We all know that soda really isn’t good for us. It’s packed full of lots and lots of sugar and all sorts of other things that humans really shouldn’t consume. This is how diet soda was born. Soda manufacturers developed a “healthier” alternative to their regular sugary beverages. But is diet soda really any better for you? Sure, it’s lower in calories: some varieties don’t have any calories at all. But is it better? The short answer to that is no, it is not. In some cases, it’s actually worse.

Ever since diet soda was popularized in the 1970s, scientists have been researching it. Here are some of the things they have found.

Weight Gain

Spoiler alert: that diet cola you love so much could actually be causing you to GAIN weight. One study showed that the size of participants’ waists grew around 500% times faster when they had just two servings of diet soda per day. These results were attributed to the use of artificial sweeteners in diet soda. Unfortunately, your body’s metabolism really doesn’t know the difference between real sugar and artificial sweetener. It all gets metabolized as sugar, driving up insulin levels and causing your body to store more fat.

Risking Your Health

There are very real, very serious health risks to consuming diet soda regularly. There have been direct links established between drinking diet soda and:

Stroke and dementia: Individuals who consumed diet soda daily were found to be almost three times as likely to have a stroke or develop dementia as those who did not.

Diabetes: contrary to popular belief, drinking diet soda can actually INCREASE your risk for type 2 diabetes.

Kidney disease: One study found that drinking two or more sodas per day, whether diet or regular, doubles your risk for kidney disease.

Mental Health Implications

Aside from the other bodily health issues, diet soda can also increase your risk for mental health issues. Aspartame, a sweetening chemical commonly used in diet soda, has been linked to anxiety, depression, and even bipolar disorder. It can also have negative effects on your brain as a whole.

Weight Loss with Pria Wellness Center

For a weight loss solution with real, long-lasting results, contact Pria Wellness Center. We will comprehensively assess your current physical condition and make recommendations based on your body’s unique needs. Dr. Fernandez is board certified in obesity medicine and weight management, so you can trust that you are being taken care of by a qualified specialist. And we take a holistic approach to weight loss, working with dieticians, psychologists, personal trainers, and physicians to ensure that all of your needs are met and you keep the weight off for good. What do you have to lose except extra weight? Schedule a consultation online by clicking here, or contact the office at (410) 565-6552.

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