The famous sweetened drinks and artificial juice drinks have been part of our Holiday celebration. Probably all households have at least one member that love consuming the sweetness of this soda. It amazes me how many people I have known still drink large amounts of soda each day.

However, most people aren’t aware of what it can do to our body. Does it help our organs to function well, or does it slowly destroy our cells and attract diseases?

According to American Heart Association, the recommended daily intake of sugar is 24g. Taking 1 can of soft drinks give you 36g of sugar. That alone exceeds the sugar level your body needs.

Its content are mainly high fructose corn syrup, phosphoric acid, and caffeine. Consuming high fructose corn syrup depletes the vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium putting you more risk of osteoporosis. Magnesium is needed to build bone and its necessary in the absorption of vitamin D. Magnesium deficiency can affect your parathyroid gland that if untreated, will pull-out calcium in your bone.

Another ingredient is phosphoric acid which prevents mold and bacteria from growing due to lots of sugar content. The problem is it’s an acid that increases your risk of osteoporosis, weakens your teeth, and decreases the absorption of iron and zinc. Lastly, caffeine content that leaches calcium from the bone as well. Each of these ingredients have a compounding effect that can greatly affect your bone.

It also affects the liver, kidney, and heart when you develop diabetes. This concludes that the risks far outweigh the benefits (which scientifically proven there’s none). Its Holiday Season again and we may be tempted to consume this kind of drinks. But think of your body’s well-being. I hope this article helps you start reducing drinking soda or more so totally eradicate this in your life Have a healthy and happy holiday sans soda intake! // PNFP Bohol Arnold R. Bongcac Jr., RN