A 20-year-old Vietnamese man, living with kidney failure, sat at a café where he once worked as a waiter. His eyes sunken, gaunt and swollen, a stark contrast to his youthful appearance two years ago when he was a college freshman.
The young adult blames his poor lifestyle choices, including skipping meals, staying up late, and replacing water with soft drinks. Kidney disease is no longer an issue for older people, but now affects more young adults due to chronic consumption of sugary sodas.
These drinks are packed with sugar, preservatives, and artificial chemicals that slowly overwhelm the kidneys. The fast-paced lifestyle makes it harder to maintain a healthy routine, with many young people eating irregularly, sleeping poorly, and relying on soft drinks for energy or comfort.
Small daily choices can make a significant difference in preventing kidney disease. Drinking more water, eating real meals, and getting adequate sleep are essential habits that can save individuals from a lifetime of medical bills and emotional exhaustion.
In Vietnam, the debate over taxing sugary drinks to curb consumption is ongoing. Many countries have implemented such taxes, and some, like Vietnam, are considering it as well. The impact of these taxes can be seen in reducing sugar-related health issues.
A recent case highlights the dangers of poor eating habits and lifestyle choices. A 23-year-old man narrowly escaped acute kidney failure after using crystal meth during a hiking trip to Tam Dao. His near-death experience serves as a warning about the risks associated with unhealthy lifestyles.
While some may argue that other sugary drinks, such as milk tea, could be contributing factors, research suggests that soft drinks are the primary cause of kidney disease in young adults. A simple switch to healthier habits can prevent this costly and debilitating condition.
Source: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/perspectives/readers-views/are-your-soft-drinks-silently-destroying-your-kidneys-4906479.html