Recent statistics indicate that despite the detrimental effects on health, Americans are consuming an increasing amount of soft drinks, also known as soda, pop, tonic, coke, or a soft drink. These sugary beverages have similar harmful impacts on the body such as enamel erosion and weakened bones due to calcium depletion. Moreover, they contribute to weight gain and potential obesity while triggering acne breakouts.
A regular-sized can of these drinks typically contains around 10 to 12 teaspoons of sugar. Experts warn about the negative consequences for dental health as “more sugar brings more risk of decay.” Most carbonated soft drinks contain either sugar or high fructose corn syrup which both harm teeth.
Dr. Sara Po from Family Cosmetic Dentistry emphasizes the primary role these sugary drinks play in causing cavities. The bacteria in our mouths feed on sugar and produce acid that dissolves tooth enamel. This sentiment is echoed by Dentist Howard S. Glazer who holds the position of president at the Academy of General Dentistry and possesses extensive experience in his field.
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Regular sodas and diet sodas both have detrimental effects on teeth, according to the Colgate Dental Resource Center. These beverages contribute significantly to tooth decay due to their acids and acidic sugar byproducts. The enamel of teeth becomes weakened and cavities form as a result. When soda comes into contact with teeth, its high acidity speeds up cavity development. Frequent consumption of soda also reduces the acid level in saliva, which leads to a loss of natural minerals that protect against cavities. Soda contains phosphoric acid, which dissolves calcium from enamel, making it softer and more susceptible to cavities. This acid not only affects teeth but also has an impact on bone density. A study published in the American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition suggests a connection between higher soda consumption, lower bone density, and an increased risk of fractures.
James A Howenstine, author of A Physician’s Guide to Natural Health Products That Work, highlights the correlation between soft drinks and decreased calcium levels as well as increased phosphate levels in the bloodstream. Elevated phosphate levels combined with low calcium levels result in calcium being extracted from bones. This is worrisome because soft drinks contain high amounts of phosphates but lack calcium content, potentially leading to weakened bones.
A recent study conducted at Harvard University found that individuals who consume soda are three times more likely to experience bone fractures compared to those who do not consume soda. This applies to both men and women who drink three or more sodas per day, as they have between 2.3 and 5.1 percent less bone mass than those who avoid all types of soda.
Dr. Tucker from Tufts University explains that the excess phosphorus in soda combines with calcium in the digestive tract, preventing it from reaching the bones and causing this issue. It is important to note that this high level of phosphorus is found in regular, caffeine-free, and diet variants of soda.
Furthermore, drinking soda leads to an increase in blood acidity due to its phosphorus content. This prompts the body to extract calcium from the bones, resulting in rapid bone loss. Surprisingly, Dr. Tucker’s research findings suggest that consuming just three cola drinks per week can lead to significant bone loss.
It is astonishing that a typical 12oz can of regular soda contains about 160 calories and approximately 10-12 teaspoons of sugar, which exceeds the recommended daily intake limit. Statistics from the California Center for Public Health reveal that 62% of Americans consume at least one soda per day; meaning if an individual only consumes one daily, they could accumulate an additional 65,700 empty calories each year.
Excessive consumption of soda can cause weight gain or obesity as it lacks nutritional value but is high in calories.The CSPI supports the idea of placing obesity warning labels on soda bottles. They highlight that soda is a typical unhealthy food choice, with no nutritional value but high in calories.
Michael Jacobson, from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, compares the warning labels on cans to those found on cigarette packs. At Harvard, scientists conducted a study where 100 participants consumed regular soda for one week, while another 100 participants consumed alternative beverages like milk, water, and orange juice. As a result, the individuals who drank regular soda gained up to 8lbs. According to Dr. Louis Aronne of Weill-Cornell Medical College, regardless of the kind of carbonated beverage consumed, it is a superfluous source of calories. These drinks contain excessive amounts of sugar, adding unnecessary calories without providing any satiety.
The belief that switching to diet soda will be beneficial as it does not contain calories often leads many individuals who indulge in soda and attempt to diet astray. However, research from the University Of Texas Health Sciences Center revealed that consuming each daily can of diet soda increases the likelihood of becoming overweight by 41%. Surprisingly, opting for diet soda results in greater weight gain compared to choosing regular soda.
According to Robert Bauer from UCLA, drinking diet soda can trick the body into thinking it is getting calories, causing cravings and overeating compared to regular soda. Additionally, soda has a pH level of 1.5, making it acidic. Just one soda can lower blood pH below 7.2, increasing acidity and promoting faster growth of bacteria and diseases than in an alkaline blood environment. ClearskinHQ.com states that having more bacteria in the body increases the chances of experiencing breakouts.
Drinking soda can cause a significant 25% decrease in your blood’s oxygen level, resulting in slowed blood flow and delayed skin recovery. Additionally, the acidity from soda creates an environment ideal for bacterial growth and disease development, as emphasized by author David Stinking in his book Erasing Acne Secrets. Furthermore, soda with high caffeine levels disrupts the production and delivery of anti-diuretic hormone to the kidneys, leading to dehydration. It is crucial to note that when you consume soda, your body conserves water by releasing a water-saving hormone.
According to Taylor Hanson, a scientist for Proactive, hydration is key for preventing acne. Soda, with its various corn syrups and refined sugars, is considered empty calories that do not satiate hunger. As a result, the spike in blood sugar triggers the production of insulin and testosterone, leading to clogged pores and skin inflammation, as explained by Dr. Warneke from NYSDC (New York Skin Disease Center). Despite the temptation of fizzy, sugary drinks, extensive research indicates that soda, whether regular or diet, is detrimental to health. Consuming soda can dissolve tooth enamel, deplete calcium from bones and weaken them, contribute to weight gain or obesity, and lead to acne breakouts. These findings are supported by research and evidence. On average, Americans consume over 15 million gallons of soda annually.
