Soft drinks: Not so soft on your health

by Simon Pipek

It is kind of old news. Soft drinks are bad for you. The sugary beverages you and your family drink are empty calories used to satisfy your thirst. Paradoxically, the syrupy liquids don’t actually quench your thirst. They merely make you long for more. 



While consuming soft drinks in moderation isn’t necessarily harmful, Americans drink 50 gallons of soda per year. That’s not moderation. Personally, I do not drink any soda at all and I am sure I am not the only one. But for others, soda is all they drink. They consume double or triple the amount of the average consumer, which makes them addicted to sugar and prone to obesity and and diseases like diabetes and heart disease as well as severe joint problems.

For children, this is particularly alarming. Obesity alone has not only health implications but the social exclusion and mockery that overweight kids are exposed to as a result. Overweight kids will most likely become overweight adults and will struggle with their weight issues in more than one way.

A study exploring the relationship between healthful living and graduation rates by the State Board of Education in North Carolina suggests that “students who are obese may also have a greater likelihood of dropping out of school because of the social and physical demands that they face, such as cardiovascular and renal disease.” 

Dr. David Ludwig, author of the book Ending the Food Fight about healthy eating for children, explains in a nutshell what happens in your body: The sugar in sodas triggers a vicious appetite cycle. It is rapidly absorbed, which raises blood sugar and in effect causes the body to panic. The body releases insulin to break down the sugar, but the body overcompensates, and blood sugar drops below the fasting level, lower than it was in the first place. Recognizing low blood sugar, the body releases hormones including ghrelin, which lines the stomach, inducing hunger making us want to eat even more.

As if that is not enough, avid soda drinkers have more to swallow., And for those who like their (un)Happy Meal accompanied by a beverage from soda fountains, pay attention: A recent study published in The International Journal of Food Microbiology explored the quality of sodas and water from fountains in 30 diners and fast food restaurants. The study found that you get more than the beverage in your cup. The researchers from Hollins University found that 48% tested positive for coliform bacteria, or bacteria found in human and animal feces, 11% tested positive for Escherichia coli, and more than 17% tested positive for Chryseobacterium meningosepticum, which has been shown to cause pneumonia and even meningitis in people with compromised immune systems.

Fortunately, more and more attention is being brought to the important issue of obesity due to the gluttonous consumption of fats and sugars in general, with a major portion of calories coming from soft drinks. Just last month Michelle Obama launched her public awareness campaign “Let’s move” to fight obesity in children, which coincided with the release of Surgeon General Regina Benjamin’s release of The Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation 2010. The Surgeon General’s report states that “Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda, contribute to excess calorie intake from added sugars or displace more nutritious foods in the diet. Some evidence suggests that the body may not compensate for the calories consumed with these beverages”.

So it doesn’t come as a big surprise that some states are considering taxes on sugared beverages. Of course, this fills big gaps in their budgets. But, it also helps to prevent obesity and the accompanying health issues which cost millions of tax dollars. It is questionable if taxes will curb the consumption of soda. But looking at the tobacco tax, it might be a step in the right direction. When the taxes on tobacco came into effect, smoking in the US declined dramatically, and economic studies suggest that a 15% tax on sugared beverages should drop consumption by 12 to 15%.

If you are interested in more information on this subject you can register for the free Soft Drink Tax Webinar on March 9th, conducted by the Yale Rudd Center.

I raise my glass of filtered water to that!

Comments

[Lashon Condray]

Also, sugary beverages are bad for the teeth. Sugar components, when left on the tooth, can cause dental caries. It is okay to drink soda, but only do so in moderation. Also, it is apt to drink lots of water and brush your teeth to prevent sugar-build up.

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They consume double or triple the amount of the average consumer, which makes them addicted to sugar and prone to obesity and and diseases like diabetes and heart disease as well as severe joint problems.

[Charley Burright]

Soda would seem great on a hot day, but try drinking one on an empty stomach and you'll feel very uncomfortable. The sugar would often stick to your teeth, so you need to drink a lot of water to keep your teeth safe.

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why is it that most of the times the most enjoyable products or things to do are always unhealthy and dangerous to your well-being? Goshhhhhh the world is so boring! XD

[Larry]

Also-The acid in soda is supposed to be bad for the bones. I quit drinking soda for the most part.I do like flavored seltser but that isn't supposed to be too bad for you.