24 February,2009 07:25 AM IST | | Melissa D'costa
That is if you are glugging down two or more cans of aerated drinks every day. A new study says drinking cola increases your risk of kidney disease. iTALK gives you the truth behind all that fizz Avoid if you are trying to lose weight
Yeah, we known that that juicy chicken burger tastes just a bit more heavenly when you sip chilled cola between bites, but medical experts suggest you think before you pop open that cola can. In addition to helping you gain extra kilos, soda can also give you kidney disease, says new research.u00a0
A US study suggests that women who consume 2 or more cans of carbonated drinks a day, are almost twice as more likely to show early evidence of kidney disease. The study, conducted by researchers from the Loyola University Health System maybe kind to the guys, but men are not far from danger says Dr Alan Almedia, section co-ordinator for Nephrology at PD Hinduja Hospital.u00a0 "Studies have shown that drinking aerated drinks can cause diabetes, hypertension and kidney stones, which are risk factors for chronic kidney disease.
Aerated drinks contain zero nutrients, and are high in calories and sugar content. Studies show a strong link between soda consumption and obesity.
u00a0
Eventually, kidney disease can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant." Almedia says this is caused by the phosphoric acid present in the drink, that causes urinary changes, promoting kidney stones.
Substitute colas with buttermilk, coconut water
Deepshikha Agarwal Clinical dietician and sports nutritionist
Aerated drinks contain phosphoric acid, caffeine and lots of sugar, have no nutrients, adding just to empty calories. Ditch aerated drinks for these healthier, yummy options.
Coconut water lowers your cholesterol and is good for your skin, hair, and boosts energy.
Buttermilk contains calcium that helps build strong bones and teeth, and protein that helps your body repair itself.
Vegetable juices are rich in vitamins and minerals, and low in calories.
Diet colas increase craving for sweets
People on a diet tend to opt for diet colas. But this is far from a wise choice. While they contain lesser calories than compared to regular colas, they have a large amount of artificial sweetners, which stimulate appetite and increase cravings for sweet foodstuff.
Calorie Count
150 Cola can
135-140 Cola bottle
50u00a0Coconut water
30-40 Buttermilk
8 reasons not to drink cola
Aerated drinks can cause blood sugar disorders, and affect the brain
1 Phosphorus, a common ingredient of soda, can deplete your bones of calcium.
2 Studies link tooth decay with its consumption. Not only does the sugar cause cavities, the acids in the soda etch off tooth enamel.
3 Caffeine is known to create physical dependence and upsets the normal balance of neurochemistry in the developing brains of children. It stimulates the adrenal gland without providing the nourishment it needs.
4 Drinking too much cola can lead to blood sugar disorders, including diabetes.
5 Aspartame, used in diet sodas, is a potent brain toxin.u00a0
6 Citric acid, often found in carbonated drinks, may contain traces of MSG, which is another potent brain toxin. The artificial flavours found in soda may also contain traces of MSG.
7 Drinking sodas regularly can upset the fragile, acid-alkaline balance of the stomach, creating a continuous acid environment. This prolonged acid environment can lead to inflammation of the stomach and duodenal lining, which can be painful.
8 Aerated drinks act as dehydrating diuretics, and can inhibit proper digestive function.
