MORE BAD NEWS FOR SODA DRINKERS

     In earlier posts, I have reported on some of the health risks of drinking sugar-sweetened sodas and low and no-sugar sodas.  Studies first linked consumption of sugar-sweetened sodas to increased risk for diabetes, coronary artery disease, weight gain, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  In 2012 researchers at Harvard University and Cleveland Clinic's Wellness Institute reported on a study of soda consumption of more than 100,000 men and women over more than 20 years.  This study found that regular consumption on a daily basis of either sugar-sweetened or diet sodas increases stroke risk by about 16%.

    Adam Bernstein, MD, one of the authors of the study noted that the researchers really don't have a good explanation for the biological mechanism causing the finding.  He did note that one study suggested that the caramel coloring in some sodas might be contributing to the problem though the findings are preliminary.

    If you're worried about giving up caffein, coffee and tea do not increase stroke risk.  This may be because of the antioxidants in those drinks.  So now you have another reason to think about substituting some other drink such as water, skim milk, coffee or tea instead of sodas. 

    I have had several clients come in over the years who were concerned about the health risks of sodas and used hypnotherapy to quit drinking them.  Hypnosis can be a valuable tool to help you quit drinking sodas and BE WELL.