Why should you stop drinking diet soda? Here are 6 compelling reasons
11/21/2019 / By Bobbi Bruce / Comments
Why should you stop drinking diet soda? Here are 6 compelling reasons

Diet sodas are popular all over the world, especially among people looking for a sweet and fizzy drink without the extra calories. But while they think diet sodas are a healthier option, science says otherwise.

The problem lies in what these drinks are made of. These drinks may not have any sugar, but they contain artificial sweeteners like saccharin, sucralose, aspartame and acesulfame potassium that are at least 300 times sweeter than sugar. So don’t be fooled by the “calorie-free” label; consuming diet beverages could increase your risk of developing various diseases like heart disease and liver problems.

Here are six more reasons why you should avoid diet sodas:

  1. They can alter your eating habits – Because of the altered reward processing of the sweet taste as perceived by the brain, diet soda may cause changes in eating behaviors. When you drink diet sodas, the neurotransmitters involved in the reward response are stimulated. The activation of the neurotransmitters dopamine and endogenous opioids cause a person to crave for more sweet food.
  2. They can increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes – Research has shown that although artificial sweeteners do not contain processed sugar, which is the main cause of blood sugar imbalances, they may increase your blood sugar levels. They do this by interrupting the balance of probiotics in your gut. Good gut bacteria contribute to maintaining blood sugar levels and reducing them may raise the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
  3. They contribute to metabolic syndrome – Diet soda has been found to increase the risk of metabolic disorders, such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases like hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. A study that focused on the effects of diet soda consumption found that people who drank diet soda every day for two years had a 36 percent increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome compared to those who did not consume diet sodas. In addition, they had a 67 percent increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
  4. They make you crave for more sugar – The artificial sweeteners in diet sodas may cause sugar cravings by activating the sweet taste receptors and the hormones in the gastrointestinal tract that regulate hunger and satiety signals.
  5. They increase the risk of cardiovascular disease – Diet soda can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease even when metabolic syndrome is not present. In a study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, it was found that those who drank diet soda every day for 10 years or more were more likely to develop cardiac disease and hypertension.
  6. They are linked to weight gain and obesity – Because diet soda is marketed as “calorie-free,” some people assume that it could help them lose weight. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Contrary to what marketers claim, diet soda promotes weight gain and obesity. A study found that diet soda consumers had higher body mass indexes (BMIs) than those who did not drink artificially sweetened beverages.

Healthy soda alternatives

Instead of drinking diet soda, here are some healthy refreshing drinks you can make at home:

  • Flavored water – Make your own flavored water by adding natural flavoring to your water. To make one, simply add slices of your favorite fruits and vegetables, such as lemons, oranges, cucumber, mint, or limes, to a pitcher of cold water.
  • Green tea – Green tea, hot or iced, is a healthy alternative that is full of antioxidants and may help lower the risk of various diseases.
  • Green juice – Green juice is a low-calorie juice made from fresh vegetables. You can make one by adding your favorite vegetables, and a few slices of fruit to sweeten your drink, to a juicer.

Read more about the harmful effects of sodas and artificial sweeteners at Sweeteners.news.

Sources:

Blog.PaleoHacks.com

MedicalNewsToday.com

EverydayHealth.com

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