It is the high sodium levels in sports drinks, such as Gatorade and Powerade, on top of one's daily eating routine that can cause sodium levels to spike. Over consumption of sodium can have serious health implications such as heart attack, heart disease, kidney damage and high blood pressure.
Sweat is salty because it's high in sodium, and we lose a lot of it when we exercise, which is why sports drinks like Powerade contain this ingredient. The catch is that high sodium isn't healthy for us either. High sodium is particularly hard on your kidneys, which filters the salt out of your blood.
Since most energy drinks have a lot of added sugar, this can lead to blood sugar imbalances and eventually damage kidney health. Energy drinks can also have significant amounts of potassium and phosphorus. It is recommended that people on a renal diet reduce their intake of these nutrients.
While plain water is the best drink for your kidneys, other fluids are perfectly acceptable, including coffee, green tea, low-potassium juices, and infused water. Avoid sweetened, carbonated beverages and coconut water.
Electrolytes are necessary to regulate the amount of water in your body. That's why it's necessary to balance them for proper kidney function. They're also needed to balance your pH level, which is your body's base/acid level. You also need electrolytes to move nutrients into your cells and waste out of them.
Are you still in doubt that energy drinks are not advised for Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetics? Dr. Manny Alvarez wrote, "people with Cardiovascular problems" and "people who have kidney failure – especially those on dialysis or people with Chronic Kidney Disease due to severe Diabetes," should avoid energy drinks.
Water: Water is simply the best drink you can have! Water is a zero-calorie, perfectly hydrating, cheap drink. If you are in the earlier stages of kidney disease, choosing water most of the time to quench your thirst will keep your body and kidneys functioning well.
Caffeine found in coffee, tea, soda, and foods can also place a strain on your kidneys. Caffeine is a stimulant, which can cause increased blood flow, blood pressure and stress on the kidneys. Excessive caffeine intake has also been linked to kidney stones.
Overall, caffeine is not likely to damage your kidneys as long as it is consumed in small doses. It is important to note that caffeine is a stimulant, which can affect some people's blood pressure.
Caffeine causes a short but sudden increase in blood pressure. Research has not shown that drinking 3-4 cups of coffee a day increases the risk of kidney disease or increases the rate of decline of kidney function, however, moderating how much coffee you drink is a good idea.
It is the high sodium levels in sports drinks, such as Gatorade and Powerade, on top of one's daily eating routine that can cause sodium levels to spike. Over consumption of sodium can have serious health implications such as heart attack, heart disease, kidney damage and high blood pressure.
Though they have considerably less sugar than a soda, sports drinks such as Gatorade, Powerade, and Vitamin Water are still packed with sugar. Gatorade and Powerade both contain 34 grams of sugar in their 20 oz bottles.
The good news is that acute kidney failure can often be reversed. The kidneys usually start working again within several weeks to months after the underlying cause has been treated. Dialysis is needed until then.
Diets high in salt are high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure and, in turn, harm your kidneys. Flavor your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Over time, you may find it easier to avoid using added salt (sodium) on your food.
When your kidneys are failing, a high concentration and accumulation of substances lead to brown, red, or purple urine. Studies suggest the urine color is due to abnormal protein or sugar as well as high numbers of cellular casts and red and white blood cells.
Weight loss and increased urine output may be signs your kidney function is returning.
During warmer weather conditions or when exercising strenuously you may need to drink more water than normal, due to fluid losses through sweating. Track your urine colour – this should be straw coloured or paler. If it is any darker this, it is an indicator that you could be dehydrated.
Lemons contain citrate, which helps prevent calcium from building up and forming stones in your kidneys. Interestingly, the benefit doesn't seem to be present in oranges, making lemon a unique tool in kidney stone prevention.