The Impact of Soft Drinks and Energy Drinks On Wellness

Most people have heard at some point or another, "soda is horrible for you" but the question is- why are they bad?

If you're like me, being reprimanded and told that "something is bad" isn't necessarily going to stop me from doing it. I have got to know why and alternative options always help make the transition easier

So first off- why "soda is bad":

Diet and regular sodas have both been associated with obesity, kidney damage, and certain cancers. Soft drinks have also been linked with elevated blood pressure. The drinks are seen as a major contributor to the obesity crisis and in a way- it's hardly surprising. Soda is relatively cheap and they are usually wrongly recognized to be "low-calorie" items (which obviously, they are not- particularly when several soft drinks are ingested).

Many reviews indicate that overweight children and adults consume more sugary drinks than normal-weight kids and adults, and several studies found that the greater sugar-sweetened drinks people drank the greater their probability of becoming overweight. And the following is where not only soda, but sugary products take it to the next stage: the more sugary drinks you consume, the more food you usually eat. Why? Due to the "sugar highs and lows" from the soft drinks and the quantity of caffeine. Sugary and highly refined foods (and drinks) often hold you over for 10-15 minutes before you find yourself looking for a snack again... or another sugary or caffeinated drink. A treat of lean protein and a complex carb can hold you over for three hours!

Why energy drinks are harmful:

Energy drinks can be linked to all of the negatives of soda (above). But added to that is the even HIGHER level of caffeine. With soda the FDA limits the amount of caffeine can be in soda (65mg per 12 oz), however with energy drinks, they are certainly not restricted. "The FDA does not regulate caffeine in energy drinks, some of which, like Cocaine, contain huge amounts of caffeine: 280 mg in an 8.4-ounce serving, compared with about 100 mg per 6 ounces in coffee." (Boston Globe)

For the most part, the increased caffeine has not been discovered to be "life-threatening". Nonetheless caffeine can increase anxiety, panic, some stomach problems, and some cardiac arrhythmia.

Drinks high in sugar or caffeine choices:

-flavored water..not the sort you shop for! Toss a handful of frozen strawberries inside a water bottle, or have a pitcher of water in your fridge. The frozen fruit triples as "water flavoring", ice cubes, and a healthy treat once it's thawed!

-green tea- it's calorie-free (if you have it without milk or sugar) and naturally high in antioxidants

-seltzer water & juice- you have the fizziness of the soda (without the majority of the sugar and caffeine) in addition to the flavor of your favored juice. Again, add pieces of frozen fruit to spice it up!