Be Aware of These Kidney-Damaging Drinks

An ice-cold drink after a hot workout sure sounds good, doesn’t it? I know it does in Florida, where even an October day can be pretty warm and muggy.

I know if I decide to go for a run, or I’m doing something especially strenuous, the idea of something that really quenches me is enough to keep me going.

Who hasn’t been working in the yard and dreamt of a big pitcher of iced tea?

Even if you’re exercising very hard, you probably are good with just water. Most sports drinks are a bit of a waste of time and money, and carry too much sugar. 

But if you’re looking for a thirst quencher post-workout, promise me this…

Don’t make it a soda.

Because on top of all the other things I’ve said to you before – sugary sodas are bad for your blood sugar, terrible for your weight, and can eat at your bones – when you have one after a hot workout, a soda can wreck your kidneys. 

When you’re exercising and you get hot, your blood flow through your kidneys is reduced. This conserves water, and helps regulate your BP. 

It’s normal. It’s supposed to happen. 

But a steep drop in blood flow in your kidneys can lead to kidney damage. Exercising in high temps can get you close.

But so can soda, especially if you’re dehydrated.

And when you put these things together, it’s a really bad combo. 

Researchers put this to the test, and as expected, the soda drinkers fared much worse than those who had water instead.

If you’re hot after exercise, and you crave something sweet, one thing I’ve tried that I really like is coconut water. 

It’s less sweet than those sports drinks, and it really brings me back if I’m feeling parched. 

It’s also a good thing to keep on hand for smoothies, as an alternative to plain water or almond milk. 

Give it a try, but please… don’t undo your workout with a Mountain Dew.