Tropical Weight Loss
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Sugary beverages and sodas contribute to diabetes risk, as well as issues controlling blood sugar in people who already have diabetes. The body digests the sugars from soda quickly. This contributes to insulin resistance and causes rapid spikes in blood sugar.
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Read More »Diabetes is a condition that damages the way the body produces or absorbs insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. While sugary sodas can contribute to diabetes, are their “diet” or “low-sugar” alternatives less harmful? Many “no-sugar” drinks contain sugar substitutes that contribute to health problems and drive up body weight regardless of sugar content. This article explores the effects of diet sodas on diabetes and how to replace them with less harmful options. Diet soda and diabetes Share on Pinterest People with diabetes should avoid drinking soda due to the high sugar level. The absence of sugar or calories does not necessarily make diet soda a better drink for people with diabetes. A recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition followed 66,118 women for 14 years, keeping track of the drinks they consumed. By its conclusion, the study linked both sugar-sweetened beverages and artificially sweetened beverages to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. The researchers stated that other factors might also be at play in the increased diabetes risk and therefore more studies need to be conducted to prove any causal links. Other factors that have come to light regarding the health risks of diet sodas include weight gain and metabolic syndrome. What is metabolic syndrome? Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that often occur together. They increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. These factors include: low levels of “good” cholesterol, or HDL cholesterol
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Read More »One study showed this sweetener can raise blood sugar higher when carbohydrates are consumed later compared to those who did not consume any sucralose. Sucralose also causes peaks in insulin levels despite not containing sugar. The brand name is Splenda. Aspartame: This is a chemical sweetener found in everything from diet soda to chewing gum. Aspartame can increase body mass index (BMI). A study found people who drink diet sodas have consistently higher BMI. This is a chemical sweetener found in everything from diet soda to chewing gum. Aspartame can increase body mass index (BMI). A found people who drink diet sodas have consistently higher BMI. Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): This is a sweetener commonly used in combination with other sweeteners in beverages and snack foods. Ace-K has been linked to gut bacteria changes and weight gain in animal studies. This is a sweetener commonly used in combination with other sweeteners in beverages and snack foods. Ace-K has been in animal studies. Sorbitol: Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol common in diet foods and drinks. It has been linked to severe diarrhea in several studies . Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol common in diet foods and drinks. It has been linked to severe diarrhea in . Stevia: A moderate amount of natural stevia leaf is a safe alternative to sugar. A moderate amount of natural stevia leaf is a safe alternative to sugar. Erythritol: This is a corn-based type of sugar alcohol that has fewer calories than table sugar but retains a majority of the sweet flavor. This sweetener has fewer links to digestive upset than other sugar alcohols and has not demonstrated a negative influence on blood sugar, cholesterol, or insulin. Gut bacteria also do not ferment erythritol. In fact, erythritol has shown protective effects for people with diabetes. Sugary sodas and diabetes High blood sugar is characteristic of diabetes. If a person has diabetes, it is important to avoid drinks that contain excessive sugar, as they cause spikes in blood glucose. One recent study posted in the BMJ found a link between drinking sugary drinks and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Another study posted in Diabetes Care found that people who drink 1 or 2 sugar-sweetened drinks every day have a risk of developing type 2 diabetes that is 26 percent higher than those who do not. Sodas can impact health in a range of harmful ways: Plaque loves soda: The bacteria that cause dental plaque need sugar to thrive. Soda washes the mouth in sugar with each gulp, making it a perfect breeding ground for plaque. The bacteria that cause dental plaque need sugar to thrive. Soda washes the mouth in sugar with each gulp, making it a perfect breeding ground for plaque. Soda is acidic: Drinking soda regularly can make the mouth more acidic. This increases the risk of cavities, enamel decay, and gum disease.
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Read More »Drinking soda regularly can make the mouth more acidic. This increases the risk of cavities, enamel decay, and gum disease. Soda provides empty calories: The average can of cola provides around 150 calories , while a 20 ounce (oz.) bottle contains significantly more, and has very little nutritional value. Alternatives Address soda cravings with the following options: Carbonated water with a splash of fruit juice People who drink soda for the refreshing fizz can choose carbonated water instead. Add a splash of fruit juice, such as lime, lemon, or grapefruit, for that sweet kick. The combination is rich in nutrients and rehydrates the body. Unsweetened tea Share on Pinterest Drinking unsweetened black tea can provide a caffeinated alternative to soda. Unsweetened black tea is a tasty alternative for people who drink soda for the caffeine boost. Iced, unsweetened black tea is also available and provides the same level of refreshment as a soda. Small amounts of caffeine can also help the body to process sugar and control weight. Many low or non-caffeinated herbal teas like citrus green tea, peppermint, hibiscus and others are readily available and are healthy alternative beverages. Stevia leaves People who crave the sweetness of soda might want to consider sweetening tea or carbonated water with whole stevia leaves. The leaves are a no-calorie sweetener with 30-40 times the sweetness of sugar. They have less of the appetite-enhancing effects of most artificial sweeteners.
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