carbonated drinks

Carbonated Drinks

Various studies suggest that the excessive consumption of carbonated cola drinks is related to low calcium level in children. The following article provides information about the untoward effects of carbonated beverages on the human body.

Statistics show that, the United States tops the list of countries for the consumption of soft drinks. Milk or plain water has been replaced by carbonated drinks in the diet of American people. Low price, caffeine addiction, peer pressure, vigorous advertising campaigns, good flavors, and easy availability, are some of the reasons behind increased consumption of these drinks. Majority of people do not know that the excessive consumption of these fizzy drinks can lead to severe health complications. Effects of Carbonated Beverages on the Human Body Various types of sodas and soft drinks are served with snacks and meals in restaurants. After watching television commercials, children demand soft drinks and soon become addicted to these drinks. People ignore the fact that, they consume extra calories when they drink a can of their favorite soft drink. Research shows that drinking a single 330 ml can a day, can lead to weight gain of more than 1 pound per month. It is believed to be one of the main causes of increasing obesity worldwide. Moreover, sodas do not offer any nutritional benefit. People on a weight loss diet should strictly avoid fizzy drinks. Aerated drinks (including sodas) contain refined sugars, which may lead to elevated blood cholesterol and phosphorus levels, thereby resulting in an increased risk of heart diseases and diabetes. They may also cause tooth decay, high blood pressure, weight gain, premature aging, etc. Aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in these drinks, is known as a silent killer, as it can cause shortness of breath, high blood pressure, tachycardia, and gastrointestinal problems. It can also affect the vision and hearing capacity of a person. Phosphoric acid present in these drinks, is in fact an anti-nutrient. It neutralizes the effect of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and destroys the capacity of the body to absorb essential elements like iron, calcium, magnesium, etc. This in turn, can lead to indigestion, bloating, worsening of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and several other stomach problems. The formation of kidney and bladder stones (calcium phosphate) is also attributed to the presence of phosphoric acid in the body. Most of the popular aerated drinks contain high amount of phosphate and virtually no calcium. High phosphate levels are responsible for the extraction of calcium from the bones, which can make the bones weak. Excessive consumption of carbonated beverages can lead to bone loss, which may eventually result in osteoporosis. Consumption of excessive caffeine results in the loss of calcium from bones, irregular heartbeats, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, stiff muscles, depression, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms in women. Caffeine exhibits diuretic properties and increases the urine volume, which can cause dehydration. Fructose corn syrup, aspartame, caffeine, phosphoric acid, citric acid, artificial flavors, etc., are some of the common ingredients of these drinks. They can cause the removal of tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay. They may also lead to kidney diseases. Mineral imbalance and acidity of these beverages, may give rise to several health complications. Carbonic acid present in the drinks can drastically change the blood pH. One may suffer from acidity and heartburn, which may lead to acid peptic disease. Excessive consumption of these beverages can result in dysfunction of liver, and it can also damage of the linings of the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. Dentists may ask you to avoid aerated beverages after tooth extraction, as the bubbles present in these drinks are likely to take out the newly formed clot from the socket. Though people strictly follow dentist's instructions at that time, if such instructions are not followed for the rest of the life, one can experience other problems related to teeth. One should try to quit these drinks, as several healthy options are available in the market. Some healthy options, which can satisfy your taste buds and improve your health, are clean plain water, milk (soy milk, almond milk, etc.), milkshakes, lemon water, unsweetened fresh fruit juices, coconut water, or herbal teas, like green tea.

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