By Susan Williams
Susan Williams, MEd, RH(AHG)We all know it can be hard to change habits. But sometimes it really is worth it. So here it is: Put down that sugary soda.
Excess sugar consumption is linked to several mental (and physical!) health conditions. And did you know that sugary beverages are a leading dietary source of sugar in the United States?
But fruit juice is, well, fruit! Fruit is good for us. So that must be all right?In reality, fruit juice lacks the fiber that makes fruit so good for us. Truth be told, it’s pretty much just nutritious sugar-water that can hype you up, then bring you down as fast.
Regular soda? There really is no upside to it at all. You’ll get the same sugar spike as fruit juice, but with absolutely no nutritional benefits. Dark colas are even worse, as they are associated with lower bone mineral density in older women.
No sugar, so no problem, right? Nope. You may not have the energy crash that comes with having too much sugar, but diet soda may make you depressed. In fact, it could make you feel more down than its sugary cousin would. Too much of the caffeine that many sodas have can be bad for anxiety, too.
So what is one to do?
Some research has found that in addition to having no sugar or bone mineral density reducing properties, carbonated water can also help people who have chronic indigestion, and a study from Japan found that drinking carbonated water even increases short-term feelings of fullness more than drinking regular water does. Herbal teas (tisanes), regular tea, and coffee, in moderation are other alternatives.
But then there’s the “gold standard” for us humans. Just pure, filtered water. Drink up!
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2021/20_0574.htm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17023723/
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/sugary-drinks-anxiety-young-people-study
https://www.webmd.com/depression/ss/slideshow-avoid-foods-anxiety-depression
https://time.com/7281684/is-seltzer-water-bad-for-you/
Susan Williams, MEd, RH (AHG), is a certified holistic nutritionist, yoga instructor, Duke trained National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and enthusiastic student of health for older citizens.
Disclaimer: Self Care posts are shared for information purposes only, and are never intended as individual medical advice nor as a substitute for healthcare services.