Do you drink diet soda? What about any other artificially sweetened drinks? While many of us try and justify that a diet soda is surely better for us than a regular soda, science shows that theory is false.
In fact, research shows we need to cut all sodas from our diets. Why? These artificially sweetened drinks increase the risk of stroke and dementia. The chemicals they contain are hammering your brain. A research study done at Boston University found that people who consume diet soda are three times more likely to experience stroke and dementia. Is that diet drink really worth the risk?
Artificially Sweetened Drinks Increase Your Risk of Stroke and Dementia
Researchers at Boston University studied almost 3,000 adults who consumed soda, along with their other habits. The data they collected was shocking.
When looking at participants ages 45 years and older for stroke, and 60 years or older for dementia, they found that those who regularly consumed diet soda were three times more likely to develop stroke or dementia. This risk held true even when taking into account other lifestyle choices such as smoking, poor diet choices, and exercise levels!
Sudha Seshadri, MD, senior study author, neurology professor, and faculty member at Boston University’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center stated, “These studies are not the be-all and end-all, but it’s strong data and a very strong suggestion. It looks like there is not very much of an upside to having sugary drinks, and substituting the sugar with artificial sweeteners doesn’t seem to help. Maybe good old-fashioned water is something we need to get used to.”
Regularly Sweetened Soda Is Bad For You As Well
Boston University researches didn’t stop with their study of artificially sweetened drinks. They also investigated the impact of drinking regular soda. Their findings did not link regularly sweetened soda consumption with stroke or dementia, but these sugary drinks have their own issues.
The dangers of consuming regular soda include:
Other Dangers Associated With Soda Consumption
Researchers also used MRI imaging , cognitive tests, and existing data in their study of sodas. They found that drinking more than two sugary drinks a day, or more than three sodas or diet sodas, leads to smaller brain volume. That means it actually causes your brain. to. shrink. Soda consumption also speeds up brain aging and leads to poorer memory. All of these are early risk factors for Alzheimer’s.
Soda and diet soda consumption has also been linked to:
Drink This, Not That
The solution to diet soda and regular soda is simple. Don’t drink it. For some of us, this may seem like quite the tall order, but trust me, it’s not worth it. The damage it inflicts on your brain alone just isn’t worth it.
Swap out your soda habit for water! It’s considerably cheaper and better for you. Get yourself a water bottle you love and carry it with you wherever you go. The health benefits you’ll experience will absolutely be worth it.
Some of the incredible health benefits of water include:
How to Increase Your Daily Water Intake
We know that water may not be as exciting and flavorful as a soda. However, there are plenty of ways to make drinking more water more enjoyable!
1. Carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go. This will help you avoid the soda temptation. It will also help keep you hydrated throughout your day!
2. Drink water before every meal or snack. This will help you boost your water intake and help you know when you’re truly full.
3. Add some flavor to your water! Fruits make great natural flavoring tools for water. Toss some strawberries or lemons in your water for some extra flavor.
4. Spice up your ice by using frozen fruits such as oranges, limes, etc. These frozen fruits will keep your drink cold and add some delicious flavor as well!
5. Try sparkling water when you need something different. There are many great, all natural sparkling water brands available. This will keep you hydrated. It may even curb your soda craving with its fun bubbles!
Gold Coast Chiropractic Wants You To Live Your Best Life
Dr. Paul Fisher of Gold Coast Chiropractic in Chicago, Illinois wants to help each of his patients live their best life. Whether it is through regular chiropractic care, nutrition advice, or a friendly face, Gold Coast Chiropractic can help you in your wellness journey.
Schedule your appointment with us today! You can reach us by phone at 312.988.9655, by email at firstname.lastname@example.org, or by filling out the contact form on our website, here. We look forward to working with you!