Some of you may have heard about the ongoing debate to put a tax on the sale of soft drinks. Soda has become an increasingly harmful drink to one’s health, and it seems that many people know that. I have heard people say that they try to limit themselves to the number of sodas they drink a day, not drinking one before bed or early in the morning, and other tips that try to lessen the consumption of our fizzy friends. I am one of those people. I try not to drink a lot of pop; I have even tried to cut the beverage out completely in the past, but yet I will still order one when I am at a restaurant. So what are the effects that this carbonated liquid can have on our body? Yahoo! Health has come out with a great article talking about the dangers that consuming pop can have, that has definitely made me think twice when ordering that Coke.
Research has shown that many health problems are related to the consumption of soft drinks, especially those in high volumes. Some health risks include tooth decay, type-2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and nutritional depletion. Soft drinks contain alarmingly high amounts of sugar, often more than the USDA recommends on a daily basis. Excess sugar that is stored in the body converts into fat, which can lead to obesity and heart disease.
And don’t think just because you order a diet soft drink that you’re in the clear. Studies have shown that no matter if it is regular of diet, consuming soft drinks lead to a 30% greater chance of weight gain. Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners that can also lead to health problems. In one study, done with rats, saccharin led to bladder cancer. Aspartame, also known as nutrasweet, has been linked to obesity, as it can stimulate the brain and cause more cravings for sweets, which can lead to the over consumption of carbohydrates.
Carbonation itself can lead to health problems. This doesn’t just stop with soft drinks, but can also include carbonated water. The bubbles contain phosphoric acid, which deplete the blood calcium levels. Without proper levels of calcium going into the body, bone density can suffer, which can lead to osteoporosis. Then the caffeine that is found in these drinks can be harmful, adding stimulation to the central nervous system, leading to stress and insomnia.
This article was great because it explained what exactly soft drinks can do the body, and what the long term effects can be. Like I said before, I tried cutting soda out cold turkey, which led me to have intense migraines and stomach aches. I believe I was suffering from caffeine withdrawals, something that is common for people who consume large amounts of caffeine such as in soda or coffee, then try eliminating those drinks. I ended up drinking the soda again just to get rid of my symptoms. I decided that instead of getting rid of my soda drinking completely, I found ways to cut back. For one, I no longer bought pop for my house. This way, when I was sitting down for a meal, I didn’t have the choice to open a can of caffeine. Instead, I have water, milk, or juice. I have recently found that I really enjoy V-8, a much healthier choice over juices that contain high amounts of sugar. This has significantly cut down on not only my consumption of the sugary drinks, but is also saving me money. And at restaurants, I try to order other drinks such as lemonade or tea to avoid the soda.
If you are someone who drinks high amounts of soft drinks, be aware of the harmful effects it can have your body. Be informed so you can make good decisions on what you are consuming, and try to find alternatives so you can lead a healthier lifestyle.
November 4, 2009
