Studies have shown that excessive sugar puts people at risk of type 2 Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular problem, premature death, some cancers, and more. When it comes to losing weight, consuming foods and drinks that are high in sugar can also sabotage your efforts as foods and drinks that are high in sugar are also often full of unhealthy fats, sodium, and other ingredients that counteract weight loss efforts. Add to it now that a new study shows that people that consume the highest amounts of sugar were nearly 40% more likely to develop kidney stones.
Many people often associate foods that are “sugar free”, “reduced sugar”, etc. as being a healthy alternative that helps weight loss. But, a new evidence-based review of available data tells a different story. Data now shows that sugar substitutes actually don’t help with weight loss. To add to the dilemma, new research has also revealed that there are additional risks when it comes to consuming sugar substitutes. Those include increased risk of heart attack and stroke linked to eryrithol and new concerns that sucralose, sold under the brand name Splenda, may damage human DNA.
The latest study now shares that in a study population of over 28,000 U.S. adults. those in the top 25% for added-sugar intake had a 39% higher likelihood of ever suffering kidney stones, versus people in the bottom 25%. That was after the researchers made statistical adjustments for other factors, such as body weight, diabetes and overall diet quality. Explained from a different perspective: people who got at least 25% of their daily calories from added sugars were 88% more likely to report a history of kidney stones, versus those who consumed less than 5% of their calories from sugar.
While the findings do not prove cause and effect, there are “multiple reasons” why people prone to stones may want to limit added sugars, according to Dr. David Goldfarb, co-director of the kidney stone prevention program at NYU Langone in New York City.
For one, Goldfarb said, “there has long been evidence that sugar increases the amount of calcium in urine.” Kidney stones form when substances like calcium and uric acid become too concentrated and form a mass, causing pain and discomfort in the urinary track. There are several causes of kidney stones including family history, some medical conditions, and certain types of foods (those rich in oxalate, salts, and animal proteins).
Apart from being high in sugar, soft drinks also contain phosphates, which contribute to the formation of kidney stones. 
High levels of uric acid contributes to kidney stone formation. Alcohol increases uric acid levels in the blood, so reduce or remove alcohol from your routine to decrease the risk of kidney stones. 
Sources share that high intake of Vitamin C is related to the production of oxalate, which then accumulates, resulting in kidney stones. Alkaline juices such as vegetable juice and molasses make the urine alkaline acting as a catalyst for the deposition of calcium and the formation of calcium phosphate stones in the kidney. 
Some foods are high in oxalate, such as cashews. While nuts can provide a boost of protein and fiber, which support weight loss (watch the portion!), stick to nuts other than cashews to reduce your oxalate intake which can contribute to kidney stones. 
There are four types of kidney stones. Animal proteins can contribute to the development of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate kidney stones. Don’t skimp on the protein, but choose options- like dairy products- that also help combat kidney stones. 
If you enjoy foods high in oxalate, like raspberries, rhubarb, almonds, miso soup, grits, okra, raspberries, sweet potatoes, baked potatoes with skin, beets, etc., increase your intake of dairy products. The calcium helps process the formed salt, preventing the formation of kidney stones.
Dr. Johnathan Khusid, who specializes in treating kidney stones at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. He noted that some of the health consequences linked to a sugar-laden diet — such as obesity and type 2 diabetes – are also risk factors for kidney stones.
There is an abundance of information about the harms of consuming too much sugar. Not only does it sabotage your weight loss efforts, but it can increase the risk for serious health concerns. Knowing that excessive sugar may also contribute to the formation of kidney stones is just one more reason to reduce your sugar intake and reach for foods and beverages that support your body.
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-https://www.webmd.com/kidney-stones/kidney-stones-food-causes
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