Statistically, USA citizens drink more soda than ever before. Some of them even admit to drinking more soda on a daily basis compared to water. For instance, more than 25 % of all drinks consumed in the USA are soft drinks, and an average American adult drinks about 56 gallons of soda annually.  As you can see, soft drinks are a multi-billion dollar product! That’s why we decided to remind you of the harmful effects associated with soda.

1. Obesity

Even one single can of sugary drink contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar, which can lead to one pound of weight gain every month.  Diet soda is even worse due to it artificial sweeteners which are associated with many hormonal and physiologic responses, all of which contribute to weight gain. When talking about artificial sweeteners, it is worth noting that aspartame is the substitute for sugar in most diet sodas. This sweetener has been linked to countless health problems, including emotional disorders, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, seizures, and many more. Ultimately, a recent study has found that 12-year olds who consumed soda were at higher risk to be obese, when compared to those who did not.

2. Liver Damage

Over-consumption of soda increases the risk of developing cirrhosis like in the cases of chronic alcoholics. Given the fact that soda drinks have no nutritional value whatsoever,  the tap water they contain is packed with fluoride and heavy metals, and the fact that sodas contain caffeine, sodium, and cause dehydration,  its liver-damaging effects do not come as surprise.

3. Tooth Decay

Soda also damages the tooth enamel and its acidity has more harmful effects on teeth when compared to the sugar in candies. Drinking soda on a regular basis also stimulates the accumulation of plaque on the teeth, and can also lead to gum disease and cavities.

4. Kidney Stones and Chronic Kidney Disease

Every soda is full of phosphoric acid. This acid triggers changes in the urine which will later cause the formation of kidney stones. If you drink less than 12-ounce cans per week, you will increase your risk of developing kidney stones by 15 percent.

5. Diabetes

Every food linked with weight gain increases the risk of diabetes. Drinking soda lowers the body’s ability to process sugar properly. Many Scientists claim that soda the reason why the number of Americans with diabetes type 2 has tripled from 6.6 million in 1980 to 20.7 million today. As mentioned in the very beginning, a can of soda contains up to 10 teaspoons of sugar, which skyrockets the sugar levels.This causes an insulin resistance, and eventually leads to the onset of diabetes.

To stay on the safe side and avoid these side effects, opt for better and safer alternatives. Some of those include kombucha, homemade water kefir, and club soda flavored with a squeeze of fresh fruit juice.

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