While many know that regular sodas are too sugary, there is a common misconception that diet sodas are healthier and can be used for hydration. In reality, all types of soda can have a negative impact on your health – from increased risk of obesity to more serious health problems. So, is soda bad for you? Find out why you might want to avoid both sugary and diet sodas.
It is important to know that sodas are not a healthy choice of beverage. It has been found that they can lead to side effects such as obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. These drinks also don’t provide any nutritional benefit, unlike water.
So if you are someone who downs a can of soda on a daily basis, you need to stop now and go through all the reasons why they can be harmful!
Alternatives for soda:
Is Soda Bad For You?
Some people drink fizzy drinks for their caffeine content. However, there are many other ways to obtain caffeine, and caffeine comes with its’ own risks, so you should rethink this habit.
Others drink it because they love the carbonation. The truth is that you can get the same feeling by drinking sparkling water, club soda, or newer healthy sodas with plant-based alternative sweeteners, which are much healthier options.
Fizzy drinks can lead to weight gain and sugar overload. It’s also important that you remember that the sugar in these drinks is hidden in plain sight because it’s listed among the ingredients along with corn syrup. They also can contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame and high-fructose corn syrup, which have their own health risks.
Let’s dig in and find out why these drinks are bad!
1. Soda lacks nutrition:
Sodas are void of nutritional value, and contain either too much sugar or risky artificial sweeteners. They are not the best option for hydration either. Fizzy drinks do not provide any necessary vitamins, minerals, or electrolytes.
When it comes to the amount of sugar fizzy drinks contain, they often have more than an adult should consume in one day. The body needs time to process the sugars, which also can result in health problems like obesity, diabetes, heart disease and tooth decay. Fizzy drinks also lack the necessary vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function properly everyday like potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. This is because these ingredients are added afterwards for flavor purposes only.
2. Diet sodas can be addictive:
Soda manufacturers use artificial sweeteners that have been proven to cause addiction in lab rats. These artificial sweeteners are called non-nutritive because these foods do not provide any nutrients to the body. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States has listed many of these artificial sweeteners as safe in small quantities but studies have shown that in large quantities these additives can be dangerously addictive.
4. Artificial sweeteners:
A major problem with diet sodas is that artificial sweeteners can cause headaches and bloating. Artificial sweeteners that are found in fizzy drinks can cause headaches because they trigger the production of insulin in the body, which leads to low blood sugar levels. Bloating is also linked to artificial sweeteners in fizzy drinks. When people drink beverages containing artificial sweeteners, it causes the intestines to absorb water more slowly than normal, which can lead to constipation or diarrhea.
5. Increased risk of tooth decay:
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth. The sugar in fizzy drinks feed this bacteria, and is also converted into acid. This acid dissolves the minerals that protect our teeth, which can lead to widespread tooth decay.
Our teeth are more vulnerable to decay when they are dry, because saliva is usually there to stop it from happening. If you have ever had a dry mouth, it is better to try chewing gum than drinking a soda, if water isn’t available of course. Gum stimulates saliva production, does not feed oral bacteria, and can help reduce cavities. Therefore, if you want to keep your teeth healthy, chew some sugarless gum instead of drinking soda.
6. Soda could possibly cause depression:
There is a misconception that fizzy drinks are only bad for our physical health. However, research has shown that the carbonation in fizzy drinks can exacerbatedepression and anxiety. This is due to the fact that the body senses the drops in blood sugar, which cause it to release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This eventually leads to a drop in mood and energy levels. Therefore, we should be aware of how soda can affect us both physically and mentally.
7. Bad for bone health:
Fizzy or carbonated drinks have high levels of phosphorus, which can cause the body to leach calcium from the bones. The phosphorus also causes bone cells to release an enzyme called matrikine, which breaks down bone matrix proteins, leading to weaker bones. These are quite harmful!
8. They affect reproduction
The consumption of soda has continually increased in the past few decades. It is an unhealthy habit that can lead to medical problems like reproductive difficulties. This is because they contain a lot of artificial sweeteners and acids that may affect the quality of sperm.
It could also make it difficult for women to get pregnant. Fizzy drinks can reduce the quality of eggs and may even cause infertility.
9. It causes digestive issues
When you drink soda, the carbonation creates gas in your stomach. This can cause bloating and discomfort. In addition, the high acidity of soda can lead to indigestion and heartburn. The sugar in soda can also upset the delicate balance of bacteria in your gut, leading to gastrointestinal issues.
10. Sugar gives you a short high followed by a longer low
You might not think twice about grabbing a can of soda when feeling a little down, but that sugar-filled drink could make your low last longer. That’s because sugar gives you a quick burst of energy followed by an inevitable crash. This can lead to unhealthy cravings such as sweets and other processed foods. So next time you’re reaching for a sugary drink, remember that it might make you feel worse in the long run.
11. Soda dehydrates the body
When your body is properly hydrated, all your systems can function optimally. Adequate hydration helps flush toxins out of your body, lubricates your joints, prevents constipation, and can even help clear up your skin. Plus, proper hydration is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. Unfortunately, when you drink soda, the sugar, and caffeine act as diuretics, causing your body to lose water. This can lead to dehydration, which can disrupt every system in your body, causing headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms.
12. Stunted growth in children
Did you know that soda can actually stunt the growth of children? It’s true! Studies have shown that children who drink soda regularly are more likely to be shorter than those who don’t. And not only that, but soda can also lead to obesity, which can further impact growth. So if you’re worried about your child’s height, cut out the soda!
13. Increased risk of heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and soda consumption is a major risk factor. Drinking just one can of soda per day can increase your risk of heart disease by 20%. The Harvard School of Public Health study followed over 3,000 men and women for 12 years. Participants were asked about their diets and lifestyle habits, including how often they drank soda. The findings showed that those who drank one or more sodas per day had a 20% higher risk of heart disease than those who didn’t drink any soda.
The authors also found that people who drink diet soda every day had twice the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke, angina, coronary artery disease, and heart attack compared to those who don’t drink diet soda. Other studies have found similar results – people drinking more than two sodas a day are twice as likely to die from vascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes as those consuming less than one per day.
14. Increased weight gain
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 69% of Americans are either overweight or obese. Soda is loaded with sugar, which can lead to weight gain. In fact, studies have shown that people who drink soda regularly are more likely to be overweight than those who don’t. And the more soda you drink, the greater your risk of becoming obese.
One study found that people who drink one or more sodas a day are 27% more likely to be overweight than those who don’t drink any. Obesity increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Being obese also puts extra strain on your joints and can lead to joint pain and arthritis.
5. Soft drinks are highly addictive
Soda is one of the most popular drinks in the world, but it’s also one of the most addictive. Sugar is the main ingredient in soda, and it’s also what makes it so addictive. When you drink soda, your brain gets a hit of sugar which gives you a short-term energy boost. But that boost comes with a price. The sugar crash that follows can leave you feeling tired, irritable, and craving more sugar.
Tips to Curb Your Soda Addiction
If you’re struggling with soda addiction, these 10 tips will help you kick the habit once and for all and reach your healthy goals!
Cut back slowly
It’s hard to give up something you’re used to drinking every day. So instead of going cold turkey, try cutting back slowly. Start by replacing one can of soda a day with water or another non-sugary beverage.
Look for alternatives
If you’re trying to cut back on your soda consumption, it’s important to look for alternatives. Water is always the best choice, but if you’re looking for something with a little more flavor, try seltzer water or unsweetened iced tea. You can also add fruit or herbs to the water to give it a little boost. If you need something carbonated, opt for sparkling water instead of soda.
Use a smaller glass
When you’re trying to wean yourself off soda, start by using a smaller glass. This will help you drink less without feeling like you’re depriving yourself. You can also try using a straw to help you drink less.
Avoid dispensers at all costs
The best way to avoid drinking soda is to avoid the temptation altogether. That means keeping yourself away from soda machines and convenience store dispensers. You’re less likely to drink soda if you don’t have easy access to it
Rethink your daily beverage
We all know soda is bad for us. It’s loaded with sugar, calories, and artificial ingredients. But sometimes, we just can’t help ourselves. If you’re trying to cut back on your soda consumption, remind yourself why it’s not good for you in the first place.
Avoid caffeinated drinks
If you’re trying to wean yourself off of soda, it’s best to avoid all caffeinated drinks first. This includes coffee, tea, and of course, soda. Caffeine is a stimulant that’s quite addictive, and if you’re drinking other beverages containing it, you’re more likely to reach out for soda when the cravings set in.
Final thoughts
There are many reasons to stop drinking fizzy drinks, but the most important one is that you will be healthier when you do. So instead of downing a can of your favorite soda, look for healthier options. I love having a selection of fresh juices and different teas on hand. These are way better and come with a list of health benefits to help your body function better. Quit soda and see the change!
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Great post
Thanks for the information about soda