7 Ways Soda Affects Your Health

That fizzing, bubbling, sweet soda concoctions are unhealthy is no news, but have you ever stopped to consider how the drink impacts your health? Food MythBusters did, and provided the information on its website. The organization is dedicated to exposing what is really happening to our food, and what is going on in the food industry. According to Food MythBusters, here are seven ways soda can negatively impact your health.

1. Asthma
The sodium benzoate found in soda has been linked to rashes, eczema, and asthma. It is used as a preservative, but adds more than just shelf-life. Additional sodium is put into the consumer’s diet, while potassium levels decrease. It is estimated that asthma contributes $18 billion in costs to the health care system each year, and that 11 Americans die each day from asthma.

2. Kidney Issues 

If you are an overweight Caucasian male, you may want to limit your soda intake. That demographic is most likely to develop kidney stones; the issue is compounded when soda is added to the mix. High levels of phosphoric acid are found in soda, and have been linked to kidney stone development.

3. Diabetes

The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases dramatically — 80 percent — for soda sippers. Originally known as adult-onset diabetes, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has risen in children in recent years. This is related to the increase of childhood obesity.
There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, and people with the condition must monitor their eating, and lifestyle for the rest of their lives. According to Food Mythbusters, 1 out of every 10 healthcare dollars goes toward diabetes.

4. Obesity

Soda exacerbates the problem of type 2 diabetes by contributing to obesity rates. The relationship between weight gain and soda intake is strong enough for researchers to calculate that each soda increases the risk of obesity by a factor of 1.6. Additionally, obesity goes hand-in-hand with cardiovascular disease.

5. Heart Disease

Seventy percent of cardiovascular disease is related to obesity; specific ingredients in soda are thought to have a relationship with both heart disease and obesity. High fructose corn syrup sweetens our beverages, but it may be poisoning our health. It has been associated with heightening the risk of metabolic syndrome.
The American Heart Association explains that this is a combination of factors, which affects 35 percent of American adults. Together, the factors make it more likely a person will become obese, or develop heart disease.

6. Osteoporosis

Phosphoric acid returns as the culprit for a different condition — osteoporosis. Diets with high levels of phosphate wear down bones, putting people at an increased risk of osteoporosis. Phosphorus carries calcium out of the body, depriving bones of a nutrient that contributes to bone health, and strength.
The condition disproportionately affects women over men; 80 percent compared to 20 percent. Calcium is often used to help treat the condition, but if it is being whisked out of your system through soda, it will not be as effective.

7. Tooth Enamel Dissolves

Sugar in acid found in soda dissolve tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay. The greatest risk is the result of cumulative exposure, so the more you drink, the greater the potential for dissolving the enamel. Both diet and regular sodas can cause the damage to occur.