We are what we eat.
Big news! The British medical journal The Lancet reports that consumption of the artificial food coloring and other additives (sodium benzoate in particular) found in soft drinks helps create hyperactivity in kids. What’s more, these studies don’t even take into account the 12 teaspoons of sugar found in each 16 ounce serving of Coke, Dr Pepper or 7-Up.
And it’s not just hyperactivity that’s an issue when excessive amounts of soft drinks are consumed. Consider the comments of nutritionist Judith Valentine, PhD, CNA, CNC:
We as practitioners and advocates of a healthy life-style recognize that consuming even as little as one or two sodas per day is undeniably connected to a myriad of pathologies. The most commonly associated health risks are obesity, diabetes and other blood sugar disorders, tooth decay, osteoporosis and bone fractures, nutritional deficiencies, heart disease, food addictions and eating disorders, neurotransmitter dysfunction from chemical sweeteners, and neurological and adrenal disorders from excessive caffeine.
Since 1978, the consumption of soft drinks in the U.S. has tripled for boys and doubled for girls. And get this: Males aged 12 through 29 consume over 160 gallons per year, nearly two quarts a day.
The soft drink industry spends billions in advertising annually and manufactures enough of its sugary products to provide more than 52 gallons to every man, woman and child in the United States. And most of us evidently don’t have the discernment or self-restraint to refrain from gulping down our share.
There is a perilous experiment taking place in the U.S. right now. How are our bodies, minds and spirits ultimately going to react to the junk food and additive-laden cocktails we’re fueling ourselves with?
The Lancet results are merely a harbinger of what’s to come.
Resources for healthy eating
Saturday, September 8th, 20071 Comment »
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Hi!
I really appreciate this post, considering that I have encountered many parents, who think very much about what food to give to their children, but are less concerned with what they drink, or at least less diligent. It is important to point out how the consumption of sugar can lead to hyperactivity and tooth decay.
I recommend slightly sweetened herbal tea from the start, or thinned fruit-juice (half/half with water). Of course, forbidding a food, or a drink can cause rebellion, but controlling the amount by including an occasional soda every three or four days, or on special occasions, should do the trick. That is the policy in my home, and it is working well.
Again, great post, and great blog.
Have a wonderful day!
Comment by Claudia Blanton — February 5, 2008 @ 3:53 pm