10 Reasons You Should Never Drink Soda

The health dangers of soda have long existed: whether they are regular or diet, caffeinated or caffeine-free, soda is just plain bad news. Willingly drinking soda is almost like opting to smoke: if you know how harmful it is, then why do it? Here are some reasons that will make you think twice before reaching for soda, whatever variety or flavor it may be.

10 Reasons You Should Never Drink Soda (Slideshow)

Most sodas have caffeine which has a number of detrimental effects on the body such as increase in blood pressure, heart palpitations, migraines, breast tenderness, urinary problems, just to name a few.

One can of regular soda holds approximately 33 grams or 10 teaspoons of sugar. Can you imagine how much insulin your body needs to make to combat the excess sugar? Over time, this has disastrous consequences, often leading to obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, and heart disease. Even one soda daily can lead to these long-term issues, thus causing a downward spiral of health.

Caffeine and sugar aren't the only things your body won't agree with after drinking soda, though. There are also things like high fructose corn syrup, phosphoric acid, and caramel coloring. So, next time you go to open that can of pop, you might want to stop and think about your health.

Check out our slideshow and read on for 10 reasons you should never drink soda.

Deepa Verma, MD, recently opened up her new integrative medical practice, Synergistiq Integrative Health, in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Verma believes that healthy and holistic living is the key to happiness and aging gracefully.

This article was originally published on February 12, 2014.