A 13-year-old girl was hospitalized with severe kidney failure after experiencing fatigue, leg swelling, decreased urine output, and high blood pressure. Her parents were shocked — she had always seemed healthy.

During the examination, the doctor asked if she drank enough water, took medication, or what she drank instead of water. Her answer revealed the cause: for over a year, she had replaced water with several bottles of sweetened iced tea and soda daily.

Doctors believe the sugar, caffeine, and phosphoric acid in these drinks put extreme strain on her kidneys, causing rapid decline without obvious early symptoms. “They’re not just bad for your teeth and weight — they can seriously affect internal organs too,” warned the doctor.

Experts say rising chronic kidney disease among young people is a “silent health risk” linked to poor diets and heavy consumption of processed drinks. They urge parents and teens to limit sugary beverages and choose water as the main source of hydration.

The girl is now on dialysis and may need a kidney transplant. Her case is a serious reminder that “what we drink daily matters just as much as what we eat.”