The Ill Effects of Soda Pop on Your Health

by Deborah Cruz on April 26, 2012

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I won’t lie; I was a certified Diet Coke addict. I adore Diet Coke. It provides me with caffeine and sugar, simultaneously. Even as I type this I know it sounds horrible.

But recently, I have given up Diet Coke and pop in general. I am trying to kick the pop monkey right off my back. I know you are asking, “But why, Debi? What has Diet Coke ever done to you?”

The answer is simple: not a damn thing. It’s done nothing to or for me, but I need to kick the caffeine monkey just the same. Some people have crack. I have Diet Coke. I’ve been off the pop for about 4 weeks now. Last week, I had a minor fall off the pop wagon and had a root beer. I know it’s caffeine free but it’s pop and that’s when it happened.

I realized the ill effects of soda pop.

A pop a day keeps the skinny away: Continued drinking for 6 months can cause an increase in fat build up around your liver and skeletal muscles, which can lead to insulin resistant diabetes. No thank you!

Diet-Soda Belly: Aspartame raises blood glucose levels that causes the weight gain; when your liver encounters too much glucose, the excess is converted to body fat.

Just Say No to the Carmel Coloring: Two contaminants in the coloring, 2-methylimidazole and 4-methylimidazole, have been found to cause cancer in animals.

Oldie Not Goodie: The phosphates and phosphoric acid contained in sodas can trigger premature aging. I’m giving up the soda forever, NOW!

Cavity Creep: All that sugar causes cavities.

Reproductive Issues: BPAs in the cans that soda comes in may cause premature puberty and reproductive issues.

I only experienced some really bad bloating but that was enough to prompt me to read some more. Now, I’m convinced pop is not good for me.

What was a food or drink that you loved that was ruined by science and research?

Photo Source: Sarah Ackerman

  • http://momhomeguide.com MomHomeGuide.com

    I went to the dentist today and had three cavities filled — ugh! Guess what I am drinking right now — WATER!! Calorie and sugar free. I hope to avoid needing any more fillings!

  • http://www.thingsicantsay.com Shell

    I had quit soda for such a long time. And now I’m back on it(like it’s a drug). I don’t drink coffee, though, so when I need a boost, I go to soda.

  • http://www.clomidandcabernet.com Clomid and Cabernet

    I quit diet coke 10 years ago because I felt like it was making me sick. But, wow. After reading this…I’m so glad I did! I can’t even imagine letting my kids have a soda…it creeps me out.

  • http://www.adventuresinbabywearing.com Adventures In Babywearing

    I wanted to quit drinking coke here and there so I started in with Diet- big mistake. I’m back to unsweetened iced tea or water now and that’s so much better. I hate when I fall into that slump!

    Steph

  • http://www.funnyorsnot.com Poppy

    I have been in an abusive relationship with Diet Coke for 20 years. Just a few months ago I’m pretty sure I’d be one of those chimps in those scientific studies. Just swap the cocaine for Diet Coke and I’m pretty sure I would have chosen it over food, sex, exercise, or social interaction in a scientific setting.

    Is anyone passing out 100 day chips because I think I’m almost there!

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