Sunny weather, picnics, and day-outs might pop into your mind. However, it gets pretty hot, and we tend to drink a lot of liquids, and some of us often binge on carbonated drinks. Perhaps, they are the only refreshing drinks that would soothe our heat away. However, they have many ill effects, and this article will guide you through the negative impact of carbonated drinks on an individual’s body.
Contents
Effect On Bones
Studies have reported that carbonated beverages harm bone mineral density. It is because phosphate, which is used to enhance the flavor in carbonated drinks, interferes with bones’ calcium uptake, resulting in the loss of calcium from bones.
The clinical study’s American journal reported a study that included men and women who drank cola-based sodas daily. Almost 4% of the men lost bone mineral density at the end of the study.
Effect On Teeth
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drinking high-sugar carbonated beverages can lead to obesity and type II diabetes. It also observed that men are likely to drink more soda than women. And the two critical effects of soda on teeth include cavities and tooth erosion.
These drinks affect tooth enamel and call for holes. Poor dental hygiene this damage can lead to tooth decay. The acid present in carbonated beverages can again damage the enamel, the teeth’s outer protective layer. Acids have a negative effect as they reduce the surface hardness of the teeth.
Effect On The Gut
Firstly, regularly drinking carbonated juices can lead to bloating and gas. These contain a considerable amount of dissolved carbon dioxide, which gets converted into gas when it warms to the stomach’s body temperature. As a result, it can cause cringing due to the stomach’s stretch caused by carbon dioxide.
What About The Microflora?
There resides a population of gut microbiota that is essential for good gut health. However, many agents, such as artificial sweeteners present in carbonated beverages, can cause an imbalance in these microbiotas and cause various diseases.
Elevated Risk Of Obesity
Most of these soft drinks have been prepared by adding artificial sweeteners that can add to the calorie intake if not maintained wisely. This bad habit of regular consumption can lead to an individual being overweight and slowly sliding into obesity.
Obesity invites other comorbidities, such as cholesterol and hypertension, which connect to cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, by reducing glucose uptake, one can check on obesity and comorbidities related to it.
Increased Risk Of Diabetes
Diabetes is a global burden and is undoubtedly on the rise, even in the younger population. With a high amount of sugar, the body can quickly digest sugars, thereby increasing the blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes, which causes insulin resistance.
Reduced Level Of Nutrition
Junk eating is a tradition prevalent in recent times. By gulping these drinks, individuals reduce the uptake of natural or homemade organic juices, which do not have added preservatives and are rich in nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and natural sugars. Therefore, carbonated beverages can cause an imbalance in the uptake of a nutrition-rich diet and affect the overall nutrition intake.
Can Sparkling Water Be Used As An Alternative?
Compared to carbonated beverages, sparkling water is a healthier approach as it provides hydration, thereby losing weight. Also, it is an excellent alternative for people trying to give up on their soda habits. However, some carbonated water drinks contain many sugars or artificial sweeteners, similar to soft drinks.
The Bottom Line!
Though it might be wise to switch to sparkling water, anything regular is alarming. Try to avoid these drinks as much as you can. There might be controversial studies, but why wait till it’s too late? Drinking adequate water is the secret to healthy living.
