Does eating sweets cause kidney failure?
- Oct 31, 2025
- 1 min read
Sweet foods not only cause weight gain and diabetes but are also considered the “enemy” of the kidneys. A diet high in sugar can trigger metabolic disorders and obesity — both of which are major risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes and metabolic disorders are among the most common causes of blood vessel damage, including the vessels that supply the kidneys, thereby increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease.
Consuming too much glucose increases sodium absorption in the small intestine, causing salt accumulation in the body and forcing the kidneys to work harder to eliminate the excess.
Sugar also inhibits the body’s production of nitric oxide (NO), a compound that helps blood vessels dilate. Excessive sugar intake can narrow blood vessels, raise blood pressure, and worsen kidney disease — accelerating the progression of chronic kidney failure. Fructose, in particular, can increase calcium and oxalate levels in the urine, leading to calcium oxalate crystal formation and kidney stones. If not detected early, this can cause urinary tract obstruction and seriously impair kidney function.
It’s best to limit sweets to reduce the risk of obesity and being overweight.
Everyone should limit foods and beverages high in sugar, such as soft drinks, milk tea, and bottled fruit juices. Cut down on candies, chocolates, cookies, and sugary snacks. Even dried fruits, canned fruits, and pre-packaged sauces can contain hidden sugars.
Instead, choose fruits lower in sugar such as lemons, passion fruit, oranges, pomelos, apples, and papayas. Maintain a healthy daily sugar intake, keep a balanced weight, control blood sugar and blood pressure, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol consumption.
Nguyen Truong
Comments