesity and metabolic abnormalities are major risk factors for type 2 diabetes that can be brought on by a diet heavy in sugar. Damage to blood arteries, especially those supplying blood to the kidneys, is frequently caused by diabetes and metabolic disorders, both of which raise the risk of chronic kidney failure.
Consuming a lot of glucose also causes the small intestine to absorb more sodium, which causes the body to accumulate salt. In order to get rid of the extra salt, the kidneys have to work harder, which might eventually lead to renal stress.
Furthermore, sugar prevents the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), a substance that promotes blood vessel relaxation and dilatation. Blood artery constriction brought on by a high-sugar diet might increase blood pressure and encourage renal disease. Chronic renal failure may worsen more quickly as a result. Fructose, in particular, can raise the amounts of calcium and oxalate in the urine, encouraging the development of calcium oxalate crystals, which may result in kidney stones. These stones have the potential to block the urinary tract and seriously harm kidney function if they are not identified.
Limiting use of sugary products, such as sodas, bubble tea, bottled fruit juices, candies, chocolate, cookies, and sugary snacks, is advised to safeguard renal health. Additionally, because of their possible high sugar content, dried fruits, canned fruits, and packaged condiments should be used with caution.
Choose low-sugar fruits instead, like papayas, oranges, grapefruits, limes, passion fruit, and apples. Reduce daily sugar intake, keep a healthy weight, regulate blood pressure and blood sugar, exercise frequently, abstain from smoking, and limit alcohol intake to further support kidney function.
