Water vs. Soft Drinks

When you are thirsty, do you reach for water or soda? The next time you open the fridge, weigh your options carefully; your daily drinking habits can prove beneficial or hazardous to your health. Many soft drinks are loaded with sugar and caffeine, which you might not want to include in your diet.

Energy

• Most soft drinks such as soda pops and sports drinks contain caffeine. The substance can provide your mind and body with a temporary boost and potentially lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, caffeine also speeds up your dehydration process. Avoid drinking too much soda if you're active in the summer heat. Water is more effective at keeping you hydrated.

Bone Strength

• Phosphorus, a chemical in soft drinks, draws traces amounts of calcium out of your bones, gradually dissolving parts of the skeletal system. Consuming too many soft drinks increases the chances of suffering from bone fractures and developing osteoporosis. In addition, the sugar and acid in sodas erode tooth enamel. Water helps relieve bone friction by lubricating your body's joints.

Disease

• By drinking water, you help your body reduce the buildup of harmful substances. For example, water acts as a solvent and prevents kidney stones from forming. Drinking water also might reduce the risk of colon cancer and bladder cancer. On the other hand, soft drinks aid in the development of kidney stones. Furthermore, habitual soda drinkers run the risk of long-term health problems such as type 2 diabetes because of high levels of sugar found in soft drinks. Your digestive system's overall functioning also might suffer over time.

Weight

• Water might suppress your hunger while helping your liver metabolize fat. Soft drinks offer a high number of calories but a low number of beneficial nutrients. These easy calories add up, leading to weight gain and possibly even obesity.

Cost

• Most consumers buy soft drinks because soda offers a sugary taste at a low price. When combined with a mild caffeine addiction, those low prices effectively entice Americans. However, because of the numerous health issues caused by soft drinks, you might end up using those saved dollars on medical bills anyway. If you find that bottled water is too expensive, drink tap water or save money by investing in a water filter.