Soda/Beverages: Do I need to completely... - Kidney Disease

Kidney Disease

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Soda/Beverages

GoodHealthIsAJourney profile image

Do I need to completely eliminate all carbonated beverages? I know dark sodas are forbidden, but I’m more of a Buble and La Croix drinker. Basically, plain or flavored (sodium free, sugar free, artificial sweetener free) carbonated water. Is it the carbonation that’s a problem?

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GoodHealthIsAJourney profile image
GoodHealthIsAJourney
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12 Replies

I don't have the information your physician(s) have but I do know that a lot of what you drink even if it sounds healthy can be a bad thing. Starting off, no sweetners (artificial or otherwise) sounds good, but the carbonation and lemon for flavoring sounds will depend on how much and how often you imbibe. Too much acid intake can be a problem. As with most issues, speak to your doctors about the amount and frequency that is safe for you. Everything will be cleared through your kidneys so you don't want to overwork them.

GoodHealthIsAJourney profile image
GoodHealthIsAJourney in reply to

I didn't even think of the acidic nature of carbonated water! I looked it up ...

"The pH of carbonated water is 3–4, which means it's slightly acidic. However, drinking an acidic beverage like carbonated water does not make your body more acidic. Your kidneys and lungs remove excess carbon dioxide. "

Yeah, I don't think I want my kidneys to do any more work than necessary! 😉 I'll stick to my only beverage - water! Thank so much for responding!!

Hily profile image
Hily in reply toGoodHealthIsAJourney

You do not say what your current eGFR is or what Level you are. Dora for instance is on dialysis and therefor has different rules. If you are not on those levels you might need to drink more liquids. So please check with your nephrologist for his advice.

Dora86 profile image
Dora86

Personally as soon as I started PD I went off carbonated / fizzy drinks. Now even the smallest amount really bloats me. I just stick to 2 cups of tea a day, squash and at least 800ml of water.

Blackknight1989 profile image
Blackknight1989

Just easier to limit intake to water and coffee/tea. Since my CKD 4 initial diagnosis in 1996 all I ever drink is water, probably a gallon a day and a cup of coffee to start the day.

GoodHealthIsAJourney profile image
GoodHealthIsAJourney in reply toBlackknight1989

I only used to drink a sparkling water once a week, so it's not a huge hardship to give it up. Since I don't drink coffee or tea - or anything else - I'll just stick to water. Good thing I love water!

Tony04 profile image
Tony04

So assume beer is out 😭

GoodHealthIsAJourney profile image
GoodHealthIsAJourney in reply toTony04

😂 Yeah, I think that ship has sailed!

Tony04 profile image
Tony04

I have only been diagnosed with stage 3 what on earth can I eat or drink no pizza not even soft drink it’s going to be a hard boring life.

GoodHealthIsAJourney profile image
GoodHealthIsAJourney in reply toTony04

Tony04, I've found with all things, attitude is everything - it's a cliché for a reason! It's taken me a bit of work, but I realize that food is not the center of my life, and there are plenty of good foods to still enjoy. I'm lucky that I went low carb 9 years ago and gave up sugar, flour and all things white and non-nutritious. I think it made it easier for me to make this transition, because I knew if I did it before, I could do it again. When I first went low carb, I thought my enjoyment of life was over. My beloved pizza, French fries and bread were done. Gone. Kaput.

But when I finally decided to take it one day at a time (yes, much like an alcoholic!), and not look forward to a life without all the things I loved, things got more tolerable. And then, all of sudden, I realized that I didn't crave those things anymore, and I had developed new habits and likes. In fact, after some time had passed, I ate a bite of pizza, and realized that my tastes had changed. And while it was still good, it didn't have the same hold over me that it did before.

I understand my journey may be completely different from anyone else's, but I hope something I said sparked a little hope in you. Maybe you can post a question to the forum asking others how they cope with the radical dietary changes? Best of luck to you - I wish you all good things!

Tony04 profile image
Tony04 in reply toGoodHealthIsAJourney

Yes thank you for your reply very helpful you’re right about your tastes change your habits change I’m bit lost at the moment I really don’t know what I’m allowed to eat and what I’m not allowed to eat self got a lot of learning to do.

sparkie88 profile image
sparkie88

Hmm I still drink Poland spring carbonated water but not daily although I quit soda like 20 years ago when I was in my early 20s now at stage 3a (up from 3b) so research has not proven that drinking carbonated water is harmful to anyone it may even be helpful for people who don't like to drink water and mineral water is beneficial to people with gout which is fairly common with CKD Also what is acidic in nature may not be acidic in the body in fact it turns into alkaline such as in the case of lemon cranberry vinegar etc when it goes into our body it becomes alkaline It is actually the ash of the foods that is important so if you are concerned add things such as lemon juice baking soda etc also watch out for potassium if you need to and any artificial flavors. In doubt ask your Dr

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