Soft Drinks to Blame: Doctor Removes 30 Kidney Stones from Brazilian Man

Soft Drinks to Blame: Doctor Removes 30 Kidney Stones from Brazilian Man

In a rare and alarming medical case, a Brazilian doctor removed more than 30 kidney stones from a man's kidney, sparking widespread attention across both medical circles and social media platforms.

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form inside the kidneys and must pass through the urinary tract to exit the body—a process that often causes severe pain.

The attending physician, Dr. Thales Franco de Andrade, a specialist in urological surgery, shared the case details on his social media accounts. He highlighted the health risks associated with poor lifestyle and dietary habits, especially the excessive consumption of soft drinks.

The Main Cause: Soda Overload

According to Dr. Andrade, the primary cause behind the large number of stones was the patient's heavy soda consumption, reportedly drinking about 3 liters a day—an amount that far exceeds any medically safe intake.

He stressed that soft drinks should be consumed in moderation, describing them as an occasional "luxury" or "treat" rather than a daily dietary staple.

Backed by Science

A report published by Medical News Today supports this warning. It states that foods and drinks containing high-fructose corn syrup, phosphoric acid, and caffeine are all linked to an increased risk of kidney stone formation.

These warnings are supported by a 2021 study, which found that even consuming just 160 ml of soda per day—less than a cup—can raise the risk of kidney stones, even when other risk factors are accounted for.

Even diet sodas aren’t safe. They typically contain phosphoric acid, which can alter the composition of urine in a way that encourages stone formation.

Source: Sky News Arabia