20 Surprising Factors That Can Harm Your Kidneys

5. Consumption of Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners have been in use since the 1800s, with saccharin being the first to be discovered. There are various types of artificial sweeteners available today, including aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame, saccharin, and xylitol. These sweeteners are generally considered non-nutritive, meaning they provide no calories or nutritional value. They are commonly added to processed foods, beverages, and even non-food items like toothpaste and gum.

Artificial sweeteners can be highly addictive, and excessive consumption can lead to headaches, migraines, weight gain, and an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Diets high in sugar and artificial sweeteners also contribute to dental issues like cavities and tooth decay.

Research published by the National Center for Biotechnology has found that frequent consumption of artificially sweetened soda is associated with a decline in kidney function in women. To reduce this risk, it is important to minimize the intake of soda beverages and processed foods. Instead, opt for natural sweeteners like maple syrup, raw honey, stevia, and coconut sugar.