The Ugly Truth About Soda!

 

Ever since I was little, I have never liked the taste of soda. It was something about the carbonation that would get to me. I remember trying to force myself to drink it because "all the cool kids did" but now Im so grateful I never got in the habit.

Everyone tends to know that soda is bad for you, but when you ask someone about soda, they normally just talk about their favorite kinds, the newest commercials and how fun the new, personalized labels are. Now, Im not saying people don't care that its bad for you. I simply think, people don't know or don't understand why its bad for you. So heres the ugly truth when you break down whats in your soda...

Lets say you drink one soda a day..thats equal to 39 pounds of sugar per year, which almost equal to the difference of 4 pant sizes. So theres no surprise that those who drink soda regularly are at a 1.6 times greater risk for obesity.

• This tremendous amount of sugar also affects your learning, your memory and even your ability to process insulin. And those increased cravings? also a result of the artificial sweeteners...

• The high fructose corn syrup is known for increasing hunger. It has been related to a metabolic syndrome that increases risks for both diabetes and several heart diseases. In fact, those who drink soda increase their risk for type 2 diabetes to up to 80%!

• Sodas also have high levels of phosphoric acid in them which has been proven to cause kidney stones and other renal issues.  

• Phosphoric acid along with the caffeine is linked to osteoporosis and bone density loss.

• The sugar and the acid also dissolves tooth enamel which, in extreme cases, can lead to the loss of that tooth. 

• Food dyes can impair brain function, give your hyperactive behavior, affect your ability to function and lessen your impulse controls.

• Sodium preservatives in the soda add sodium and reduce available potassium which can cause rashes, eczema and even asthma.

• The carbonation in soda can result in gas, bloating, cramping and with the addition of caffeine, you can add diarrhea or constipation to that mix.

• Soda cans and plastic bottles are also coated with a resin that contains Bisphenyl-A, BPA. Studies show that BPA can affect the endocrine system thus resulting in premature puberty and reproductive abnormalities. It has also been linked to an increase risk of cancer. 

...and thats not even half of it. Doctors, family and friends don't say that soda is bad for you because they simply feel like it. Its the ugly truth that often gets disguised or ignored. If you're a soda addict finding it hard to quit, try easing yourself off it. Limit yourself to drinking one can a week. Then only when you go out to eat, or leave it only for special occasions. If you're addicted the caffeine, try replacing it with caffeinated teas instead.

Before you know it, your cravings for the sugary beverage will be something of the past, you'll be the one preaching to others about the horrors behind the labels, all while aiming for the FitFlavor of your life!

-xx Kassandra

Interesting Related Link: Timeline of Sodas Affects on the Body
Information gathered from:  MindBodyGreen