
We are constantly told to hydrate because it is the cornerstone of good health, but not all fluids are created equal. Drink more fluids, flush out the toxins, keep the kidneys happy—it is standard advice we hear from doctors and influencers alike. But what happens when the very fluids you are drinking to stay healthy are actually creating tiny, razor-sharp stones in your kidneys? Kidney stones are excruciating—often compared to childbirth without the baby—and their prevalence is skyrocketing in adults under 50. The scary part is that many of the culprits aren’t just the obvious sugary sodas or alcohol.
They are drinks marketed as healthy, natural, and good for you, often sold in the wellness aisle of the grocery store. You might be sipping on something right now thinking you are doing your body a favor, while chemically, you are laying the foundation for a future emergency room visit. Understanding the chemical makeup of what you drink is just as important as drinking water itself. Here are the drinks you need to watch out for if you want to avoid this painful condition.