Nature Medicine Clinic

New Patient Forms

Pop

More than just bubbles

Soda pop was once an occasional treat contained in a tiny glass bottle. It now comes in bucket sizes and is a staple item in many people’s diet. There are countless varieties and methods of sweetening, preserving and coloring soft drinks. From high fructose corn syrup to aspartame, there are many troubling issues that come with the overconsumption of pop.

1. High Fructose Corn Syrup: can cause insulin resistance and weight gain (over time obesity and diabetes), high cholesterol and triglycerides along with increased oxidation, (over time heart disease). Oxidation is the reason we take anti-oxidants. Mercury is used in the processing of HFCS and therefore there is possible mercury exposure. HFCS does not make you feel full, resulting in overconsumption (please refer to Heavy Metals for more information).

2. Artificial Sweeteners:  aspartame, acesulfame-potassium and neotame can cause headaches, mental confusion, depression, liver effects, kidney effects, bronchitis, loss of appetite, nausea, lack of balance, visual disturbances, numbness, memory loss, severe mood swings, suicidal tendencies, weight gain and can possibly cause cancer. Sucralose can cause reactions such as headaches. There are currently no long-term human studies on its safety available for public review.

3. Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO): is found in cloudy looking drinks like yellow sodas. This substance is banned in many European countries and has been reported to cause serious toxicity with overconsumption such as headaches, fatigue, memory loss, loss of coordination, rashes, irritability, psychosis, confusion and hallucinations.

4. Phosphoric Acid: is found in many soft drinks in particular the colas. Can reduce bone mineral density by upsetting the calcium phosphorus balance contributing significantly to osteopenia or osteoporosis.

5. Sodium Benzoate and Artificial Coloring: a preservative found in many soft drinks, it has been known to cause asthma attacks and behavioral changes in sensitive people.

References:

  1. Abdelmalek, M.F., A. Suzuki et al. “Increased Fructose Consumption is Associated With Fibrosis Severity in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.” Hepatology 51.6 (2010): 1961-71
  2. Bateman, B., JO Warner et al. “The Effects of a Double Blind, Placebo Controlled, Artificial Food Colourings and Benzoate Preservative Challenge on Hyperactivity in a General Population Sample of Preschool Children.” Archives of Disease in Childhood 89.6 (2004): 506.
  3. Horowitz, B.Z. “Bromism From Excessive Cola Consumption.” Clinical Toxicology 35.3 (1997): 315-20.
  4. Ludwig, D.S., K.E. Peterson, and S.L. Gortmaker. “Relation Between Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Drinks and Childhood Obesity: A Prospective, Observational Analysis.” The Lancet 357.9255 (2001): 505-08.
  5. Maher, T.J., and R.J. Wurtman. “Possible Neurologic Effects of Aspartame, a Widely Used Food Additive.” Environmental Health Perspectives 75 (1987): 53.
  6. McGartland, C., PJ Robson et al. “Carbonated Soft Drink Consumption and Bone Mineral Density in Adolescence: The Northern Ireland Young Hearts Project.” Journal of bone and mineral research 18.9 (2003): 1563-69.
  7. Mercola, J., and K.D. Pearsall. “Sweet Deception: Why Splenda®, Nutrasweet®, and the Fda May be Hazardous to Your Health.” (2007)
  8. Oney, J.W., N.B. Farber et al. “Increasing Brain Tumor Rates: Is There a Link to Aspartame?” Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology 55.11 (1996): 1115.
  9. Shoham, D.A., R. Durazo-Arvizu et al. “Sugary Soda Consumption and Albuminuria: Results From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2004.” PLoS One 3.10 (2008): e3431.
  10. Tsakiris, S., A. Giannoulia-Karantana et al. “The Effect of Aspartame Metabolites on Human Erythrocyte Membrane Acetylcholinesterase Activity.” Pharmacological research 53.1 (2006): 1-5.
  11. Tucker, K.L., K. Morita et al. “Colas, But Not Other Carbonated Beverages, Are Associated With Low Bone Mineral Density in Older Women: The Framingham Osteoporosis Study.” The American journal of clinical nutrition 84.4 (2006): 936.
  12. Van den Eeden, SK, TD Koepsell et al. “Aspartame Ingestion and Headaches: A Randomized Crossover Trial.” Neurology 44.10 (1994): 1787.
  13. Ogur, R., B. Uysal et al. “Evaluation of the Effect of Cola Drinks on Bone Mineral Density and Associated Factors.” Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology 100.5 (2007): 334-38.