Study Suggests That Cola May Double Risk of Kidney Disease

I’ve just read another troubling reason to keep our kids (and ourselves) far from the cola. According to a recent study conducted among 900 participants by the NIH (National Institutes of Health), drinking just 16 ounces or more of diet or regular cola a day doubles the risk of chronic kidney disease. While it has been clear for sometime that drinking any type of soft drink increases the risk factors for kidney disease, including diabetes, kidney stones and hypertension, the fact that cola-type products are twice as dangerous was a relatively new and disconcerting finding. It is believed that the ingredient found specifically in cola, phosphoric acid, is to blame for this increased risk. Phosphoric acid has time after time been linked to the development of kidney stones. Phosphoric acid is also known to lower bone density, causing osteoporosis -- not only is this a disturbing fact for our kids, but given the fact I'm over 40, I need to hold on to as much bone density as I can.

If you even occasionally allow your children to indulge in soft drinks it is safer that you allow them to drink the non-cola variety like Sprite, 7-Up or ginger ale.


Even better, find new ways to infuse more fun into healthier beverage options like carbonated water, such as seltzer and even water. I like to make juice ice cubes for my kids. Not only do my kids find them fun, juice ice cubes also allow my kids to explore new varieties of juice combinations without a lot of unnecessary calories.

Simply pour 100% juice into an ice cube tray and then place in the freezer until frozen. Drop a couple of juice ice cubes into your kid’s water or seltzer.

Click on this link for even more dangers associated with soft drinks.