A Sip of Soda

The Hydration Challenge continues! Read more about the impact of soda on your health

ASTHMA
Sodium benzoate, found in sodas, is used as a preservative (microbial control) in foods. Sodium preservatives add sodium to the diet and reduce the availability of potassium. Some reported reactions to sodium benzoate include recurring uticaria (rash), asthma, and eczema.

DISSOLVES TOOTH ENAMEL
Sugar and acid in soft drinks easily dissolve tooth enamel

HEART DISEASE
Mos soft drinks contain high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener that's recently come under considerate scrutiny.  High fructose corn syrup has been associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, a condition associated with an elevated risk of both diabetes and heart disease.

INCREASED RISK OF DIABETES
Those who drink more soda have an 80% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

KIDNEY ISSUES
Colas contain high levels of phosphoric acid, which has been linked to kidney stones and other renal problems.

OBESITY
The relationship between soft drink consumption and body weight is so strong that researchers calculate that for each additional soda consumer, the risk of obesity increases 1.6 times.

OSTEOPOROSIS
Soft drinks contain phosphoric acid and a high phosphate diet has been associated with bone breakdown and an increased risk of osteoporosis.  When phosphorus is excreted in the urine, it takes calcium with it, depriving the bones and the rest of the body of this important mineral.

REPRODUCTIVE ISSUES
Soft drink cans are coated with a resin that contains BPA (bisphenyl-A).  This is the same cancer causing chemical found in baby bottles, water bottles, and plastic containers that wreaks havoc on the endocrine system, potentially causing premature puberty and reproductive abnormalities.

SUGAR OVERLOAD
20 minutes after drinking your soda, your blood sugar spikes, causing an insulin burst.  Your liver responds to this by turning any sugar into fat.
40 minutes later, caffeine absorption is complete.  Your pupils dilate; your blood pressure rises; as a response, your liver dumps more sugar into your bloodstream.  The adenosine receptors in your brain are now blocked, preventing drowsiness
45 minutes later, your body ups your dopamine production, stimulating the pleasure centers of your brain.  This is physically the same way heroin works, by the way.