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Is there a fitness subject that you would like to know more about? If so, email me at cpkarkow@sportswestreno.com and let me know! I'll be happy to find out some info and post it here!
Christine

January 27th, 2008

Diet Sodas Implicated in Metabolic Syndrome Risk

from an inset in the article
"Food for thought" column

by Diane Lofshult in IDEA Fitness Journal November-December 2007

I have for a long time advised my clients against drinking soda of any kind. Obviously, drinking regular sodas every day can add 400+ empty calories to your daily intake-definitely a hindrance to any weight-loss effort. But I also recommend that you don't drink diet soda either. Not only is it entirely made up of relatively new chemicals ("New" in terms of our bodies' evolution) but also because many studies have shown that the brain interprets the non-caloric sweetness in similar fashion to regular high-fructose corn syrup-laden regular sodas. This article cites yet another study that points out the drawbacks to soda of any kind. I will mention that I am a reformed Coca-cola drinker who used to drink 2 to 3 Cokes a day. I have not had one in almost two years and I can tell you that even though it is tough at first, it is worth it to quit!
-Christine

Researchers have known for some time that drinking soft drinks, such as sodas, is linked to obesity in children and adolescents. It is equally well recognized that people who drink soda on a regular basis have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a constellation of conditions that are key precursors of CHD (Coronary Heart Disease). Many health-conscious consumers have switched over to diet soda to decrease these risks.

Now a new study has found that drinking as little as one can of soda-diet or regular-per day can increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome by as much as 48%! As part of the ongoing Framingham Heart Study, researchers observed the relationship between soft-drink consumption and the incidence of metabolic syndrome in more than 6,000 middle-aged adults (mean age 52.9 years). After a 4-year observation period, study participants who consumed more than one soft drink per day had an increased risk of developing increased weight circumference, impaired fasting glucose levels, higher blood pressure readings and higher LDL cholesterol levels, all of which are known risk factors for developing metabolic syndrome.

Reporting in the July 23 issue of the American Heart Association's journal, Circulation, the researchers concluded that "in middle-aged adults, soft-drink consumption is associated with a higher prevalence and incidence of multiple metabolic risk factors."

Past SWAC Fitness Info Articles