Urologic surgeon Raffy Aqudera said one of the ingredients of soft drinks is citrate, which is widely used by patients with cystinuria, a type of kidney disorder.
According to Aqudera, speaking during a weekly Kapihan ng Bayan news forum in Sulo Hotel, Quezon City: “Except from regular Coke, all carbonated beverages can be helpful in treating kidney stones because of the citrate content.”
He warned, though, that soft drinks should be consumed moderately. The surgeon cited studies showing that condition of patients with recurring kidney stones improved after consuming soft drinks regularly and following proper diet, which means taking less salty foods and those that contain a high level of uric acid.
People suffering from urinary stones are advised to avoid peanuts, mackerel, anchovies, internal organs of animals, instant noodles and fast foods that contain high levels of sodium.
About 7,000 Filipinos are stricken by kidney disease every year, making renal failure the number 10 killer disease in the Philippines. Citing a study by the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), a report made by the health department in 2007 showed that 11,000 Filipinos, or 120 Filipinos per million population, would develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure annually.
The month of June has been declared as the National Kidney Month. The Department of Health together with the NKTI are conducting a series of programmes and project to promote proper kidney care and kidney disease prevention through information campaign and medical missions nationwide.
Source: The Manila Times
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