Know What’s in Your Drink
Whether we admit it or not, most of us are soda drinkers. According to
the recent report of the Centers for Disease Control, about 30 percent
of American adults still consume this sugary beverage. While some drink
only when there’s no choice or there’s a sudden craving, others
are nursing a fierce soda habit. If you have been a soda drinker for years,
it may be time to take a hard look at what you’re putting in your
body when you consume this drink.
The basic ingredients of soda include:
-
Sugar- A can of soda has around 10 teaspoon of sugar or high fructose corn syrup
-
Phosphoric acid- Soda has an average pH rating of 2.5, making it one of the most acidic
beverages in the market
-
Caramel coloring- This coloring is achieved by reacting sulfites and ammonia under high
pressure subsequently producing carcinogens as byproducts
-
Caffeine- This ingredient is a stimulant known to trigger alertness and also the
reason why soda has an addictive quality
Effects of Soda on the Human Body
For years, we have already been made aware of the harmful effects of soda
to our body, but you may not realize the extent to which drinking these
carbonated, sugary beverages harm your body.
Here are the some of the reasons why soda is bad for your health:
- Puts you at risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- Increases your risk of heart attack by up to 20 percent
- Causes weight gain and obesity
- Weakens bones and increases risk of osteoporosis
- Makes teeth weaker, more sensitive, and prone to decay
- Increases risk of kidney damage
- Causes dehydration
Quitting Soda for Good
Soda is one of the most difficult habits to kick. If you really want to
stop drinking soda, it is important to make up your mind to give it up
and commit to it.
Here are some helpful tips that may help you quit soda for good:
-
Make it hard to reach- Stop putting down soda on your grocery list to avoid having a stock on
your ‘fridge. Bring your own water or other alternative drink when
you eat out so you wouldn’t think about buying yourself a soda.
You may also ask your friends to join you so you will not be tempted when
you eat together and they order one.
-
Reduce the amount of soda you drink in a day- If you can’t go cold turkey on soda, you may want to try weaning
off slowly instead. If you drink three to five cans a day, try cutting
it in half the first week then reduce more in the following weeks.
-
Replace soda with other delicious drinks- There are many alternatives that you can try as a replacement to your
soda. If you enjoy the sweetness of soda, drink sweet tea instead. Love
the fizzy bubbles? Opt for a sparkling juice or flavored water.
-
Know your soda triggers- Observe yourself on what makes you reach for a soda. Is it a reward after
a hard day at the office? Is it a certain food that goes well with the
drink? When you become familiar with your soda triggers, it will become
easier to avoid these or think of alternative ways to handle the craving.
Kicking your soda habit is probably one of the best things that you can
do for your health. It is definitely not easy, but it is doable with the
right mindset and lots of hard work.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.