What Would Happen if You Drank Soda for 14 Days?

Dr. Eric Berg 12/15/2023

So, I did a little experiment. For 14 days straight, soda was my only drink of choice.

Honestly, it felt like an indulgence at first - the bubbles tickling my nose, that sweet caramel taste on my tongue. But as the days rolled by, things started to get real.

This wasn't about guzzling gallons for fun anymore. It became a deep dive into what this sugary concoction was doing to me – inside and out.

What kind of effects did this sugary drink have on you? Did you gain weight? Was your energy zapped?" Well, folks, hold onto your hats because we're going on a fizzy roller coaster ride exploring all that and more!

Hold on tight because we're about to go for a wild ride through the impact of consuming too much fizz (and it's We'll dive into how soda companies market their products, especially to kids. But most importantly, we will talk about what you can do to make healthier choices for yourself and your family.

The Soda Consumption Trend in America

Soda has long been a staple of the American diet. Soda serving sizes have dramatically increased over time. In the 1950s and 1960s, you could expect to get about 6.5 ounces per serving.

But times change, and so do portion sizes. Nowadays, an average soda serving size is around a whopping 20 ounces. That's more than triple what it used to be.

The Evolution of Soda Serving Sizes

This increase hasn't happened overnight; rather it’s like watching your kids grow - slow but steady progress until one day you realize they're taller than you. It might make us feel nostalgic for those tiny glass bottles we once knew...

We've not just grown our soda servings, though; we've also managed to drink astonishing amounts annually.

Comparing Soda and Water Consumption

If water consumption were a race (and let's face it, for our health's sake, maybe it should be), then Americans are drinking only slightly more water at 58 gallons a year than their annual intake of 45 gallons of soda.

Understanding the Sugar Content in Soda

The sugar content in soda is often a source of shock for many. There's no doubt that soda is pretty sugary, but precisely what amount of sweetness are we talking about here?

High Fructose Corn Syrup vs Cane Sugar

HFCS is the preferred sweetener in most sodas, as it contains more fructose than cane sugar and is cheaper to produce. This super-sweet substance has more fructose than cane sugar and is cheaper to produce.

According to Healthline, an average can of cola contains 39 grams of HFCS. That’s around 10 teaspoons worth - imagine spooning that into your morning coffee.

The Impact of Fructose on Liver Health

Our livers, similar to alcohol, metabolize this heavy fructose hit. Research shows that, over time, this can lead to fat accumulation in the liver.

If you thought hangovers were nasty, think again because too much fructose may even result in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Who knew chugging down sodas could have such sobering effects?

The Health Risks Associated with Soda Consumption

It's common knowledge that drinking soda isn't exactly a health boost. Do you understand the risks associated with soda consumption? From your heart to your brain, no organ is safe from the potential harm of this sweet drink.

How Soda Affects Blood Pressure and Heart Health

Soda comes packed with caffeine and phosphoric acid, not to mention heaps of concentrated sugar. This troublesome trio doesn’t affect our blood pressure or heart health.

Regularly sipping on sodas could lead to hypertension—a fancy term for high blood pressure—and other cardiovascular issues.

The Impact of Soda on Brain Function and Bone Health

Our brains aren't big fans of soda, either. The copious amounts of sugar in these drinks may affect cognitive function over time—thinking, memory problems, and reduced attention span.

Research has even linked sugar-laden beverages like soda to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. And let's not forget about our bones. Drinking too much soda might interfere with calcium absorption due to its high phosphate content, potentially weakening bones or osteoporosis.

Studies suggest a strong link between long-term consumption and decreased bone mineral density.

Soda Consumption and Kidney Function

Last but certainly not least: Our kidneys. These vital organs filter out waste products from our bodies—an essential task made more difficult by frequent intake of sugary sodas. Over time, soda can contribute to the formation of kidney stones and even chronic kidney disease.

The Link Between Soda Consumption and Obesity

It's no secret that soda is often linked with obesity. But what extent does it have?

Soda as a Key Contributor to Childhood Obesity

A study by The World Health Organization (WHO) reveals an alarming correlation between soda consumption and childhood obesity. Imagine feeding your kid 10 teaspoons of sugar in one go - sounds scary, right?

That’s what happens when they gulp down just one can of soda. It's like pouring fuel on the fire for weight gain.

We know kids love sweet things, but let’s make sure their choices don’t leave them overweight or obese. They need help making better decisions about what they drink because these habits could stick with them into adulthood.

This information isn't meant to scare you off sodas completely but rather give you some food (or drink) for thought the next time you reach for that fizzy beverage.

The Global Impact of Soda Consumption

Soda consumption rarely comes to mind when discussing the worldwide ramifications of specific actions. But it should be.

Soda Consumption and Global Mortality Rates

Here's a shocking stat: Harvard University links soft drinks to over 180,000 deaths worldwide each year, according to their research.

This is no small number - it’s equivalent to filling up two Yankee Stadiums. That's how many lives are cut short because of our love for these sweetened beverages.

healthy tortilla chips

The Role of Soda in the Fast Food Industry

In addition, soda plays a significant role in the fast food industry. It’s often used as an upsell with meals – you know what I’m talking about… “Would you like fries and a drink with that?” Sound familiar?

Research shows this combination leads people to consume more calories than they would if they ate the meal alone. The result? An expanding waistline and greater risk for obesity-related diseases.

Conclusion

So, you've taken the fizzy ride through the effects of drinking soda for 14 days. It was not as sweet as it had started, huh?

Soda consumption has skyrocketed in America, and so have our health issues. Sugar-loaded drinks are messing with everything from our livers to our brains.

We learned that high fructose corn syrup is no joke - especially when your liver treats it like alcohol! And let's not forget about heart health and blood pressure either.

What is the link between soda and obesity? It's undeniable – particularly concerning kids. Globally, we're looking at a scary mortality rate tied to these sugar-filled beverages.

Take this knowledge home: Moderation matters; water should be your main squeeze; read labels carefully; make informed choices. Your body will thank you!