Living It With Lisa

Now you didn’t think that I would write about drinking water without a follow up on the MANY reasons I have HUGE aversion to Soda.

Now also realize that my husband HAS to have a Diet Coke Fountain Drink every day!  And not 8 oz. either.   And not in a can or bottle.  FOUNTAIN DRINK ONLY!  Tori brings him one in the morning when she arrives for work.  On the weekend, he will trot off to the store to get his ‘devil drink’.  And he will drive extra mlles if the fountain machine is better somewhere else.  Now that is an addiction!

I do not keep soda in our home except when we have a party and then there is VERY little of it.  I used to supply 1 liter each of Coke and Diet Coke.  When I started having leftovers, I switched to the 6 pack pony size.  I am still having leftovers.  Why?  I make sure to provide several other healthier options.  It also may be that most of our guest realize they won’t find sodas so enjoy the other options that they may not have at home.

So when I read this article by  Kathleen Aicardi, M.Ed. at eDiets, I really enjoyed what she had to share. Some I knew and some was new information.  I have posted part of it here with a link to the article at the bottom of this post.

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SODA:  7 Things You Didn’t Know

Soda consumption has more than quadrupled in the last 40 years.  The average American consumes five cans of soda each day.  A typical serving of a soft drink once was 8 ounces, today a small is 12 ounces and a large soft drink is 32 ounces.

Soda is not a replacement for water.  Water makes up about 70 percent of our body composition.  Pure water is what we need to replenish our body’s requirements.  Water transports substances throughout the body.  It helps to regulate body temperature and remove wastes from the body. Water is also needed for the digestive process.

Approximately 73 percent of all Americans are chronically dehydrated.  Signs of dehydration of just 2 percent can result in fatigue and fuzzy thinking.  A loss of 4 percent results in a decrease of muscle strength and endurance.  A loss of 10 percent results in weakness and decreased tolerance for heat.  Finally, a loss of 20 percent can result in coma or death.

Here are some interesting facts about soda you may want to keep in mind:

1.  The sugar in soda can increase insulin levels in the blood, which over time can lead to type 2 diabetes, as well as high blood pressure, heart disease and weight gain.  Consuming just one can of soda a day can increase your weight by 18 pounds per year.

2. Phosphoric acid found in many types of soda inhibits the proper absorption of calcium causing bones to become week and teeth to become soft.  Is it any wonder the incidence of osteoporosis continues to increase in America?  Additionally, Americans have the highest incidence of osteoporosis in the world.

3. Many sodas contain caffeine, which acts as a stimulant and energy enhancer.  However, caffeine increases urine output further contributing to water losses.

4. Diet sodas contain aspartame, an artificial sweetener.  Aspartame has been challenged by many people who claim they have had serious side affects, such as headaches, dizziness, seizures and nausea, from its use. For those who drink diet soda as an alternative to sugary soda, aspartame can interfere with the body’s ability to reach weight loss goals.

5. Soda also contains sodium, a nutrient that promotes water retention.  When sodium levels are excessive in the body, the resulting water retention can cause other health risks, such as increased blood pressure.

6. Drinking soda can lead to other health problems because large amounts of soda can decrease your appetite for fruits, vegetable and essential nutrients.

7. It has been widely accepted that Coke can also be used to; loosen rusted bolts, clean up blood stains, clean corrosion off battery terminals and remove stubborn toilet bowls stains.

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So I say,why even waste your tastebuds or your more importantly your health on Soda.

Link to the rest of the eDiets article

Tags: Soda 7 things you didn't know

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