Body Revolution

 

TRX

November 2011

When one thinks of addictive personalities the mind wraps around thoughts of cigarettes, food, hard drugs and even sex. But few, if any, would consider soft drinks an addiction. Perhaps it is this mindset that lets many people today drink gallons upon gallons of soda pop without thinking of the health risks. Health risks from the commonly known like obesity and diabetes to even depression and bone density loss.  Even fewer than that knows of the additives we would care to not believe are actually part of the fizzy drink we, at times, mindlessly consume. Although there is an abundance of evidence that states the fact that high fructose corn syrup is bad for your health, it should be noted that almost all other sugar sweeteners are no healthier for the human body in large doses.  As written by Jennifer Nelson R.D. in answering a question within the Mayo clinic’s website : research studies have linked consumption of large amounts of any type of added sugar — not just high-fructose corn syrup — to such health problems as weight gain, dental cavities, poor nutrition, and increased triglyceride levels, which can boost your heart attack risk. It is also written from the same article that “the recommendations from the American Heart Association — not a part of official U.S. dietary guidelines — say that most American women should consume no more than 100 calories a day from added sugar from any source, and that most American men should consume no more than 150 calories a day from added sugar, and that even less is better. That’s about 6 teaspoons of added sugar for women and 9 for men”.  Most soft drinks contain far beyond that number. It also should be noted that the nutritional facts stated are per serving and some soft drinks, both diet and regular, can have from 1 to 3 servings per can/bottle. An independent study from USNEWS.com from October 27^th 2010 showcased why, not only does soft drinks such as soda pop and sweetened teas (and any other drink that can contain a glut of sugar and corn syrup such as vitamin water which is advertised and believed to be healthy for you) lead to diabetes, but even helps it along quite rapidly. “The main one is spikes in blood glucose and insulin because sweetened drinks are often consumed quickly and in large quantities and their sugar content is rapidly absorbed. Frequent spiking can lead to insulin resistance, inflammation, and hypertension—often precursors to diabetes. High-fructose corn syrup, the sugar in many sweetened drinks, is emerging as possibly riskier than other sugars because it seems to produce more belly fat. Fat that accumulates around the middle is closely tied to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.”-usnews.com/health Not only can Soda Pop be a major cause of obesity and diabetes, but a study from the Arizona center for Advanced Medicine released and article linking soft drinks to poor bone mineral density causing weak bones that lead to more breaks during high intensity activity such as sports, running or just good ol’ horsing around. “Soda drinkers are less likely to get sufficient vitamin A, calcium, or magnesium. Sugar depletes magnesium, and the high levels of phosphoric acid in soft drinks can combine with calcium and magnesium in the gut to cause a loss of these vital minerals.”  From the same article it also points out “A chemical called bisphenol A (BPA) is used to make plastics hard, and in 2008, Health Canada banned it from baby products. News reports prompted many people to trade in their polycarbonate #7 water bottles for glass, stainless steel, or “BPA-free” plastics. However, maximum exposure to BPA is thought to come from the linings of canned food, especially acidic foods like soda pop and tomato sauce. Both Coca-Cola and Pepsi officials use BPA in the epoxy resin linings of their soda cans.”-Arizona center for Advanced Medicine.

Diet sweeteners and sugar substitutes

Most people believe that drinking Diet cola’s in place of regular cola’s will help supplement their weight loss. Sadly, Diet cola’s will actually make you GAIN weight and crave carbs more. This is due to the higher salt content within them and the chemically altered substances found within that brightly colored can. NutraSweet™ and Equal™ are the most well-known sweeteners in the market. Both made by Monsanto in the 1970’s their base ingredient is Aspartame. Three byproducts of aspartame are methanol, formaldehyde. According to Michael Schachter MD in an article on HealthWorld, the methanol in juices is chemically bound so it cannot be absorbed into the body whereas in aspartame it is in a free state where it can be absorbed. Additionally, in aspartame the methanol is unaccompanied by ethanol which acts as a protectant in its natural state. Most research has also found that in all of the studies disputing these facts they have been sponsored or even run by Monsanto themselves proving the studies inadmissible. Studies have been divided. For example: A 1998 Spanish study on rats, for example, warns “that aspartame consumption may constitute a hazard because of its contribution to the formation of formaldehyde adducts”. Though rarely known to cause depression within consumption, it has been thoroughly documented that it frequently causes and exacerbates symptoms of depression among those with a history of said depression (insomnia, fatigue, nausea, and headache). “Individuals with mood disorders are particularly sensitive to this artificial sweetener and its use in this population should be discouraged.” Dr. R. Walton –Don’t drink the diet coke.  (Source)

Organic Soda’s and other healthier options

With most of the studies being very alarming it may tend to be very discouraging to the populous to quench their thirst for soft drinks or beverages. Fortunately for us there are a myriad of sugarless and sugar reduced options that are not detrimental to our health. Soft drinks such as Jones Soda , Steaz™ and Blue sky™ can be purchased from their respective websites or at your local organic market.  By law organic sodas have to contain no less than 95% organic ingredients plus water. They also have no added sodium or additives or preservatives. Another example is Italian sodas. Though they do contain sugar they are in far less amounts than your typical coke or Pepsi. Avoid the sugar free syrups. There are even recipes on how to make your own and are much more fun to drink on a summer day than a can of pop. One example can be read here.  Soft drinks with Stevia have given way to a healthier, more natural alternative to the corrosive option of the regular market pop.  Not only is it easily accessible but there is an Ehow page on how to make your own soda so that you can see for yourself the process of making it and, in turn, help you feel more empowered in terms of what you put in your body.  (Source) Being informed is the first step to personal change which leads to community change and eventually world change. Given the massive difference I have seen from people both visually and from their own testaments I can honestly say eliminating soda pop and other overly sugary drinks will make a huge impact on your weight loss and overall health.  Remember: Soda initially started out as a treat and, for better health, it should remain just that and not a regular consumption. “  Life is delicious, not sweet.  Stop trying to make things ’sweet’” -11/17/2011 Joe Mendoza Joe Mendoza is ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Joe’s article about the negative affects and addictive aspects of drinking soda pop inspired me to want to discuss and bring light to the issue of oral fixations. Aside from being addicted to the sugar/caffeine, soda also provides a fizz and bubble feeling in our mouths that for some, is quite pleasurable.  Whenever we form a relationship with a substance based on the feeling of pleasure, whether consciously or not, we set ourselves up for a very hard break up when we try to give it up.  Not getting our fix or pleasurable stimulation is, well, frankly it can produce a sad feeling and a difficult attachment to walk away from.  Rest assured though, Body Revolution has your back!  We have suggestions to help curb your withdrawal symptoms, and ideas for long term success of breaking up with POP!  Reading Joe’s article should put it in perspective, and give you awesome alternatives to soda pop.  I would like to add that I completely empathize with the battle of any addiction.  If you have any doubt in your current habit, now is the time to take control!  First of all, ditch all pop in your home and/or office.  Temptation is a little devil on your shoulder waiting to whisper in your ear(most likely when you are feeling most vulnerable) drink it, drink it!  Saying NO to your addiction is empowering and will leave you feeling good about yourself once cravings have subsided.  It will get easier and easier the more you practice.  This is a universal theory.  Consistent deliberate practice leads you to your goal or an even better goal.  Unfortunately pop is everywhere in society, you have no control over this.  Your home is your safe zone and you should have control of what products are in it.  If you are the shopper in your household this is not a problem.  If you are not, communicate with loved one and roommates that you need some support and would appreciate if they would keep their pop somewhere other than the house refrigerator. Or better yet, maybe you can recruit them to join you in your pop free life!  Your new healthy behavior may be inspiring and you may help someone else in your own self help process.  Healthy behavior is powerful!  Stock up on the pop alternatives Joe mentioned in his article.  Purchase natural gum.  Gum can keep your mouth busy and will help with cravings.  Conventional gums are loaded with sugar and/or toxic sugar free chemicals.  My current favorite natural gums are B Fresh Chewing Gum and Spry Chewing Gum.  These gums contain the ingredient Xylitol.  This amazing ingredient is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants and prevents bacteria from sticking to teeth, thus preventing tooth decay!  Some current research has claimed that xylitol can help repair damaged enamel.  It does not require the body to produce insulin when consumed and has been recommended for diabetics to use as a sugar alternative.  B Fresh Chewing Gum actually has Vitamin B and Calcium in it!  Very exciting gums!!  To replace the caffeine you will no longer be getting from soda pop,  I recommend organic coffee or organic Yerba Mate tea.  Limit consumption of coffee/tea and try to keep consumption to your mornings.  High caffeine during the day and evening can cause a number of negative side effects. High caffeine consumption can increase anxiety and blood sugar levels.  Other negative side effects of high caffeine consumption are, but are not limited to insomnia, increased appetite, restlessness, irritability, upset stomach, muscle tremors, and elevated heart rate.  For mid day energy boosts, drink organic green tea or turn to nutrition as fuel such as organic fruit.  You might even want to start your day with a delicious shake to set the pop free intention of your day.  Click here for some tasty shake recipes.   Next, arm your car, office and purse/bag with gum, water and pop alternatives.  Being prepared for obstacles in your goal’s path is one of the most proactive and highly beneficial actions you can take.  My recommendation is to alternate filtered water, coconut water, natural pop alternatives, and sparkling water (naturally flavored if desired).  Note, natural pop alternatives and coffee do not count as your recommended daily water intake.   If you want to be healthy, deserve what you want and ditch the Pop. -11/17/2011 DeAnna Bellamy DeAnna Bellamy is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Consultant DeAnna@BodyRevolution.biz