Published on February 6, 2014

Water is vital for every cell in the human body and an extremely important element in your overall health. But we still prefer to drink more soda than water without thinking about the adverse effects of this beverage.

Soda pop was originally created as a drug to relieve indigestion and dyspepsia. Coca-Cola was known to alleviate digestive disorders. But consuming it as a beverage on a regular basis can prove to be quite dangerous. 

Soda pop consists of some harmful synthetic sweeteners, including aspartame and saccharin-artificial sweeteners proven to cause cancer. Aspartame is made of two amino acids- phenylalanine and aspartic acid. It’s known as neurotoxin that impairs brain health and functions. It can also have adverse affects on foetal brain development. Aspartame converts into formaldehyde at the temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, once aspartame is consumed it converts into formaldehyde within the human body. 

Saccharin is also as toxic as aspartame. It is a non-caloric petroleum derivative, which is said to cause bladder cancer in humans. Other sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup are also extremely harmful. Once ingested this artificial sweetener can impact blood sugar levels almost instantly. ACE-K, latest addition to the list of synthetic sweeteners, can adversely affect the brain. 

Some soda pop brands use sugar in addition to other synthetic sweeteners. One can of soda is equal to 11 tablespoons of sugar, which goes to prove that excessive consumption of soda pop can lead to diabetes, kidney failure and anxiety. 

Soda pop contains high amounts of caffeine, which belongs to a drug group called Methyl-Xanthines. Caffeine consumption results in severe stress on your heart, depletion of B-vitamins, especially B1, Vitamin C, zinc and potassium. Deficiency of vitamin B1 can cause fatigue, nervousness, headaches etc. Ingestion of excessive caffeine can also lead to digestive problems. 

Caffeine has diuretic properties that put excess stress on the nervous system and the kidneys and cause dehydration. Studies have also linked caffeine to various birth defects. Caffeine is said to interfere with DNA replication and iron absorption. Thus excessive consumption of soda pop is an invitation to innumerable health problems. 

A number of preservatives are used in these beverages. The main preservative used in majority of the soda brands is sodium benzoate. Many soda brands also use taste freshener chemicals such as erythorbic acid and potassium benzoate. Chemicals such as calcium disodium are used for preserving flavour. All these chemicals are synthetic, which corrupt and pollute the taste buds. 

The acid in soda can erode and weaken our teeth and enamel. Soda brands also make use of polyethylene glycol, which is used as an anti-freeze in automobiles and oil solvents. 

Soda pop also contains phosphoric acid, which dissolves calcium in our bones. This chemical plays a key role in the development of osteoporosis wherein the bones and skeletal structure become weak and fragile. Phosphoric acid fights the much needed hydrochloric acid- a chemical that helps with digestion. 

Carbon dioxide makes soda effervescent. Consumption of soda puts back carbon dioxide into our body even though the human body naturally expels it with every exhalation. Soda pop also contains synthetic phenylalanine- a synthetic amino acid that causes phenylketonuria. Phenylketonuria is a metabolic disease which makes it difficult to oxidize a metallic product of phenylalanine and is characterized by severe mental retardation. 

Soda manufacturers also make use of glycol ester of wood resin, which is actually wood alcohol. This type of alcohol is extremely harmful, but it still doesn’t deter soda brands from using it. Other ingredients commonly found in a can of soda are citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium polyphosphates, potassium sorbate and gum acacia. 

Soda is 100 per cent acid forming irrespective of the type or brand. It has a pH balance of 2, which is extremely low. Human bodies have a natural pH balance of 7.3, which is slightly alkaline. Drinking soda pop lowers your alkalinity. One can of soda is 100,000 more acidic than your natural pH level. Thus, consuming soft drinks does nothing but harm you.

Those who cannot put down that can of soda should find alternatives to this toxic beverage, like cider. Cider or sparkling fruit juices are healthier options compared to soda pop. One can also switch to beverages like root beer, black cherry or ginger ale. 

Ditch that can of soda pop before it’s too late.