Soft drinks have become a popular beverage choice for many, but they are also one of the most controversial drinks in the world. A lot of research has been carried out over the years to understand how soft drinks impact our health.

In this article, we will look at 8 ways soft drinks impact our health using a graph.

1. Tooth Decay

Soft drinks are highly acidic, a feature which can lead to tooth erosion and decay. Acids in these drinks, such as phosphoric and citric acid, attack the enamel on our teeth.

Over time, this can result in tooth sensitivity, cavities, and even tooth loss, which can affect our overall dental health. According to the Soft Drinks Industry Levy in the UK, 1 in 4 five-year-olds have tooth decay, and sugar sweetened beverages are a leading cause of this.

2. Obesity

Soft drinks are high in sugar, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. Obesity can cause several health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

In recent years, the consumption of soft drinks has been linked to the rising number of people who are overweight or obese. The graph shows that countries with higher soda consumption have higher obesity rates too.

3. Dehydration

Although it might sound counter-intuitive, soft drinks can make us dehydrated. This is because they contain caffeine, sugar, and other chemicals that increase urine production, leading to dehydration.

While they may quench our thirst temporarily, they don’t provide the same level of hydration as water.

4. Diabetes

Excess sugar can increase our risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and soft drinks are a major contributor to this. In fact, a single can of soda can contain more sugar than the recommended daily intake.

The World Health Organisation recommends that people should consume no more than 25 grams of sugar per day, but many soft drinks contain much more than this. Statistically, countries with high soft drinks consumption have higher diabetes rates.

5. Cardiovascular Disease

Drinking soft drinks can increase our chances of developing cardiovascular disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

High levels of sugar in soft drinks can contribute to a build-up of fatty deposits in our arteries, which can make them narrower and restrict blood flow, leading to high blood pressure and other health issues.

6. Cancer

Some studies have suggested that the caramel coloring used in many soft drinks could be linked to cancer. This coloring contains an artificial compound known as 4-methylimidazole, which has been found to cause cancer in rats and mice.

Though more research needs to be carried out to know the precise impact of caramel coloring on humans, it is still one area to be cautious about.

7. Mood and Sleep Disorders

Caffeine found in soft drinks can interfere with our mood and sleep patterns. Drinking too much caffeine can lead to anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. It can also make us feel jittery and cause headaches.

Caffeine can also increase our heart rate, which can affect our brain and cause various health risks.

8. Kidney Damage

Research has shown that high consumption of soft drinks can increase our risk of developing kidney stones.

The high sugar content and acidity levels in these drinks can lead to the formation of stones and make it difficult for the kidneys to filter out harmful toxins from our bodies. Kidney stones can cause severe pain and discomfort and can even lead to kidney damage over time.