Statistics have shown that soda is now the most commonly consumed beverage, accounting for more than a quarter of all drinks that are sold in the U.S.
For instance, in 2000, there were more than 50 billion gallons sold in the U.S. , which means that every man, woman, or a child consumed around 12-ounce can each day.
The problem here is that these drinks are associated with a number of health problems, and medical experts strongly recommend that sodas should be avoided at any cost. These are their effects on your health and body:
Heartburn and acid reflux
Excessive soda consumption causes heartburn since it is highly acidic, just like all the other carbonated drinks. Furthermore, sodas contain large amounts of carbon dioxide which leads to abdominal distension, causing even more reflux.
Diabetes
Frequent consumption of soda drink leads to weight gain, which can cause diabetes as well. Also, they negatively affect the body`s ability to process sugar. This may be the possible explanation why the number of people suffering from diabetes type2 in the U.S. has tripled from 6.6 million to 20.8 million in the past three decades.
High blood pressure (Hypertension)
Large amounts of soda, diet or regular, increases the blood pressure levels.
Heart disease
Individuals who consume sodas on daily basis are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases.
Moreover, numerous studies have found that regular consumption of soda is associated to increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome- a group of symptoms such as increased fasting blood sugar, reduced levels of the LDL-the good cholesterol, central obesity, increased blood pressure, and increased fasting triglycerides.
So, in case you experience three or more of the abovementioned health problems, your risk of developing heart disease or diabetes is significantly increased.
Liver damage
Soda can also damage your liver. Excessive consumption of soda increased the risk of liver cirrhosis similar to the one in the case of chronic alcoholics.
Impaired digestion (gastrointestinal distress)
These problems cause moderate to severe gastrin inflammation with possible erosion of the stomach lining and increased stomach acid levels requiring acid inhibitors.
Regular soda consumption, especially on an empty stomach interferes with the stomach acid-alkaline balance, creating a continuous acid environment. Consequently, this may lead to an inflammation of the duodenal lining or the stomach.
Kidney stones and chronic kidney disease
Colas are loaded with phosphoric acid, a substance known to cause kidney stones and changes in the urine. Only a quart of soda(less than three 12-ounce cans) in a week increases the risk of kidney stones by 15%.
Osteoporosis
Due to their high phosphoric acid content, soft drinks are associated with weakening of the bone structure or osteoporosis. These drinks reduce the calcium levels and raise the phosphate levels in the blood. In case of reduced calcium and increased phosphate level, the bones lose calcium.
Weight gain
One can a day leads to a pound of weight gain in a month. Additionally, if you prefer diet soft drinks, you need to be aware that they won`t help you lose weight. Diet soft drinks are loaded with artificial sweeteners which lead to numerous hormonal and physiologic reactions that cause weight gain.
Tooth decay
Sodas can also dissolve your tooth enamel and they have doubled or tripled the cases of tooth decay. Furthermore, this acidity has more negative effects on your teeth than the sugar contained in candies.
Soft drinks are the most harmful drinks since they contain large amounts of sugars and high fructose corn syrup (HGCS).
According to USDA, the consumption of HFCS in 2007 was 40 pounds per capita on annual basis. Despite the fact that it is only 20% sweeter than table sugar, HFCS has had a significant impact on the American diet.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that you avoid these harmful drinks as much as possible.
Soft drinks are linked to numerous chronic diseases, including:
– Diabetes
– Premature aging
– Osteoporosis
– Arthritis
– Cancer
– Heart disease
Furthermore, these drinks are also associated with an increased risk of cancer. A number of studies have found that sugar can lead to prostate cancer.
A research included 10 healthy people. Researchers analyzed their fasting blood-sugar levels, and the phagocytic index of neutrophils, which shows the ability of immune cells to destroy invaders such as cancer.
Numerous studies have found a link between the consumption of sugar and numerous cancer types, including:
Colon cancer
According to a study, women who consumed drinks with high glycemic index experienced increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Glycemic index is a relative ranking of carbohydrate in foods according to how they affect blood glucose levels.
A study included more than 38,450 women who have under scientific observation for around 8 years. These women filled out questionnaires regarding their diet and eating habits. The scientists used their answers to analyze the relation between overall glycemic index, non-fiber carbohydrate, sucrose, dietary glycemic load, fiber, fructose and carbohydrate, and the development of colon cancer.
Breast cancer
According to an epidemiological study conveyed in 21 modern countries ( North America, Europe, Japan, and others)that control the mortality, found that sugar increased the risk of breast cancer, particularly in women.
Throat cancer
This type of cancer is very difficult to treat. Namely, more than 90% of the patients with invasive esophageal cancer lose the battle in 5 years after the diagnosis.
People who consume soda on regular basis have increased risk of developing esophageal cancer, according to a research. Scientists found a link between the growing number of esophageal cancer patients and the increased consumption of these drinks in the past two decades.
In conclusion, it is highly recommended that you avoid soda and soft drinks in order to prevent a number of health issues, including chronic conditions and cancer.
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