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I’m *almost* sad that I stumbled upon this study about those of us with a small soda addiction. I just love Coke and have for years. I go through short periods where I won’t have any for a week or two but then I’ll have just one and boom – back to one (or two) a day. I know it’s not good for me – the high fructose corn syrup, the BPA in the can, and the list could continue but I. can. not. resist.
Maybe these two studies will help me overcome. Cross your fingers.
Loyola University Health released a study in February that found that women (only) who drink 2 or more cans a day of soda are 2x more likely to show early signs of kidney disease. It did not have the same results for those who drink diet soda. So for those diet soda addicts – you’re off the hook.
Women who reported drinking two or more sodas in the previous 24 hours were 1.86 times more likely to have albuminuria, a sensitive marker for early kidney damage. Albuminuria is an excess amount of a protein called albumin in the urine. Since healthy kidneys filter out large molecules such as albumin, an excess amount can be a sign of damage to the kidneys.
At this point, the researchers don’t know exactly WHAT in the soda contributes to this – high fructose corn syrup, the amount of sugar, or other causes that were unmeasured. They are intrigued by a study reported in the Environmental Health journal that found 9 of 20 samples of high fructose corn syrup contained detectable levels of mercury. “This adds the intriguing possibility that it is not just the sugar itself in high fructose corn syrup that is harmful, because mercury is harmful to kidneys as well,” lead researcher, David Shoham said.
Frankly, knowing that HFCS might contain mercury might seal the deal.
To follow that up, Simmons College released a study in March that showed a significant association between 2 cans of soda per day and coronary heart disease. Women who consumed two or more servings of these beverages each day had a 35% higher risk of heart disease compared to those who consumed less than two servings per month. However, this study DID include diet soda as a sugary beverage.
We know that drinking soda also contributes to obesity so why do we keep chugging it? Habit? Addiction?
Any former soda addicts out there? How did you break the habit?
I have a love hate relationship with soda. I love the sweetness, the bubbles, and the cold refreshment until a little while later I am shaky and just can’t get a wink of sleep. I weaned off my soda addiction with flavored seltzer water and juice. I still get the sweetness and the carbonation but not all the side effects and the yucky ingredients. Good luck!
Over the last few years my soda intake kept increasing even though I knew it was bad for me. Th first thing I drank every morning was a Mountain Dew. This past spring I took a month off and went backpacking. I decided if there was ever a good time to kick the habit, this was a perfect opportunity since I wouldn’t have any access to soda. That is probably way more of a drastic measure to kick the habit than you are looking for, but it worked for me:) Good luck at kicking the habit!
“I go through short periods where I won’t have any for a week or two but then I’ll have just one and boom ”
That’s me, too. However, I have an advantage in that I actually like club soda (or whatever it is called locally). You know, the bubbly water!
I agree with Jenn. It’s the coldness, the fizz that I really love. Soda water lets me have both and many today are flavored with like 5% lime or lemon juice so you can even get a little flavor. I started with those but eventually went straight to club soda.
I still love me some Coke Zero, though!