Kidney Damage Not Directly Caused By Packaging Drinks, This Is The Explanation

Illustration of packaged drinks (Freepic)

JAKARTA - The main cause of health problems, including damage to kidney function, is generally not directly triggered by consumption of packaged drinks.

Kidney diseases are more often rooted in genetic factors, metabolic disorders, and unhealthy lifestyles such as excessive eating patterns and lack of physical activity. Packaging drinks are only an indirect risk factor if consumed excessively and trigger conditions such as obesity.

Head of the Nephrology Coordination Work Unit (UKK) of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), Dr. Eka Laksmi Hidayati, Sp.A, Subsp. Nefro(K), explained that flavored beverage products that already have a distribution permit are basically safe and do not directly damage the kidneys.

Drinks of manufacturers that have passed supervision and are not licensed immediately cause kidney disorders. The negative effect will only be seen if excessive consumption leads to obesity," said Dr. Eka as quoted by ANTARA.

According to him, many cases of kidney disorders actually come from genetic factors, which can be passed down or have existed since the womb. If this condition is not recognized from the start and does not get proper medical treatment, then the risk of developing into chronic kidney disease.

Apart from heredity factors, kidney disorders can also occur as complications of other metabolic diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which are now increasingly common in children due to obesity.

Dr. Eka said that consumption of sugary drinks in packaging can be a trigger for problems if dangerous contamination is found.

However, direct evidence of the effect of polluted drinks on kidney cases requires data from large-scale events, which are not easy to do.

He also underlined that the habit of underactive children moving is one of the main triggers for obesity, which then paves the way for other health disorders to emerge, including kidney damage.

"Obesity is the entry point for various diseases, including diabetes and hypertension, and both are the main risk factors for kidney disorders," he explained.

In addition to improving eating patterns, maintaining regular physical activity and ensuring the body remains hydrated is also an important step in maintaining kidney health, especially in children.

He added, if children show symptoms of severe dehydration such as repeated vomiting, it is important to immediately get a medical evaluation to prevent serious complications.

"The most important thing is to ensure the adequacy of fluids in the body. The kidneys work optimally only if the fluid intake is sufficient every day," said Dr. Eka.