Ok folks, we all know that drinking soda is bad for us. Dentists tell us it rots our teeth. Physicians advise us to limit it for health’s sake. Despite all the warnings, however, manufacturer’s, still produce the equivalent of 50 gallons of soda per person each year — and we’re drinking it as fast as they can produce it! Soda makers are responsible for using most of the world’s refined sugar. That figure is easy to understand when you examine the numbers.

• Soda accounts for 25% of all drinks consumed in the United States.
• Soft drinks are available in restaurants, schools, fitness facilities and just about any gathering you will ever attend.
• 1/3 of teenage boys drink 3 cans of soda a day.
• 56% of 8 year olds drink soda daily.
• Drinking one can of soda a day for one year provides enough calories to gain 15 pounds of fat.

How healthy are these drinks?

Let’s first look at what’s in a 12-ounce can of regular soda:

• water
• 10 teaspoons of sugar
• 150 empty calories
• 30-55 mg. caffeine
• artificial colors and sulphates

Drinking one soda a day increases the risk of developing obesity by 60% and Type 2 Diabetes by 85%. Phosphoric acid, an ingredient in many sodas, has been linked to osteoporosis. Other risks include tooth decay, esophageal (throat) cancer, acid reflux disease and gastrointestinal problems. Soda provides no nutritional value and negatively affects our body’s ability to function normally.

Replace your soda with water, not diet soda! Many people believe they are not at risk from the negative effects of soda because they drink diet soda. Wrong! What makes a diet soda so bad? ASPARTAME! The chemicals in diet soda are very harmful to the human body. Eighty per cent of complaints made to the FDA (responsible for regulating and approving every food, drug and beverage item sold in the US) are for illnesses and negative effects caused by consumption of aspartame. The effects of aspartame on the human body are frightening.

Here are some documented effects these chemicals have had on humans: Brain tumors, brain lesions, seizures, neurological problems, nerve damage, insomnia, vertigo, blurred vision, rashes, joint pain, memory loss, headaches, migraines, hearing loss, stomach disorders, hyperactivity, anxiety attacks, nausea and cellulite.

Some states are removing all soft drink, candy and other refined high calorie snacks from school vending machines, replacing them with nutritious options. Get involved in what your schools are offering your children. Don’t let someone else make those very important decisions.

There really is no reason to ever drink a soda, especially now that we know what it can do to our body. Drink good fresh, filtered water, or drink Sport Tea. Your thirst will get quenched and you’ll be a lot healthier. Oh, and don’t forget what an example you’ll set for your children and grandchildren.

Good healthy habits make us good healthy people. It’s up to us!!

Source: The Dangers of Soda, Providence Systems, Inc. Oct. 2004.