The Hard Truth About Soft Drinks

By Dr. Scott E. Rosenthal

You are on a first date in Japan. The pressure is CRUSHING! This make-it-or-break-it event can be DEADLY… especially, if impressing your date requires gulping down a slice of Fugu or Blowfish at the hip new Sushi bar. Known as “Fuku” in western Japan, the Blowfish contains poisons that may cause INSTANT DEATH if not properly prepared by a certified chef!

If hospital bills could be compared, one common “beverage” found in the American diet poses a greater risk than all of the $50 plates of Fugu served in Asia. Unlike the paralyzing death that occurs within 24 hours from ill-prepared Blowfish consumption, American’s favorite “refreshment” kills slowly with little warning. To introduce the health-ravaging offender, we need NOT look in our oceans, rivers or lakes, but in any American refrigerator.

If you were asked the million dollar question: what contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar, 150 calories, 30 to 55 mg of caffeine and is loaded with artificial colors and flavors in a single 12 once alluminum can? Don’t know? Here is another hint: the average American slurps down about 56 gallons each year. Hmmm, still stumped? I bet all of this thinking is making you thirsty! Go down to the fridge and grab your favorite can of empty calories or artificial sweeteners and the solution to the question will be right on the tip of your tongue! If your final answer is soda, you are the big winner… unless of course you are drinking it!

The loss of health paid for regular soda consumption is HUGE! The ingredients contribute to a wide array of maladies from osteoporosis to digestive disorders. In 2007, the annual consumption of soft drinks worldwide reached a staggering 146 billion gallons. This would be enough liquid to supply Niagra Falls for nearly three days! It is safe to say drinking soda is part of the human experience. Let’s take a look at the science to see if the millions of people gulping down sodas each day have a love affair with the carbonated sweetie or a fatal attraction?

“We are consuming more soft drinks than ever before and a number of health issues have already been identified including tooth problems, bone demineralization and the development of metabolic syndrome and diabetes.”

International Journal of Clinical Practice 2009

Cola consumption was associated with lower bone mineral density in women at all three hip sites, regardless of factors such as age, menopausal status, total calcium and vitamin D intake, or use of cigarettes or alcohol.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2006

“Higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with a greater magnitude of weight gain and an increased risk for development of type 2 diabetes in women.”

Journal of the American Medical Association 2004

“The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been linked to risks for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.”

The New England Journal of Medicine 2009

Data suggests that consumption of sugar sweetened soft drinks and fructose is strongly associated with an increased risk of gout in men.

British Medical Journal  2008

Each soft drink or sugar-sweetened beverage that a child drinks each day increases his or her obesity risk by 60%.

The Lancet 2001

Still not ready to can your can of soda because it is DIET?

Adults who drink one or more sodas a day — diet or regular — had about a 50 percent higher risk of metabolic syndrome — a cluster of risk factors such as excessive fat around the waist, low levels of “good” cholesterol, high blood pressure and other symptoms.

Circulation. 2007

"Acid {from Sodas} begins to dissolve tooth enamel in only 20 minutes."

Ohio Dental Association

Overweight risk Soars 41% with each daily can of diet soft drink.
Reported at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association 2005

Long-term consumption of caffeinated and uncaffeinated soft drinks appears to have bone catabolic {breaking down} effects in boys and girls.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2008

Maybe you read that soft drinks are not as bad as many say?

Studies funded by the food industry reported significantly smaller effects than did non–industry-funded studies.

American Journal of Public Health 2007

Whether it’s the sugar or caffeine rush, no calorie weight-loss façade, stimulating taste or just the billion dollar ad campaigns, sodas will continue to stain the fabric of human health. If seltzer water and a splash of fruit juice fail to quench your thirst or impress your date, consider drinking in moderation and stick with the Fugu. After all, the most nutritious part of a soft drink may be the bubbles.

References:

www.mercola.com

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519075420.htm