7 Great Reasons to Stop Drinking Soda

staff@latinoshealth.com By Staff Writer May 01, 2015 06:52 AM EDT

Drinking soda once in a while may be okay but overindulging by consuming pop everyday may adversely affect your health in a number of ways. Here are seven reasons to stop drinking soda.

1.) Sugary Drinks are Linked to Weight Gain

A number of studies have shown that sweetened drinks contribute to the obesity epidemic. According to WebMD, sugar in soda is highly fattening and can promote weight gain to people of all ages.

2.) Soda Damages the Teeth

Soda's citric acid can damage the enamel, the outside layer of the tooth. It causes the teeth to be easily discolored and more susceptible to cavities. According to Business Insider, the damage in the teeth due to overconsumption of soda is just as worse as that suffered by a methamphetamine user because the corrosive acid found in soda has a similar effect to the acid found in illegal drugs.

3.) Soda Has No Nutritional Value

Soda has no essential nutrients aside from its sugary sweetness. According to Everyday Health, soda only contains calories and do not contribute anything health-wise.

4.) Soda Increases the Risk for Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Various Chronic Conditions

People who regularly consume pop have a higher risk of developing certain diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, according to a Harvard School of Public Health Study. Soda can also contribute to higher risk for pancreatic cancer, endometrial cancer and can even cause cancer recurrence and colorectal cancer deaths.

5.) Soda Consumption Can Increase Risk of Dementia

The consumption of soda can increase the risk of stroke which can lead to vascular dementia, according to Alzheimer's Weekly. In addition, sugary beverages are associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, gout, and weight gain.

6.) Soda Can Cause Bone Disease

Soda contains phosphoric acid which is a substance that hinders the body from absorbing calcium. This can lead to osteoporosis, lower bone density, and cavities. The caffeine in the soda can also interfere with the absorption of calcium, according to WebMD.

7.) Soda Causes Kidney Damage

Consuming two sodas a day can make your body develop proteinuria, a high level of protein found in urine that could contribute to kidney disease, according to Prevention.com. The article also suggests that proteinuria is not only damaging to the kidneys, but also linked to cardiovascular disease and death.

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