Since 1798, when the term ‘soda water’ was first introduced, millions of people have enjoyed amazing taste making the soft drink industry one of the most profitable industries in the world. Although it may be cheap it might be costing you more than you think. Here are 6 reasons why you should think twice before reaching for that soda can.
1)Empty calories and sugar cravings
Many of us when thinking about how much calories we consume daily, we forget to count the calories contained in the regular soda. A regular 12 ounce of soda contains about 150 calories and about 9 teaspoons of sugar. You might be thinking that you are better of drinking diet soda which only contains one calorie but think again. Studies have shown that the artificial sweetener used in diet sodas ,aspartame can increase sugar cravings and moreover, you might be tempted to splurge on a decadent dessert afterward because after all, you consumed less calories, right?
2)Weak bones and bad teeth
Soda contains phosphoric acid because it gives it a sharper taste. Yet, this acid is causing the body to excrete calcium trough urine thus weakening the bones. What’s more because of sodas are acidic they can damage enamel and if you choose regular soda you are at a higher risk for cavities because of the high content of sugar in these drinks. People who drink more than 3 sugary drinks a day have 62% more tooth decay, feelings and tooth loss. The PH in a soda drink varies for 2 to 3.5 (very acidic) while the PH in our mouth is between 6 and 7 (sightly acidic or neutral) .It can be really frightening when we think that a battery acid has a PH of 1 or that phosphoric acid is commonly used for rust removal. 
3)Diabetes
Sodas contain high fructose corn syrup which is a simple carbohydrate thus, it is easily absorbed by the body increasing insulin levels. A study conducted for a period of 8 years found that women who drank one or more sugary drinks a day significantly increase their risk to develop diabetes.
4)Liver damage
Because of all the artificial sweeteners your liver has to work overtime to process all these substances. Because all sugars are eventually transformed in glucose and the fact that high fructose corn syrup is metabolized a lot harder you are more prone to develop a fatty liver and thus you are more prone to have a liver disease.
5)Dehydration
While the reason why you drink soda might be to satisfy your thirst the truth is that you achieve just the opposite. Most sodas contain caffeine which is a diuretic and thus soda dehydrates you. It has been said that you would have to drink 3.5 liters of soda to be as hydrated as you would be with only 2 liters of water.
6)Soda is addictive
With its high amounts of sugar and caffeine it’s easy to see why sodas can be so addictive. Caffeine is a stimulant, just like a drug and sugar which is satisfying our sweet tooth and promotes sugar craving is the perfect combination. If you try to stop drinking soda you will experience withdrawal symptoms like headaches, irritation, restlessness or insomnia.
