Soda Drinks, Diet and Health

Soda Drinks and their Effect on Health

Every week it seems like there is a new study released that touts the benefits of a certain food item. And each week there are many studies published about things that are potentially dangerous to our health, whether it is salmonella on our tomatoes or cell phone use causing brain cancer.

But this week, there is news about something so common in our society that the effects are staggering. The consumption of diet sodas is so commonplace in our society that it is alarming to learn that the consumption of these soda drinks that we all crave may be causing health and diet problems plus developmental problems in youth.

Diet Soda, Weight Loss and Health

People who drink diet soft drinks don't lose weight. In fact, they actually gain weight, according to a new study. Sharon Fowler, MPH and colleagues at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio recently published a study, which found that people who consume diet sodas do not lose weight, but actually gain weight. The findings come from eight years of data collected and Ms. Fowler communicated the evidence at the annual assembly of the American Diabetes Association in San Diego.

Ms. Fowler explained to WebMD that it was not a surprise to learn that soft drink consumption was directly linked to overweight and obesity, but what was surprising was the data surrounding people only drinking diet sodas and the fact that this data pointed to their risk of obesity due to the consumption of diet sodas.

Indeed, when the researchers took a closer examination at their data, they discovered that almost all the obesity risk from soft drinks came from diet sodas. The researchers found a forty-one percent increase in risk of being overweight for each can or bottle of diet soft drink a person consumes daily, according to Fowler.

Diet Sodas or Sweetened Soft Drinks

Dr. David Jenkins, director of the Risk Factor Modification Centre at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, said earlier research studies conducted have shown that diet sodas did not have the same effects on weight and health as do naturally sweetened soft drinks. Dr. Jenkins continued by stating that the simple message is that by eating healthy, maintaining a regular exercise routine and only consume sodas within strict moderation.

And even more documentation regarding diet drinks has led researchers to become alarmed at the high-rate of their consumption worldwide.

Diet Drinks Affect Learning and Memory in Youth

According to a U.S. pediatrician, learning and memory may be negatively affected in young people who consume diet drinks containing the artificial sweetener aspartame. The evidence was presented by telelink to the Health Committee and parents are alarmed. In fact, some parents are even more alarmed to learn that schools in New Zealand are now stocking artificially sweetened soda drinks instead of sugar soft drinks for the children to consume.

The Council has the opportunity to hear testimony on aspartame after a petition was presented which called for the withdrawal of all products containing aspartame and other artificial sweeteners from schools, in addition to the introduction of warning labels on products to alert pregnant women and mothers of young children.

Soda Pop and Bone Weakening

The prominent ingredient in most soda pop is phosphoric acid and the pH of the majority of sodas on the market is 2.8, which is pretty acidic. Scientists explain that the benefit of balanced pH levels include the ability to alkalize the body. However, by consuming highly acidic drinks such as sodas, the opposite reaction occurs which is detrimental to health. Phosphoric acid also drains calcium from bones and is an utmost contributor to the rising increase in osteoporosis.

Soda Drinks and Osteoporosis

Studies involving animals show that phosphoric acid steals calcium from bones. Indeed, recent scientific studies reveal that girls who consume soda drinks are more subject to broken bones. The soft drink industry, however, repudiates that soda plays a role in bone weakening.

The studies say otherwise. Studies involving rats show that consistent bone loss develops after the consumption of soft drinks. However it is important to note that rats and humans are not the same.

Other Health Issues Related to Soda Consumption

 A large U.S. study of middle-aged adults has discovered that drinking more than one soft drink a day – even a sugar-free diet brand – may be connected with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, a cluster of factors that increases the likelihood of having a heart attack, stroke or even developing diabetes.

Dr. Ramachandran Vasan, senior researcher for the Framingham Heart Study, stated that only one soda daily raises the chance of new onset metabolic syndrome by nearly forty-five percent. And what was most alarming from his statement was the fact that this occurred with both regular or diet sodas.

Consult a Professional

If you are concerned about the consumption of soda drinks and their effect on your health and diet, it is recommended that you consult with a professional health care provider who is knowledgeable in the field.