Sodas Side Effects: More Reasons to Cut Soda Out
Recently there has been an outcry from soda addicts and mere soda lovers alike, because they want to know how to stop drinking soda. However, it isn’t always that easy. It’s a fact that soda is not a nutritional drink option and that it’s simply an indulgence. But for those who have eliminated this liquid sugar from their diets, sodas true nature is more clear. Some people lose weight when they kick the habit, and some just notice that they have fewer headaches, more energy and stable blood sugar levels. Others can’t pry the can from their hands and if you are one of those folks, here’s a few things you might not know about your favorite bubbly beverage.
Why is it that soda is more popular than natural drinks like tea, juice or water? Take a look at the disproportionate rates at which soda is being consumed in the US, here on Slate.com Americans Drink More Soda Than Anyone Else. There are no shortage of studies to prove the effects of soda on the body yet the average American drinks about 56 gallons of these soft drinks every year. It is a health epidemic, and some lawmakers are pushing to tax and limit serving sizes of soda.
Whether you believe that soda is problematic, the truth is that it contains ingredients that are not only unnatural, but downright unhealthy. Watch this short video to find out more about what happens in your body when you drink a soda:
What’s in This Stuff?!
Recent research has liked soda to osteoporosis, obesity, tooth decay, kidney problems and heart attacks.(1-5) And while they seem harmless, and refreshing a soda pop actually contains the following ingredients.
Phosphoric Acid: This acid increases phosphorus levels in the blood which causes your body to take calcium and other important minerals from your bones to account for the imbalance. Phosphoric acid also can lead to digestive upset due to its ability to neutralize stomach acid. Phosphoric acid can begin to dissolve tooth enamel in just 20 minutes.
Sugar: Each 12 oz can of soda contains between 9-12 teaspoons of sugar that immediately increases insulin levels which may result in higher blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, premature aging and much more.
Aspartame: This artificial sweetener is actually a chemical. When it is stored for long periods of time, it converts into methanol, (an alcohol that converts into formaldehyde and formic acid) and ultimately carcinogens.
Benzene: The U.S Food and Drug Administration recently reported that Benzene levels exceeded acceptable standards in many soft drinks sold in the U.S. What is benzene? It’s a result of a chemical reaction that occurs between the ascorbic acid, and sodium benzoate found in sodas.
Caffeine: Known to cause jitters, insomnia, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, elevated blood cholesterol levels, nutrient depletion and even birth defects, it is also well-known for being addictive. (6)
Comment below with your soda drinking experiences.
References:
- http://www.cspinet.org/new/201203051.html
- http://www.springerlink.com/content/b042807u865853t7/
- http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/32/4/688.full
- http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Health_Letter/2011/December/are-artificial-sweeteners-a-good-alternative-to-sugar
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2661299/
- http://portaltohealing.com/dangers-of-soda-article-by-dr-andrea-purcell-nd.html
I used to get migraine headaches on a regular basis (once every two weeks or so) starting in junior high. In high school I stopped drinking pop and eating fast food as a new years resolution. I felt so good after that year of NO MIGRAINES that I stopped drinking soda and eating fast food for good. I have been without it for 6 years now and have only had one migraine in that time (due to dehydration). Its not good for our bodies!