Once again, soda, beverage of choice for many, is in the news. New Zealander coroner David Crerar issued a report Tuesday that Natasha Harris, mother of 8 children passed away of a heart attack in 2010 due to all the coca-colas she drank. Natasha drank approximately 2 gallons of the soft drink a day and Crerar is saying her death is due to the soda habit. New Zealand’s Coca-Cola branch is not going along with the claim.
Harris passed away from hypokalemia, a condition which means there is low potassium in the body. Harris had an enlarged liver, smoked 30 cigarettes a day, but was considered a normal weight, ate very little and drank only regular coke with caffeine.
Whether one chooses diet or regular sodas, data reveals the fizzy beverage will increase the risk of heart disease among other ailments.
Here are some facts on soda:
- One 12 ounce of regular soda usually contains approximately 39 grams of sweetener.
- Ingredients with side effects if consumed excessively are caffeine, glucose, phosphoric acid and artificial colorings.
- Multiple sodas per day add up to several “empty” calories, lacking nutrition.
- Sodas have been linked through trials to many chronic illnesses.
- One can of 12 ounce soda is about 12 teaspoons of sugar.
Phosphorous acid swallows potassium in the body, making one deficient of the very important mineral that is crucial to balanced electrolytes. Too much caffeine, depending how sensitive one may be to the stimulant, leads to hyperactivity, mood swings and sleepless nights. Sodas have been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, liver problems and can cause an imbalance with metabolism leading to metabolic syndrome.
According to The Telegraph, Dr. Hans-Peter Kubis, Director of Health Exercise and Rehabilitation at Bangor University in England states drinking soda alters metabolism, triggering a multitude of health problems. Not only does excessive soda consumption change the way the body utilizes fuel, it interferes with how the body burns fat, creating spikes with blood sugar. Clinical studies continue, causing potential concern with the beverage that has been a mainstay in the American home.
Harris, who had a normal weight, was a smoker as well, smoking approximately 30 cigarettes a day. She didn’t eat much. Soda may have been a part of Harris’s routine lifestyle. Smoking, malnutrition and drinking 2 gallons of soda every day is asking for trouble.
Sources:
“2-Gallon a Day Cola Habit Linked to Woman’s Death”; AP Nick Perry; NBCNews
“Drinking fizzy pop for a month can lead to lifelong health problems”: Telegraph UK
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