Is 7UP Good for Health? Surprising Facts Inside
When it comes to kidney stones, people are always looking for ways to get some relief, and sometimes, it feels like you're trying everything under the sun. From lemon juice to cranberry juice , there’s no shortage of advice on what works to help break down or prevent those painful little stones from forming. But what about 7UP and the potential benefits of 7Up?
Yes, the bubbly, sugary soda we all secretly (or not-so-secretly) crave on a hot summer day? Could it be a knight in shining armor for kidney stone sufferers? Let's pop open this can of soda and see the health effects of 7Up soft drink for the kidneys are facts or just one of those urban legends.
Kidney Stones: What Are They?
Before we dive into the fizzy world of 7Up, let’s understand what kidney stones are. Picture them as those tiny stone collections that settle in your renal system. They can cause severe pain when they move through the urinary tract or if they block the passage. And trust me, when you're passing one of these bad boys, it’s not something you forget quickly. So, the real question is: can 7UP, with all its sparkle, help prevent or treat kidney stones?
Benefits of 7Up for Kidneys
The Good: Hydration, Sort Of
Let us start with the good news. One of the potential benefits of 7Up can be, of course, dehydration. Any beverage is on the right path to avoiding kidney stones. Keeping your body hydrated allows for the flushing of your kidneys and dilutes urine, thereby preventing stones from forming in the first place. So yes, from a technical standpoint, 7UP is hydration. It's a liquid after all. But here is the twist, it may hydrate, but not the best form of drink used toward preventing kidney stones. Why?
The Bad: The Sugar Content
Here we have a tiny bump in the road. Is drinking 7up good for health? Maybe, but 7UP has quite a bit of sugar, and too much sugar is one of those things that your kidneys really do not like. The higher amount of sugar can lead to higher excretion of calcium in urine. Calcium is one of the major components of kidney stones. So, while drinking the 7UP may feel refreshing, the added sugar could actually increase the risk of developing kidney stones overall?
The Worst: The Carbonation Factor
We all enjoy the sound of a fizz when we pop open a can of carbonated drink, but they're not just for taste sensation. Carbonated drinks like 7UP contain phosphoric acid, and when you consume them, it can slightly increase the excretion of calcium in your body. Calcium in urine can be a big warning sign for the development of kidney stones. So, while the bubbles might be giving you a party in your mouth, it could be giving your kidneys a little smack on the head.
The Truth Behind Citric Acid in 7Up
Now there is one thing that might have you saying, "Hold on, maybe this isn't that bad!" That is citric acid. Citric acid might help people with kidney stones because it lowers the formation of kidney stones: it accomplishes this by helping break down calcium crystals and stopping them from binding together.
Here is the catch: 7UP does have citric acid, but it doesn't really have enough to help the problem of kidney stone formation. To truly obtain a benefit from citric acid, you'll need to stick with lime juice or lemon juice because they both have significantly more citric acid.
The Sparkling Truth: Moderation Is Key
Alright, so can you drink 7Up if you have kidney stones? Technically, yes, but moderation is key. If you’re battling kidney stones or trying to prevent them, it’s not the first drink you should reach for. Hydration is crucial, but it’s better to opt for water, herbal teas, or drinks like lemon water, which actively help break down stones with their citric acid content. A little 7UP here and there probably won’t hurt, but if you’re relying on it as a “cure,” you’re going down the wrong (and potentially sugary) path.
The Best Drink for Kidney Stones (Hint: It’s Not 7UP)
If you are on the search for the ultimate drink to prevent kidney stones, look no further than water. Water removes toxins from your kidneys, helps to hydrate, and has no sugar or carbonation. If you're interested, squeeze some lime or lemon in your water. Citric acid is in lemons and limes and is an excellent remedy for breaking down stones and preventing new stones from forming.
Other Drinks That Help (And Don't Help)
- Lemon Water: As I said, lemon water is essential for the kidneys. The citric acid is exceptional for preventing kidney stones, so drink away!
- Cranberry Juice: It often gets credit for being useful when treating urinary tract infection (UTI) by reducing the bacteria and keeping the urinary tract free and clear of infection, while also being beneficial to the kidneys, thereby reducing any risk of kidney stones.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Some people claim apple cider vinegar is excellent for breaking down kidney stones, but just remember to add it to water when you drink, as it's pretty acidic!
On the flip side, drinks like cola, energy drinks, and high-sugar sodas (like 7UP) are best avoided when it comes to kidney stone prevention. These drinks can contribute to your risk of stones because they are very high in sugar and acid.
The Bottom Line: Enjoy 7UP, But Don't Rely on It
In the end, 7UP is not the kidney stone savior you probably imagined it would be. The benefits of 7Up are mainly limited to hydration. It can hydrate you, but it's extremely high in sugar and carbonation, both of which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones over time. If you want to enjoy the occasional fizzy drink, go ahead, but don’t make it your go-to for kidney health.
Instead, stick to water (add lemon for extra power), and consider other kidney-friendly drinks like herbal teas and diluted apple cider vinegar. And if you’re ever in doubt about what’s best for your kidneys, always check with your healthcare provider, because they’ll help you stay on track and avoid any kidney-related mishaps.
FAQ
1. Why is 7Up considered good for you?
It's not actually good for you nutritionally, but people sometimes think it's okay because it's caffeine-free and can feel soothing when sick.
2. Is 7Up good for stomach upset?
It may temporarily ease nausea due to its mild flavor and carbonation, but it's not a real treatment.
3. Is 7Up good for digestion?
Not really. While carbonation might help some people burp and feel relief, it can also cause bloating or gas
