Colas are the drink of choice for millions of people living in the United States. They are sweet, cheap and readily available. However, the Harvard School of Public Health recommends skipping the colas and drinking more water. Cola consumption is linked to Type-2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, decreased calcium intake and dehydration. Additionally, the caffeine, sugar, phosphorus and artificial sweeteners in colas may cause skin problems.
Caffeine
Acne tends to increase when your body experiences stress, according to the University of California, Davis. Chemicals, such as caffeine, can stress your body by increasing your heart rate, exacerbating anxiety and causing insomnia and restlessness. Many cola drinks contain caffeine, ranging from 23 to 100 milligrams per 12-ounce serving, according to the University of Washington. Substituting decaffeinated beverages for the caffeinated colas may help you avoid an acne breakout.
Sugar
Sugar is a primary ingredient in most sweetened colas. Colas contain about 10 teaspoons of sugar per 12-ounce serving, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. A 2010 study published in the “Clinics in Dermatology,” reports that sugar can accelerate the aging process by damaging collagen fibers, the proteins that help repair your skin. When you consume foods with high quantities of sugar, your blood sugar rises and causes damage to these proteins, which can cause wrinkled or sagging skin over time.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus, a necessary mineral, assists in the absorption of calcium for strong bones and teeth. Cola drinks contain high amounts of phosphorus. However, if your phosphorus levels reach toxic quantities, side effects may occur, such as itchy skin, brittle bones and joint pain. Kidney problems may increase your likelihood of phosphorus toxicity and mineral imbalances. Substitute low-phosphorus beverages and foods to quench your thirst, such as juice, water, ice chips, soy milk, low-fat milk and crushed watermelon.
Aspartame
Several diet colas contain a chemical known as aspartame, an artificial sweetener used as a substitute for sugar. Side effects from consuming aspartame include skin rashes, nausea, headaches and stomach irritability, according to Stony Brook University. If you are sensitive to aspartame or become intoxicated by aspartame, you may experience a wide range of adverse reactions, including skin lesions, seizures, blindness, hearing loss, memory loss, depression, fatigue and anxiety attacks.
References
- Medical College of Wisconsin: Diet for Renal Patient
- University of California, Davis: Acne
- University of Washington: Caffeine
- Harvard School of Public Health: Sugary Drinks or Diet Drinks: What’s the Best Choice?
- “Clinics in Dermatology”; Nutrition and Aging Skin: Sugar and Glycation; F.W. Danby; July 2010
- Stony Brook University; What is PKU?; Tracy L. Beck
- American College of Healthcare Sciences; News and Events; Pamela Heyen; May 2009
