A shocking medical case from Taiwan has recently gone viral and has become a powerful reminder of the dangers of replacing water with sugary drinks. A 20-year-old man, who for years avoided plain water and relied almost entirely on bubble tea, sweetened juices, energy drinks, and alcohol, was rushed to the hospital after developing severe lower-back pain, fever, and persistent discomfort. What seemed like a simple infection soon revealed something far more alarming.

Diagnostic imaging left doctors speechless: nearly 300 kidney stones were jammed inside a single kidney. Some stones were as tiny as grains of sand, while others had grown into marble-sized clusters. Because of the sheer volume and size of the stones, surgeons had to carefully remove them one by one. This extraordinary case quickly spread across social media, raising concern among millions who regularly choose sugary beverages over water.

Doctors explained that the patient’s habits created the perfect conditions for stones to develop. Sugary drinks do not hydrate the body effectively; in fact, many may worsen dehydration due to their high sugar and caffeine content. Without enough water, urine becomes highly concentrated, allowing minerals such as calcium, oxalate, and phosphate to crystallize more quickly. High sugar intake also contributes to inflammation, metabolic strain, and increased kidney stone risk, as supported by numerous medical studies. In addition, bubble tea ingredients — especially tapioca pearls and certain flavor powders — often contain oxalates, which are known to accelerate stone formation when consumed in excess. Over time, the patient’s near-absence of water intake allowed these crystals to accumulate into hundreds of stones.

Although this case is extreme, experts emphasize that the underlying risk is widespread. Research consistently shows that people who consume large amounts of sugary beverages face a significantly higher likelihood of developing kidney stones. Studies from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health indicate that individuals who primarily drink soda or sugary juice have up to a 23% higher risk of stone formation. Findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) report that people who obtain more than 25% of their daily calories from added sugars also face a sharply increased risk of kidney stones and other metabolic disorders. Additionally, the National Kidney Foundation highlights chronic dehydration as one of the most powerful — and preventable — triggers for kidney stones. Even mild, long-term dehydration can silently cause mineral buildup that becomes painful only when stones are already well-formed.

To protect kidney health, specialists recommend following a simple hydration guideline. Water should always be the main beverage consumed daily. Sugary drinks should be treated as occasional indulgences rather than hydration sources. Most adults benefit from drinking 2–3 liters of water per day, with higher amounts recommended for those living in hot climates or engaging in heavy physical activity. Adequate water intake helps keep urine diluted, reduces mineral concentration, and dramatically lowers the risk of stone formation.

These recommendations are strongly supported by leading medical organizations, including the National Kidney Foundation, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and research institutions such as Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Their findings consistently point to the same conclusion: proper hydration is essential for preventing kidney stones and maintaining long-term kidney function.