Contrary to popular belief, eating a lot of salty foods isn't the only culprit when it comes to kidney stones, as according to the Huffington Post, drinking too many sweetened beverages such as sodas and artificially flavored juices may also cause harm.

Researchers from Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome surveyed 194,095 individuals about their diet and lifestyle for eight years and found that those who drank sugary drinks frequently had greater chances of developing kidney stones as compared with those who didn't.

According to the survey results, those who consumed at least one can or bottle of soda in a day increased their risk by 23 percent, while those who drank sweetened fruit juice or punch raised their risk by 18 percent.

Conversely, the study also noted beverages which helped lower chances of kidney stones. Orange juice lowered the risk by 12 percent, caffeinated coffee by 26 percent and decaffeinated by 16 percent, tea by 11 percent, wine by 31 to 33 percent, and beer by 41 percent.

Although these beverages may prove to be "healthier" options, it's also important to remember to consume them in moderation. Don’t forget to drink lots of water as well. This pure and basic drink may not only help cleanse your kidneys and flush out toxins, but also maintain the proper balance of fluids in your body.

(Photo by Eszter Hargittai via Flickr Creative Commons)