18-year-old's kidney almost turns to stone from daily instant noodles, milk tea

The teenager arrived at E Hospital with intense lower back pain and nausea. Scans revealed severe kidney inflammation and multiple stones blocking her ureter, preventing urine from draining. Her kidneys were so calcified they were close to completely solidifying.

Doctor Mai Van Luc from the hospital’s Department of Urology said Monday the girl had no prior health conditions but lived on instant noodles almost every day, drank milk tea frequently and barely drank water.

Instant noodles contain large amounts of salt, preservatives and additives, which strain the kidneys. Milk tea is loaded with sugar, trans fats and artificial flavorings, forcing the kidneys to work overtime to filter waste. Drinking too little water worsens this by reducing kidney filtration, causing minerals to accumulate into stones over time.

The patient underwent emergency surgery to remove the stones and is now on medication with strict lifestyle changes.

Doctors warn that kidney stones and other urinary problems are becoming alarmingly common among young people. Unhealthy diets, frequent fast food and sugary drinks, lack of exercise and insufficient water intake are the main causes. Kidney stones used to be rare in teenagers, but now even children are being diagnosed.

To protect kidney health, doctors urge young people to drink at least two liters of water daily, limit instant noodles and fast food, cut down on milk tea and soft drinks and stay active with a balanced lifestyle.