You have probably been hearing a lot of talk on morning news shows on the dangers of drinking diet soda. We did a little research and found out, as expected, water is much better for quenching thirst and keeping you healthy than any diet soda. In fact, Katherine Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic nutritionist, states that consuming over one soda a day can lead to obesity and health problems, such as type 2 diabetes. Artificial sweeteners can trigger an insulin response and this can lead to weight gain. A study done for the National Institute of Health demonstrated that artificial sweeteners cause the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) insulin; this release may be caused by activating sweet taste receptors on enteroendocrine cells. Additionally, diet sodas contain caffeine and sodium; caffeine causes insomnia and anxiety while sodium contributes to heart disease and hypertension. Caffeine also increases heart rate and blood pressure when consumed.
Pure water, which detoxifies the body, is a much healthier option. Drinking more water will cause the immune system to become more efficient with resisting viruses and illnesses. Also, the digestive system can function more smoothly and effectively. Zeratsky explains that even though the switch from regular to diet soda decreases calorie intake, the best choice would be to drink water. She adds that if one feels the need for variation, he or she can add squirts of lemon or cranberry juice for flavor. Furthermore, water helps keep muscles energized by maintaining the fluid balance, allows better fluid flow in the kidney, and makes skin look better by decreases dryness.
Looks like I’ll stick to water!
Sources:
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09318.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeinated-drinks/AN01661
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water
http://www.nutritionresolution.com/2010/03/why-is-diet-soda-unhealthy/
http://www.ucsf.edu/news/2006/10/7103/spot-dr-lustig-responds
http://www.naturalhealthlifestyles.com/pure-water.html
http://overcaffeinated.org/effects-of-caffeine-on-the-body.php