Longevity science

People who reported drinking the most sugar-sweetened beverages were the most likely to have kidney stones. Those who drank one or more sugar-sweetened colas a day had a 23 percent higher risk than those who drank them once a week.

 

This is not a conclusive or comprehensive study, but it appears to demonstrate a link between soda and kidney stones.

 

 

When kidney stones can’t be dissolved using medication, the next step is usually a procedure known as shock wave lithotripsy. This involves focusing a series of high-intensity acoustic pulses onto the stones, until they break apart to the point that they can be passed in urine or dissolved by drugs. Using current monitoring techniques, however, it can be difficult to tell when and if that point has been reached. A new device known as the Smart stethoscope lets clinicians know, by listening.

Getting plenty of calcium from foods has been shown to lower the likelihood of kidney stones in those most at risk, but a new study makes clear the benefit isn't just linked to milk products.