Electrolyte Overload: The 11 Common Sports Drinks Quietly Harming Your Kidneys

Lau Racciatti

5. Propel: Electrolytes without Calories, But Not Without Risks

Propel Water. Photo Credit: Wellbeing Hub @Anonymous

Propel stands out in the sports drink crowd for what it leaves out: sugar and calories. Marketed as a zero-calorie hydration option, Propel still includes electrolytes and sometimes even phosphate additives, similar to its higher-calorie cousins. This combo can make it tempting to drink several bottles a day—after all, there’s no “guilt” from sugar or calories, right? However, those extra electrolytes may still pose a challenge for sensitive kidneys when consumed in quantity.

6. Coconut Water Sport Blends: High Potassium—Not Just for the Beach

Assorted coconut water bottles with lychee and pink guava flavors for a refreshing taste experience. Photo Credit: Pexels @Polina Tankilevitch

Once a niche specialty, coconut water has gone mainstream—especially in hybrid “sport” drinks combining coconut with added electrolytes for an extra boost. The marketing speaks of nature, wellness, and hydration, but the real story is in the potassium content. For the average healthy person, occasional coconut water isn’t an issue. But for anyone with reduced kidney function, high potassium levels can cause more harm than good—sometimes raising potassium in the blood to dangerous levels, a condition known medically as hyperkalemia.

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5. Propel: Electrolytes without Calories, But Not Without Risks

6. Coconut Water Sport Blends: High Potassium—Not Just for the Beach

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