Why You Should Ditch the Diet Soda
- Diet sodas usually contain aspartame, which is a potential neurotoxin (Bauman, 2014) meaning it can change the chemicals in the brain
- Aspartame is 200 times sweeter than regular sugar
- It can be addictive
- Can contribute to the decline in kidney function
- Can contribute to weight gain – the body is unable to recognize the difference between real and artificial sweeteners
- Excess body aches and pains have been tied to aspartame in the diet
- Monsanto (large pesticide and GMO conglomerate) owns aspartame
- Aspartame was discovered when Monsanto was investigating new pesticides (NutraSweet)
- Can possibly turn into methanol in the digestive tract
- Aspartame is linked to brain tumors, headaches/migraines, seizures/epilepsy, autoimmune conditions, and depression
- Diet Pepsi also contains Acesulfame Potassium which is 200 times sweeter than sugar
Soda’s Hidden Dangers
- Hi-Fructose Corn Syrup is damaging to the liver and causes huge spikes in the blood sugar
- Sugars are more addictive than cocaine
- To process sugars, vitamins and minerals must be taken from the tissues, therefore repeated exposure can lead to nutrient deficiencies
- Can contribute to candida (yeast) overgrowth
- High blood sugar, as a result of sugar ingestion, is linked to an increased risk of cancer
- Soda leaves an acidic residue in the body – an acidic environment is a contributing factor in many health problems
- Splenda isn’t any better – a chlorine molecule is added when they make this low calorie sweetener
- Sugary drinks actually change the taste buds to crave more sugar (Axe, 2015)
Soda Alternatives
- Teas – iced or hot, herbal, green, black, or white, sweetened with a little honey (if needed)
- Coconut water – look for raw coconut water (processed without heat)
- Water – sparkling or still – try adding fresh fruit, lemon juice, or cucumber and mint to water or try Stevia Drops to add a little flavor and sweetness
- Fresh-pressed fruit and vegetable juices
- Chia seed drinks
- Nut milks (almond, coconut, hemp, etc.)
Health & Hugs <3
Katie
References:
Axe, J. (2015). Step away from the diet coke. Retrieved from http://draxe.com/step-away-from-the-diet-coke/
Bauman, E. (2014) Foundations of Nutrition. Penngrove, CA: Bauman Press.