Soft drinks and other sugary drinks are a staple in the modern American diet. From soda to sports drinks, these beverages are marketed to us as energy boosters, hydration tools, and even meal replacement options.
But while they may taste great and seem like a convenient way to get through the day, studies show that they can seriously harm your health in ways you never realized. Indeed, the link between sugary drinks and an early demise is very real, and it’s something that we all need to take seriously.
Obesity
Sugary drinks have a startlingly high amount of calories. For example, a regular 12-ounce can of Coca Cola contains 140 calories, all of which come from sugar.
Drinking one of these cans every day for a year would result in an extra 51,100 calories being consumed, which is equivalent to gaining roughly 15 pounds of excess weight per year. This is a significant amount of calories that can easily contribute to obesity, which is a leading cause of heart disease, some cancers, and diabetes.
Diabetes
Drinking sugary drinks regularly can increase your risk of developing diabetes as well.
According to studies, people who consumed one or more sugary drinks per day had a 26% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who drank them infrequently or not at all. This is because the high sugar content of these drinks can lead to insulin resistance and increased blood glucose levels over time, which can eventually progress to diabetes.
Heart Disease
Drinking sugary drinks regularly is also associated with a higher risk of heart disease, which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
This is because the high sugar content of these beverages can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can increase blood pressure and cause other cardiovascular problems. Some studies have even suggested that drinking more than two servings of sugary drinks per day can increase your risk of developing heart disease by as much as 35%.
Liver Disease
Sugary drinks can also cause damage to your liver over time.
One study found that people who consumed high amounts of sugary drinks had a 70% higher risk of developing fatty liver disease, which can lead to liver failure and other serious health problems. This is because the high sugar content of these drinks can cause insulin resistance and lead to excess fat buildup in the liver, which can cause significant liver damage over time.
Related Article
How sodas can shorten your lifespan
Kidney Disease
Drinking too many sugary drinks can increase your risk of developing kidney disease as well.
According to one study, women who drank two or more servings of sugary drinks per day had a 30% higher risk of developing kidney disease than those who did not consume sugary drinks. This is because the high sugar content of these beverages can cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys over time, leading to kidney damage and even kidney failure in some cases.
Cancer
While more research is needed, some studies have suggested that sugary drinks may be linked to a higher risk of certain cancers.
For example, one study found that women who drank high amounts of sugary drinks had a higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who did not consume these drinks. Another study found that men who consumed high amounts of sugary drinks had a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those who did not consume these drinks.
While the mechanisms behind these links are not yet fully understood, the potential risks are troubling and warrant further investigation.
Mental Health
Finally, drinking sugary drinks can also affect your mental health over time.
Studies have found that people who consume high amounts of sugary drinks are more likely to develop depression and other mental health problems than those who do not consume these beverages. This is thought to be due to the negative effects of sugar on brain chemistry and mood over time, which can lead to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
In conclusion, the link between sugary drinks and an early demise is a very real and concerning issue that we all need to take seriously.
By moderating your intake of these beverages and choosing healthier options like water, herbal tea, and natural juices instead, you can protect your health and avoid the harmful effects of sugar over time.
