Pop, soda and soda-pop are all common names for a beverage that is common to the diet of teenagers. Pop is generally high in sugar and caffeine and contains limited nutritional value, while water, a beverage consumed in limited amounts by teens, is necessary for a healthy well-balanced diet. Limiting the intake of pop in a teen's diet and increasing her water intake can be beneficial to her overall immune function, outward appearance, energy levels and hydration.
Fact
According to government data gathered by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the intake of soda among teens has significantly increased; male teenagers drink, on average, two cans or more of soda per day and teen girls drink about one and three-fourths cans a day.
Significance
While water keeps the cells throughout a teen's body full of nutrients, the caffeine commonly found in soda can steal nutrients from a teen's body. According to Teens Health, teens that drink pop drinks that contain caffeine are at greater risk for lower bone density and osteoporosis in the future because caffeine intake causes the body to lose calcium.
Considerations
Many soft drinks contain a significant amount of caffeine and caffeine is a diuretic. Diuretics increase a teen's urine production and put him at greater risk of becoming dehydrated. Water, on the other hand, increases hydration and provides a teen with the water necessary to maintain proper functioning of all the cells in his body.
Also, many sodas are loaded with sugar and high amounts of sugar can lead to unwanted weight gain among teens. Water contains zero calories and can actually help teens keep from overeating. Drinking water with meals and before meals can help you fill up on less food.
Water is naturally clear, unlike many sodas; therefore water does not stain teeth as darker colored sodas can. This may be a cosmetic problem, but for teens with braces stains from soda can leave their teeth discolored.
Cautions
The caffeine in soda pop can also have other negative effects for teens. According to Dr. Mary Rimsca, spokesperson for the Academy of Pediatrics and cited by Family Education website, the caffeine found in sodas does not have any nutritional benefits and can cause problems with sleep, irritable moods and upset stomachs.
Drinking water instead of pop that contains caffeine can help improve a teen's digestive system and keep her energized.
Tips
There are things you can do to get teens to increase their water consumption and decrease their intake of pop. Provide teens with a portable refillable water bottle; this will allow them to carry water with them everywhere, which will make them more likely to drink it. Remove soda from your home. Place water bottles in your refrigerator for teens to easily take and consume. Flavor water with fruit slices, such as lemons, limes and pineapple. Increase the amount of fruits and vegetable teens consume by having them in the house and provide them as snacks. Fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of water and aid in hydration. Serve water with meals.
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