03.04.08
Will My Soda Addiction Give Me Osteoporosis?
Dear Sage,
Last week, I read on my beloved BeThree that artificial sweeteners in diet sodas might actually cause weight gain (eeek!). Is there also truth to the claims that sodas cause early osteoporosis in women? I don’t want to break a hip at 29! -Mary B., Charlotte, NC
Word up, Mary. And, yes, you’re right on. It’s not just the recent studies about artificial sweeteners and their link to weight gain that should convince you to keep your fridge soda-less. In 2006, researchers at Tufts University claimed that women who drink any kind of cola (diet or otherwise), starting at a younger age (like your twenties) are at a higher risk for osteoporosis and lower bone density later in life. Here’s why:
The Calcium Buzz Kill: The phosphorous that gives your Coke its bubbles also stimulates a hormone that steals calcium from your bones. Plus, the caffeine hijacks your calcium and gives it a one-way ticket to your urine. Read: A recipe for some serious bone loss.
How Much Is Too Much?: If you’re downing more than five fizzy drinks a week, the Tufts study says you likely already have a “lower bone mineral density” in your hips. Lesson: Step away from the soda machine in the break room, love. Start pounding milk.
Like most things in life, what you put in your body now will most likely impact your future health. So here’s the million-dollar question: A Pepsi a day to get your caffeine fix, OR strong bones that won’t break or bend? We say, we like our hips intact and walking instead of wheelchairs. Tennis anyone?
Is your BFF addicted to the fizzy stuff? Help a sister out and forward this story by clicking on "Share This" below!
Last week, I read on my beloved BeThree that artificial sweeteners in diet sodas might actually cause weight gain (eeek!). Is there also truth to the claims that sodas cause early osteoporosis in women? I don’t want to break a hip at 29! -Mary B., Charlotte, NC
Word up, Mary. And, yes, you’re right on. It’s not just the recent studies about artificial sweeteners and their link to weight gain that should convince you to keep your fridge soda-less. In 2006, researchers at Tufts University claimed that women who drink any kind of cola (diet or otherwise), starting at a younger age (like your twenties) are at a higher risk for osteoporosis and lower bone density later in life. Here’s why:
The Calcium Buzz Kill: The phosphorous that gives your Coke its bubbles also stimulates a hormone that steals calcium from your bones. Plus, the caffeine hijacks your calcium and gives it a one-way ticket to your urine. Read: A recipe for some serious bone loss.
How Much Is Too Much?: If you’re downing more than five fizzy drinks a week, the Tufts study says you likely already have a “lower bone mineral density” in your hips. Lesson: Step away from the soda machine in the break room, love. Start pounding milk.
Like most things in life, what you put in your body now will most likely impact your future health. So here’s the million-dollar question: A Pepsi a day to get your caffeine fix, OR strong bones that won’t break or bend? We say, we like our hips intact and walking instead of wheelchairs. Tennis anyone?
Is your BFF addicted to the fizzy stuff? Help a sister out and forward this story by clicking on "Share This" below!
