When a client comes to Nutritionhelp for nutritional advice I will work on two basic principles:
Fundamentally this is bad stuff out and good stuff in! Of course, this can vary from client to client. A supplement programme will differ according to each individual, but so too may the diet recommendations. For example, if you are working to bring Candida under control you will want to avoid all types of mushrooms, while for those who don’t have an intestinal yeast issue, mushrooms are fine.
However, there are certain foods which are NEVER suitable to include in a healthy diet EVER, for ANYONE, due to the negative impact they can have on the body . Sugar is of course at the top of the list, particularly fizzy drinks and sweetened beverages. Besides being an available food source for Candida and intestinal pathogens, thus upsetting the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, sugar is a problem for several key reasons.
When you see the list above you realise that many of the health challenges that we face as a Western population can only be exacerbated (if not caused) by our ongoing love for sugar. An article by Dr Mercola this week goes into some detail about the problems caused by fizzy ‘soda’ drinks along with the political and lobbying impact of the big soda companies, such as Coca-Cola.
By Dr. Mercola
Soda and other sweetened beverages have been identified as a major contributor to the obesity and diabetes epidemics around the world, and in light of the scientific evidence, many public health organizations have started recommending daily sugar limits.
At least 10 countries have implemented or are working toward implementing taxes on soda in an effort to reduce consumption and improve public health.
One 12-ounce can of regular soda contains on average between 8 and 10 teaspoons of sugar, far exceeding 100 percent of your recommended daily sugar allotment of 6 teaspoons (25 grams).
Considering sugar is as addictive as cocaine and has downright toxic effects on your body when consumed in excess, it’s no wonder obesity has become such a health crisis.
Previous research conservatively suggests sugary beverages alone are to blame for about 183,000 deaths worldwide each year, including 133,000 diabetes deaths and 44,000 heart disease deaths. What’s worse, the death rates associated with sweetened beverages were highest in those under the age of 45.
Avoid Sugary Drinks
Reducing the number of sugary drinks you consume each day can go a long way toward reducing your risk for metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and obesity.
Unfortunately, the continued profitability of the soda industry depends on public ignorance about the dangers associated with their products, and evidence reveals companies such as Coca-Cola are willing to go to great lengths to manipulate public health organizations and distort science to further their corporate agenda.
How Your Body Responds to Coca-Cola
Two years ago, former pharmacist Niraj Naik produced an infographic showing what happens in your body within the first hour of drinking a can of Coca-Cola:
According to Coca-Cola, soda is a perfectly acceptable rehydration choice, even before, during and after exercise, but based on its physiological effects, this is a hollow claim indeed. You simply cannot compare clean, pure water to soda when you’re thirsty…
Diet Soda Is Not the Answer
… I firmly believe ditching soda and other sweetened beverages is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your weight and health, and this includes avoiding so-called “diet” drinks as well. Artificially sweetened beverages may in fact be worse for your health than regular soda.
Research has shown artificial sweeteners can stimulate your appetite, increase carb cravings, stimulate fat storage and promote weight gain. In fact, diet sodas may actually double your risk of obesity, while regular soda (at a rate of one can per day) is associated with a 60 percent increased risk of obesity.
Avoid Aspartame and Sucralose (Splenda)
In addition to that, aspartame is associated with a long list of other harmful effects, ranging from brain damage to pre-term delivery, while sucralose has been found to be particularly damaging to your intestines. A study26 published in 2008 found that sucralose:
- Reduces good bacteria in your intestines by 50 percent
- Increases the pH level in your intestines
- Affects a glycoprotein in your body that can have crucial health effects, particularly if you’re on certain medications like chemotherapy, or treatments for AIDS and certain heart conditions
In response to this study, James Turner, chairman of the national consumer education group Citizens for Health, issued the following statement:27
“The report makes it clear that the artificial sweetener Splenda and its key component sucralose pose a threat to the people who consume the product. Hundreds of consumers have complained to us about side effects from using Splenda and this study … confirms that the chemicals in the little yellow package should carry a big red warning label.”
For Optimal Health, Drink More Clean Water
Unfortunately, many are still in the dark about these health risks. Having healthy gut flora is absolutely vital for your optimal health so, clearly, any product that can destroy up to half of your healthy intestinal bacteria can pose a critical risk to your health.
Sugar also promotes unhealthy bacterial growth, and many are already deficient in healthy bacteria due to consuming too many highly processed foods…
Remember, pure water is a zero-calorie drink. You cannot find a beverage that contains fewer calories. If you think about it, why on earth would you choose artificially sweetened water over regular mineral water? If you want some flavour, just squeeze a little bit of fresh lemon or lime into mineral water as these citrus fruits have some of the lowest fructose levels of all fruits.
Click here for the full article with footnotes.
… I firmly believe ditching soda and other sweetened beverages is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your weight and health, and this includes avoiding so-called “diet” drinks as well. Artificially sweetened beverages may in fact be worse for your health than regular soda.