For many Americans, a big glass of soda over dinner or a favorite television show is a common way to end a hard workday and unwind. But what is the impact of this simple pleasure upon our health? The prominent Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) recently published a study revealing soda lovers might have a higher risk of mortality because of their beloved drink. Studying both sugar-based and artificially sweetened (diet) soft drinks, it appears that all soda is a source of poor health and can lead to an early death for consumers.
The Relationship Between Soft Drinks And Death
Examining nearly 500,000 respondents from across 10 European countries, a large study published by JAMA in September 2019 is confidently pointing out some serious health consequences of soda. The most notable causes of death for high-level soft drink lovers (2 or more drinks of soda a day) include Parkinson’s, colorectal cancer, infection, and fatty liver disease. For regular soda drinkers, much of this illness is believed to be due to glucose intolerance caused by the high level of sugar in this type of drink. Overall though, with both diet and sugar-based soft drinks being studied, soda is believed to simultaneously alter numerous body processes. With long term consumption, this impairment is thought by researchers to bring on serious disease and health problems. Researchers of this study also suggest that those who drink soda commonly engage in other unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, creating other opportunities for the development of illness. (1)
Sugar Or Diet?
At face value, sugar-based soft drinks have long been believed to be ‘unhealthy’, as they are laden with hundreds of calories per serving and strong ties to obesity. Oppositely, diet soda is believed to be a healthy alternative, containing few to no calories. Diet soda, in some countries and states, is also exempt from soda taxation making it a more affordable commodity. But the truth is that the long term health consequences of diet soda are largely unknown.
Studies, including the aforementioned, are only starting to uncover what the health effects of diet soda are, and compare against regular sodas. For example, two U.S. based studies reported diet soda drinkers carry a similar risk of elevated all-cause mortality as sugar-based soda drinkers. Research from Europe suggests deaths from circulatory diseases, like stroke and heart attacks, are more common among artificially sweetened soda drinkers. While digestive diseases, like colitis and cirrhosis, lead to the death of more regular soft drink consumers. (1, 2)
Choosing Better Health
No doubt, these research findings are going to prompt many soda enthusiasts to re-evaluate the role of soft drinks in their lives, and consider a lifestyle change. However, ending a relationship with soda can be difficult, a seemingly ubiquitous product throughout every store, entertainment venue, and vending machines in America. A tip to quit? Ultimately, finding a new favorite drink can help you replace soda. Herbal teas, non-caloric flavored water, club soda, and black coffee can all be truly healthy alternatives to soda. And don’t forget about moderation! A sweet treat, once a month, carries a much lower risk of disease and death. (1, 3)
