Have you ever popped the hood of your car and found acid buildup on your battery? One simple method to clear that gunk is to pour a can of cola over the battery, which will eat away and disintegrate the acid.
Now, consider what that same cola might be doing to your body, your stomach and your digestive system.
Personally, this realization has made me want to abstain from soda altogether and prioritize drinking water.
I was hooked on soda since 2018, even after becoming pre-diabetic. The sugar rush helped me get through my day, but the more I researched the effects of soda, the clearer it became that this habit needed to change—not just for me, but for everyone who indulges in sugary drinks.
Ruben Regalado, an 18-year-old psychology major at Fresno State articulated this sentiment well.
“I think it’s important to stop drinking soda because, in the long run, it is not healthy for people,” Regalado said.
The effects of soda on the body are alarming; we should consider switching to water as a better, healthier alternative.
The addictive nature of soda makes it difficult to stop at just one. Consider how easily we fall into the trap at restaurants, where a typical scenario unfolds with a simple order, “I’ll have a coke.” Before the main course arrives, people often find themselves on their second or third refill. This frequent consumption rapidly escalates the harmful effects of soda on the body.
“Many sodas—not all sodas, but many—contain a main ingredient that has been associated with making it hard for people to stop drinking these beverages,” said Robert Mitchell, Director of Medical Services at Fresno State. “The main ingredient that has been concerning individuals’ ability to reduce their intake after they have consumed it for so long is high fructose corn syrup.”
Diets high in carbs, which include sugary sodas, promote heart disease and will ultimately lead to one’s death, probably sooner than later.
After understanding these facts, more people should think twice about reaching for another soda. The problem lies in its addictive nature and the fact that it’s hard to have just one. But wiser choices—beginning with opting for water over soda—can lead to a significant improvement in overall health.
CDC nutrition data revealed that 52% of Americans drink soda on a daily basis, and of those, 48% consume an average of 2.6 glasses daily. That is a lot of stinking soda. A 12-ounce soda contains 150 calories. Someone who drinks two sodas a day for 30 days, is consuming over five pounds of sugar.
“Drinking soda can be satisfying because of its delicious taste, but the amounts of sugar and sodium in those drinks can be very harmful to our health,” said Julian Cardenas, a 25-year-old grad student at Fresno State majoring in Kinesiology. “Soda can be addictive, causing people to drink it more often than they need to.”
According to the Center of Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), sugary drinks like soft drinks may increase the recurrence of kidney stones. I’ve never had a kidney stone before, but they do not sound very pleasant.
Instead of drinking soda, we should pick the most reliable and easy option out there: water. Water is an overall healthier choice and will lead to a healthier lifestyle and longer life.
Tino Zaranyika, a 19-year-old second-year Computer Science student from Africa attending Fresno State, offers a practical solution.
“For me, one issue I had to stop drinking soda was that I liked the taste. An alternative is to get flavored water,” said Zaranyika. “There are some flavors like strawberry or berry that people should start with and slowly cut down the amount of soda intake.”
If people want to limit soda, just having water can be a start; however, people also should have a water container. Hydration is important, and at Fresno State, there are plenty of refillable water bottle stations. This can help people save money instead of buying a soda every time they are thirsty.
Everyday Health recommends 11 refreshing alternatives when people want something flavorful, healthier drinks. If they are still looking for a carbonated drink, sparkling water is an alternative to get that bubbling feeling. Health Line also shares alternatives to cut down on soda, like green tea and kombucha, if people want to start prioritizing their health.
Adolescents and adults who reduce soda intake see long-term improvements in weight management, especially when sugary beverages are replaced by water, milk, or unsweetened tea.
It is undeniable that our drinking habits, particularly the frequent consumption of soda, pose significant risks to our health. The compelling evidence—ranging from personal stories to expert opinions—highlights the detrimental effects of sugary beverages on our bodies. Soda’s addictive nature and widespread availability make it a challenging habit to break.
However, recognizing these dangers is the first crucial step toward change. By choosing healthier alternatives like water, flavored water or unsweetened tea, we can pave the way for a healthier future. Prioritizing these choices will not only improve our well-being but also lead to longer, healthier lives. It is time we take responsibility for our health and make the conscious decision to reduce, if not eliminate, soda from our diets. Let’s strive for a future where we are fueled by the best possible choices for our bodies.
