Consequences of Drinking Soda

Ahhh! Our favorite can of soda (or pop, however you call it :-)) is killing us from the inside!! In this post today, I’m going to let you in on the consequences of drinking soda and how it can impact the following:

• High Blood Pressure
• Sugar overload
• Weight Loss Problems
• Reproductive Issues

To start off, let’s check out the image on the right hand side of this post. This isn’t just soda, folks, this is all kinds of sugary beverages. You wake up to a bright sunny day, and run to the fridge for that great orange juice kick of the day. 110 calories in. Fine. Then, on your way to work, you stop by the local coffee shop favorite and grab one of those great mochas! 400 calories (510 calories in beverages already and the morning has barely started!)

Without droning on, you can see that a day of fun beverages can pack on 1370 in calories. That is a bit high! Let alone the sugar content that comes along with each one of these beverages (yes, even the beer). If you’ve ever been to SharpeFIT.com before, you’ll know that I proudly support Shakeology as a good drink alternative. This could help you crush some of the consequences we are about to explore. So let’s start digging into the four major consequences of drinking soda!

Consequences of Drinking Soda – #1 – High Blood Pressure

Imperial College in London did a study that focused on 2,700 student’s diets. The affects of drinking soda and sugary drinks had higher blood pressure than those who did not drink as many (or drank strictly water). After putting weight loss and and other risk factors into consideration, these students still had a higher risk for cardiovascular problems.

Beyond the study, this image is very powerful in my opinion. Check it out and read each part of how the impact of soda can lead not only to the high blood pressure. But to other important parts that I’ll discuss in our further consequences below.

Consequences of Drinking Soda – #2 – Sugar Overload

Check out the sugar content in a bottle of soda!

Well folks, you are either bouncing off the wall or in diabetic shock with this one. Sugar, especially unnatural and artificial sweeteners, are the death to us all. I’d like to use the image above to really hammer down on the sugar impact. Beside the issue of too much sugar, it can also lead to diabetes (obviously), and even some cases of Acid Reflux (GERD).

•  Twenty minutes after that can of soda, your blood sugar levels increase. This is significant with any sugary drink. When sugar is consumed, your body releases insulin. Insulin is a peptide hormone that uses your pancreas and liver to convert sugar into fat (storing it as glucose). Some sugar is good (natural sugar, like what you find in an Apple, Orange, regular foods). But too much sugar, like what you find in that can of soda, causes excess fat and insulin overdose.
• Once the liver has processed too much sugar, it releases the excess into your bloodstream. This means that your blood pressure spikes. The receptors in your brain is also blocked which is why you stay awake and don’t get drowsy when you drink soda. This leads to production of dopamine.
• Dopamine is produced about 40-45 minutes after you drink too much sugar. That is the stuff that makes you feel great. This is the same effect that happens when you have heroine. Yup, that’s right, I’m comparing this to a highly narcotic drug. But it’s because the dopamine production is TOO much too fast in this case. Natural dopamine production is good for you. For example, going to disney world and getting excited about it will release a small amount of dopamine. Regular exercise releases a good amount of dopamine. But too much too fast is that of an addict. This is what creates the “I can’t start my day without that can of coke” mentality.

Consequences of Drinking Soda – #3 – Weight Loss Problems

It’s true, obesity can be linked to that of sugary sodas and drinks. Just like I talked about above, when the liver has too much sugar, it releases excess into your bloodstream. This leads to storing and converting the sugar into fat. Too much sugar equals too much fat!

Here is one for you too when it comes to weight loss problems with soda. Recently, the mayor of New York (Mayor Bloomberg) became the first state in the U.S. nation to reduce sugar overload and attack the obesity crisis. The ruling is: ALL Big sugary drinks over 16 oz are ILLEGAL in New York state! Any convenience store or restaurant caught selling these beverages over 16 ounces will be FINED $200. This obviously always leads to skepticism and debate, but I found this very interesting. Check out more here.

Have you ever heard a friend of family member brag about how they lost weight after cutting back on soda? This could be the reason for the link to sugar and obesity! Take the challenge yourself if you struggle with weight. Check the scale, stop soda for 30 days solid, and see how much you lose. You may be completely blown away (and actually feeling a lot better after you get through the “withdrawal” stage, depending on how much soda you drink).

Consequences of Drinking Soda – #4 – Reproductive Issues

I want to be sensitive on this issue, but at least explore the facts. There are many other reasons for reproductive issues, so this is only exploring the impact of soda and sugary drinks. Always rely on doctor’s advice if you are having reproductive concerns.

• Certain soda bottles and cans are coated with a resin that contains BPA. This stands for Bisphenol A, which is an organic compound that is used in manufacturing certain plastics. BPA is consistently questioned by health and government officials on the affects of cancer-causing issues along with harmful affect to infants, reproduction, and fetuses. This is a part of why you can see certain bottles and baby items that say “BPA-Free”, as it is a hot topic that needs addressed. Unfortunately, all plastics and cans aren’t BPA-free.
• As we discussed above, obesity and soda exists as a related affect. Obesity has been linked to reproductive issues, especially in males. The result of obesity can lead to extra estrogen production, which reduces testosterone in a males reproduction.

I hope you found these facts and information on the consequences of drinking soda helpful. While these facts may SCARE you, the are meant to really inform you of the details. If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to share it using the social media buttons.

Yours in Fitness and Health,

Bob Sharpe

P.S. – Leaders – Work with Me

In 2010, Bob Sharpe was 70 pounds overweight and struggling with Acid Reflux. After getting his life in shape, he dedicated himself to a healthier lifestyle. Now, after losing 70 pounds and being in the best shape of his life, his goal is to help others do the same through his Beachbody coaching and assistance here on SharpeFIT.com. Bob Sharpe on Google + | Leaders Only – Click Here