In a bizarre and alarming case from India, a man in his 40s had to undergo surgery to remove 35 bladder stones after consuming three litres of Coca-Cola every day for several years.
Doctors were stunned to discover the extent of the stone formation, which they linked to his extreme soft drink consumption. The man had reportedly become addicted to the sugary beverage, consuming it in place of water and other fluids.
Medical experts traced the condition to excessive levels of sugar and phosphoric acid in the soda. These substances are known to disrupt the body’s mineral balance, encouraging the formation of calcium oxalate stones, the most common type of kidney and bladder stones.
“This case is a wake-up call,” said a senior urologist involved in the treatment. “High consumption of sugary carbonated drinks can lead to serious urinary tract issues, dehydration, and mineral imbalances that eventually result in stone formation.”
The patient had reportedly complained of severe abdominal pain, frequent urination, and discomfort before seeking medical help. Imaging scans revealed dozens of stones clustered in his bladder, requiring urgent surgical intervention.
Though he is now recovering, doctors warned that such damage could have been avoided with a healthier lifestyle and greater public awareness about the long-term risks of excessive soda consumption.
Nutritionists and health advocates continue to push for stricter labeling and consumer education, noting that cases like this highlight the hidden dangers of high-sugar diets in a world increasingly dominated by processed drinks and fast food.
This isn’t the first time soft drinks have been linked to severe health complications, but the sheer number of stones in this case has shocked both medical professionals and the public—serving as a painful reminder that what we drink can be just as dangerous as what we eat.