How does Soda affect your Health?

There has been much talk about how does soda affects the health of people who consume them regularly. Although there is currently a greater awareness of how harmful they are. 1 can of soda contains approximately 5 tablespoons of sugar that are 200 calories, almost the same calories as if you ate 4 fruits, the difference is that these do have nutritional value. Sodas are still part of the daily diet of an important sector of the population, including, paradoxically, athletes. 

Every day people drink soft drinks without knowing the consequences they may suffer, the ingredients of these cause pleasant sensations and can create an addiction to consumers but have a side effect that affects their health. There are several scientific articles that describe a variety of damages and health risks that are related to the use of these products.

What are sodas?

The mixture of filtered water, carbon dioxide, sweeteners (substances that provide sweet taste) and acidulants (substances that modify or control acidity) gives rise to the sodas or soft drinks we all drink.

However, its beginnings and development were in the pharmaceutical industry as they were used as tonics to relieve headaches and indigestion.

Many years have passed since that beginning and there are many varieties of sodas that exist. However, unfortunately, every day more harmful effects of sugary sodas are discovered for humans, especially for children. These are some of the symptoms that occur if you consume too many soft drinks:

Symptoms of excessive consumption of sodas are:

• Headache
• Tremors
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Anxiety
• Trouble sleeping or insomnia
• Depression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent urination
• A decrease in bone mass density (due to low calcium absorption).
• Appetite reduction

How does soda affect our health?

You should know that the most recent scientific studies indicate that soda can be harmful to our lives. Keep reading and you will find out how they can affect our health.

1. Nervous System Affectations

Many of these sodas contain a high concentration of caffeine. Caffeine is an alkaloid that has stimulating effects on the autonomic nervous system and the heart, so it stimulates wakefulness and fatigue resistance, in addition to being a powerful vasodilator.

Excessive caffeine consumption causes dependence, headache, cardiac arrhythmia, insomnia, and anxiety. The same symptoms you will experience drinking too much coffee or tea daily.

2. Carcinogenic effect

Numerous preservatives, acidulants, and chemical additives are added to the sodas to keep them for longer and to be more addictive and attractive. 

These substances tend to accumulate in the tissues causing the appearance of cancer cells and the development of long-term tumors, as well as problems in the renal system.

3. Increase reflux during digestion

Contrary to what was once thought, soda can have a negative effect on the digestive process. The carbon dioxide present in these drinks increase the acidification of gastric juices and accelerate digestion but at the same time causes gastroesophageal reflux, acidity and absorption problems, which can be especially painful in people suffering from gastritis and stomach ulcers.

4. Cavities

The acid and sugar found in soda can dissolve tooth enamel. This can lead to excess caries, which can, in turn, affect the nerve and root of the tooth, causing pain.

Sometimes, if caries progress, we can even lose the tooth. In this case, it is very likely that we should undergo surgery to kill the dental nerve. For this reason, it is very important that you do not forget to brush your teeth after consuming sugary sodas. In case you take many, we recommend reducing your consumption.

5. Renal problems

The phosphoric acid and sodium benzoate in soft drinks can reach cause problems and kidney stones.

The calculations arise after the continuous sedimentation of minerals, which give rise to solid particles. In the case of suffering or having suffered stones, we strongly recommend avoiding the consumption of this type of drink.

6. Obesity

The excessive consumption of soft drinks and obesity have a very close relationship. It is estimated that for every soda you drink you are 1.6 times prone to being obese.

As a publication of the medical journal Current Opinion in Lipidology points out, the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has increased in recent years and, in turn, the number of patients with obesity.

According to the study, the fructose contained in this type of liquids causes metabolic alterations in both children, adolescents, and adults.  It should also be remembered that overweight and obesity increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

7. Osteoporosis

Not only does the phosphoric acid found in soda affect the kidneys, but it can also affect the bones. The acids and caffeine present in these drinks are harmful to our skeleton, therefore they interfere with the absorption of calcium in the bones, causing bone loss, weakening them and favoring the appearance of osteoporosis. On the other hand, the combination of sugar and acid hinders the absorption of iron.

Therefore, you should avoid drinking soda. Instead, opt for healthy drinks such as milk to help preserve the health of your bones.

8. Diabetes

Drinking a soda daily raises the risk of type 2 diabetes by 15%, as it promotes insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes is linked to the overload that is given to the body with large amounts of simple sugars, such as those found in soda.

9. It causes overweight

An excess in the consumption of these sodas causes increases in blood sugar levels, inflammation of the pancreas and diabetes. On the other hands, carbohydrates that are not converted into energy through are accumulated in the form of fats in tissues and arteries causing overweight and arteriosclerosis.

10. Anemia

Phosphoric acid in combination with sugar and fructose (used in normal soda) makes it difficult to absorb iron, which can lead to anemia.

Who should not have sodas at all?

In spite of how delicious soda drinks can be, we recommend that you choose to drink water, juices or smoothies, as this will protect your health. This advice is especially aimed at:

• If you are pregnant 
• People suffering from nervous problems
• Conditions in the breasts
• Gastric ulcers
• Cardiovascular problems
• Arterial hypertension
• Migraine

What happens when you stop drinking soda?

If you have been surprised by the negative effects of soft drinks for your body, you will be even more impressed with all the benefits of stopping them.

• Your feeling of energy will be greater.
• You will have fewer dental problems, as well as bone.
• You could lose weight and have a less anxious feeling about eating. In this way, we will also contribute to better digestive health.
• Your skin will look healthier.
• The risk of kidney stones and developing diabetes can be reduced.

Conclusion

As you can see, soda can affect your health in more ways than one. In addition, they create a huge cost in your overall health. After reading how soda does negatively affects your health, do you think you are going to make any changes in your life?

Nothing better than following a healthy diet, varied and with quality food. Also, do not forget that it is important to stay active and exercise regularly, to avoid overweight and related diseases.

Remember, pleasure and health must go hand in hand.