Diet soft drinks - cola, pepsi, etc?!
I've been told that fizzy drinks weaken your bones or something, is this true? Because I have a condition with my spine so I have to keep it as strong as I can, which is one of the reasons I'm cutting down. But can anyone confirm this and explain why?
I know that even diet soft drinks are bad for you because of the additives etc, but people keep saying that even the diet ones are empty calories - I understand this because on the packet they say they contain 1 or 0 calories. I know the packaging can twist the truth but surely, legally, they cannot lie to this extent. So do diet soft drinks just give the body the illusion of being full?
Aside from cramming my body full of additives and caffiene, is there any other reason for these drinks to be bad? I have been told different things. I am trying to live a healthier lifestyle by exercising more and eating less junk food but soft drinks is the one thing I need advice about. I can cut things like chocolate, etc, out of my diet - and have done for a little while now - but I do enjoy a soft drink once in a while - basically is this ok or am I doing myself any long lasting harm? I'm 16 so want to set my body up for being healthy in the future and to help me in sport.
Thanks if anyone answers, basically I'm just wanting to know some facts and stuff so that I can gain a better understanding of these drinks. Thanks :)
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
The worst thing about diet soda is that they contain around 30mg of sodium and sodium causes your body to expel clear water ... in other words, it can be very dehydrating. You can have a 12 ounce portion of Diet Coke a couple of times a week as part of a healthy diet. Everything in moderation.
As far as fizzy drinks affecting bone strength, there is evidence of that, but you would really have to drink a lot over a long period of time. Too, everyone is different. If you know you have bone issues to start with, you may need to check with your doctor or nutritionist to see if soda can affect you more readily than someone else.