Is Diet Soda Really Bad for You?
IN WOMEN'S HEALTHDiet soda is a great invention of the 20th century—it has fizz, taste, and no calories. What’s the harm? For starters, it is comprised of chemicals, including artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and phosphoric acid.
Artificial sweeteners include acesulfame potassium (Sweet One), aspartame (Equal and NutraSweet), saccharin (Sweet’N Low), and sucralose (Splenda). Saccharin was linked to bladder cancer in the 1970s, and aspartame was associated with a higher risk of brain tumors in the 1990s, but all have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Further research is needed to determine the long-term safety of consuming artificial sweeteners.
Caffeine is a drug that stimulates the nervous system, causing increased alertness as well as anxiety, dizziness and headaches. Found in chocolate, coffee, tea and soft drinks, caffeine can interfere with sleep and cause increased urination. People who ingest caffeine often might find they need more over time to achieve the same stimulative effect.
Phosphoric acid, not carbonation, may contribute to bone loss and the erosion of tooth enamel. Further research is needed to determine if it is the phosphoric acid alone or the choice of sodas instead of calcium-rich milk that is causing this trend.
| Healthy Substitutions
If you are ready to quit your diet soda habit, be prepared for physical withdrawal symptoms, including headaches. As you wean yourself off diet soda, trying healthier options can help fill the void. 1. Sparkle motion—Say hello to other no-calorie fizzy drinks, such as flavored seltzer or sparkling fruit juice drinks. 2. Better buzz—Appease the caffeine headache with less toxic options, such as green tea or a few squares of dark chocolate. 3. Live the dream—Exercise to offset calories. Research has shown drinking diet soda is associated with weight gain due to the perception that drinking low-calorie drinks entitles one to more calories. 4. Water works—Quench your thirst with the best choice for hydration and without calories, sodium or artificial sweeteners. |
Sources: cancer.gov, kidshealth.org, nof.org, mayoclinic.com, msnbc.msn.com, myhealthnewsdaily.com, timesfreepress.com, yahoo.com