Soda’s, or soft drinks, have become part of a continually growing lifestyle in America. The consumption of soft drinks is a major concern for those seeking good health. The term “soda” or “soft drink” refers to a beverage that usually includes ingredients such as sugar or high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and non-caloric sweeteners such as aspartame or sucralose. These beverages are typically flavored, carbonated, non-alcoholic beverages packaged for ease of consumption and purchase. The two largest have origins in Georgia and North Carolina respectively.
Taste, easy availability, low price, and strategic marketing help make soda popular. In fact, many people are addicted to soda due to the HFCS.
And although they are very popular among various age groups they are increasingly being pinpointed as causes 
of major negative health outcomes, especially diet soft drinks. The American Diabetes Association says these beverages, which are high in sugar or high fructose corn syrup–high carbohydrates, are the number one reason for diabetes. The University of Southern California and University of Oxford researchers have indicated that large amounts of high fructose corn syrup typically found in American diets and food supplies contribute heavily toward the rising epidemic of Type 2 diabetes.
While soft drinks are popular the world over the USA has the second highest consumption in the world at 154 liters per capita annually–that’s over 40 gallons of soft drinks! Argentina is first in that category at 155 liters per capita according to global statistics.
World Atlas in its 2017 journal of statistics reported that Americans are one of the largest consumers of soft drinks in the world because of our “modern lifestyle and relatively high incomes”. The report further said, the typical American lifestyle has “paved the way for many health ailments for Americans, and even the soda taxes have proved to be a failure in some American towns.” World Atlas also reports that “nearly 1 person out of 5 have a soda every day” which poses “serious health implications”. These same researchers found that Americans suffer from a variety of problems from blood sugar, obesity, and dental problems because of soft drink consumption.
In a study, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed data from a Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to assess regular soda and sugary fruit drink consumption among adults in 18 states. The study analysis proved that 26.3 percent of adults in the tested states consumed regular soft drinks, fruit drinks or both more than once daily. Regular intake of soda or fruit drinks was most common among those aged 18 to 34 years old.
“high fructose corn syrup typically found in American diets and food supplies contribute heavily toward the rising epidemic of Type 2 diabetes.” — University of Southern California and University of Oxford researchers
Soft drinks consumption is proving to cause an array of negative effects in your body. Your taste buds notice immediately the sugary sweet taste. Besides having no nutritional value, the sugar increases insulin levels, which can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, premature aging and other negative side effects.
In other studies, The Institute for Natural Healing (INH) found that over a period of nine years, soda drinkers—diet or regular—nearly doubled their risk for developing heart disease. In a different INH study they discovered that the effects of drinking diet soda aren’t just physical. Those who drank more than four servings of diet soda a day were 30% more likely to develop depression over a 10-year period.
Those are just studies on diet soda as a whole… When you look at the individual ingredients in these drinks, things get even scarier. For example, research shows that aspartame increases premature birth, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and kidney malfunction risk.
Top 10 Home Remedies lists “Toxic ingredients in soda that harm your health” (with resources).
1. Phosphoric Acid
Phosphoric acid is a key constituent in sodas. It is mainly used to give the characteristic strong flavor and to inhibit the development of mold and bacteria in sodas.
When used in limited amounts, phosphoric acid is not harmful to the body, but high doses interfere with the body’s absorption of the mineral calcium. Lack of calcium can lead to weakened bones. It can even make teeth softer and more prone to decay.
A 2006 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that colas, but not other carbonated beverages, are associated with low bone mineral density in older women due to the caffeine and phosphoric acid they contain.
A 2010 study published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Journal found that mice with high phosphate levels died five weeks earlier than mice with normal phosphate levels. The high phosphoric acid present in soda beverages can also affect the functioning of your stomach, leading to indigestion, gassiness or bloating.
2. High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup is a concentrated form of sugar derived from corn. As it is cheaper and easier to use 
than natural sugar, most soda manufacturers use it in place of regular sugar. Plus, it has a long shelf life.
A 2004 study published in the American Journal of Nutrition reports that excessive intake of calorie-rich soda containing high fructose corn syrup is a major cause of obesity.
Obesity itself increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Together, these health conditions increase the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, strokes and Type 2 diabetes.
A 2010 study published in Current Hypertension Reports states that high fructose corn syrup increases the risk of metabolic syndrome. Moreover, there is a high chance that the high fructose corn syrup used in sodas is from genetically modified (GM) crops. There is a lot of controversy regarding the side effects of GM foods on the immune system, brain and liver health.
3. Citric Acid
The citric acid present in both regular and diet sodas is another harmful ingredient, especially for your oral health. The biggest issue with citric acid is that it can damage the enamel of the teeth. Damage to this protective layer can make teeth more prone to cavities, discoloration and ultimately tooth decay. A 2013 study published in the Journal of the Academy of General Dentistry states that the citric acid present in regular and diet sodas can cause tooth erosion.
This study even reports that a person who consumed 2 liters of diet soda daily for three to five years displayed the same severe tooth erosion as a methamphetamine addict and cocaine addict. Chewing sugar-free gum or rinsing the mouth with water following soda consumption can help increase saliva flow in order to return the acidity levels in the mouth to normal.
4. Bisphenol-A (BPA)
Plastic soda bottles contain a chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA) that is used to harden the plastic, prevent rusting and eliminate bacteria. This chemical has adverse health effects. A 2012 study published in Hypertension suggests that cardiovascular diseases are associated with BPA exposure.
This chemical also causes reproductive disorders in males and early puberty in females.
A 2014 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives concluded that BPA is a reproductive toxicant that impacts female reproduction and has the potential to affect male reproductive systems.
Another 2014 study published in Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology indicates that BPA alters male reproductive functions. Plus, BPA can interfere with hormonal activity, which can lead to many health consequences.
5. Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate, also known as E211, is used as preservative in soft drinks as well as pickles, salad dressings, fruit juices, jams and jelly to prevent molding. E211 may cause serious cell damage and accelerate cell aging.
A 2015 study published in BioMed Research International reports that sodium benzoate may cause DNA damage. It had mutagenic and cytotoxic toxicity in lymphocytes caused by micronucleus formation and chromosome break.
Regular consumption of sodas may influence metabolic disease development through accelerated cell aging. Other known side effects of E211 include hyperactivity, dizziness, light-headedness and trouble sleeping.
6. Caramel Color and Artificial Dyes
Caramel coloring gives the classic brown color to colas. This and other artificial dyes used in sodas can increase your risk of cancer.
A 2015 study published in PLOS One reports that the caramel color in soft drinks and exposure to 4-methylimidazole can increase cancer risks and burdens. Another yellow dye called tartrazine found in lemony soft drinks also increases cancer risk.
According to a 2015 study published in Anticancer Research, prolonged consumption of tartrazine can cause cancer. This chemical also has been known to increase asthma attacks and exacerbate asthma symptoms.
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” — 3 John 1:2
7. Caffeine
Most sodas contain caffeine, as it adds a slight bitterness and works well to enhance the taste of both sugar and sweeteners. The amount of caffeine varies among soda brands but is usually between 34 and 38 milligrams per 12-ounce serving.
Excess caffeine has been linked to certain health problems.
A 2015 study published in the European Society of Cardiology shows that caffeine increases cardiovascular risk in young adults with mild hypertension. With time, this may increase their risk of developing more severe hypertension and diabetes in later life.
Caffeine also has been identified as a major fertility inhibitor. A 2012 study published in Epidemiology reports that women who regularly drank carbonated drinks and sodas reported reduced fertility.
Additionally, as caffeine is an addictive stimulant, it can cause insomnia. Caffeine also has a dehydrating effect on the body, as it works as a diuretic.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6332a2.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db109.pdf
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/84/4/936.long
http://www.fasebj.org/content/early/2010/04/23/fj.09-152488.full.pdf
http://www.agd.org/media/142832/ma13_bassiouny.pdf
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/athome/aspartame
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/79/4/537.full
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11906-010-0097-3
http://hyper.ahajournals.org/content/60/3/786.abstract
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/1307728/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24162092
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-bpa/
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-08/esoc-clw082815.php
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3321066/
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2015/103512/
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0118138
http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/35/3/1465.short
Tips to Reduce Your Soda Consumption and Minimize Its Effects
- Replace soda with healthier drinks, such as fresh juices, smoothies, or herbal teas.
- To quench your thirst, water is the best drink in the world.
- If you do not like water, try flavored water.
- If you drink soda, drink it in moderation and don’t sip it for extended periods of time.
- After drinking, swish your mouth out with water to dilute the acid and sugar.
- Don’t drink soda before going to bed.
Michael Reed is Editor of The Standard, a pastor, businessman and conference speaker.
RSS - Posts