Many of us turn to diet sodas to reduce calories and avoid the risks associated with high sugar consumption. Those who consume them often consider diet sodas to be a healthier alternative to the sugar-loaded original versions of these beverages. However, recent research has revealed that consumption of diet soft drinks may be just as damaging as the original product. In fact, some studies have linked consumption of diet soda to serious conditions such as osteoporosis, obesity and dental caries. It has also been linked to kidney disease.
Obesity
Diet soda has increased in popularity from its inception, primarily as a weight-loss aid. However, increasing evidence shows that consuming diet soft drinks may in fact increase the risk of obesity. One eight-year study of soft drinks and their impact on obesity revealed that subjects drinking only diet soda were at a higher risk of becoming obese than subjects drinking regular soda. The study was conducted by Sharon P. Fowler, MPH, and her colleagues at the University of Texas Health Science Center, "There was a 41 percent increase in risk of being overweight for every can or bottle of diet soft drink a person consumes each day," Fowler said.
Osteoporosis
Many figure-conscious women and young girls choose diet soda to help them lose weight, or to prevent weight gain. Conventional wisdom states that unhealthy dietary practices early in life can lead to poor health later. In the case of sodas, both diet and regular, the phosphoric acid they contain can lead to an overly acidic metabolism, resulting in the recruitment of calcium carbonate from the bones to restore the body's acid-base balance. This leaching of calcium from the bones early in life can lead to post-menopausal osteoporosis, particularly if women and girls are substituting soda for milk. The problem becomes worse if women choose restricted-calorie diets as an alternative to weight-bearing exercise that promotes a strong skeleton.
Dental Health
Another reason folks switch to diet soda is the adverse effect of sugar on tooth enamel. While sugar can do damage to teeth, the carbonic acid in soda, both diet and regular, can also erode tooth enamel. This is because the pH of the mouth is normally in the 6.2 to 7.0 range, which is non-acidic or alkaline. Diet sodas range in pH from 2.47 to 3.35 which is very acidic and can eat away at teeth.
Kidney Disease
Research has also revealed a link between diet soda consumption and impaired kidney function. Dr. Julie Lin of Brigham and Women's Hospital conducted an 11-year study of more than 3,000 women on the impact of diet on kidney function. "While more study is needed, our research suggests that higher sodium and artificially sweetened soda intake are associated with a greater rate of decline in kidney function." says Lin.
Member Comments