Soda Versus Drinking Water

Soda Vs Water: The Battle of the beverages

Everyone knows that the best way to keep yourself hydrated is to drink ample amounts of water throughout regular periods of time. But with all the other choices of bottled drinks available for people on the go, it’s easy to just grab anything else off the convenience store shelves or vending machines. One of the most consumed alternatives to water is soda, especially for children and young adults. And with varying flavors and types, it is getting harder for people to choose the healthier drinks over these carbonated refreshments.

That is too bad, as soda can have a lot of negative effects in a human body. Sure it tastes better than water, can seem more refreshing and also has some more mineral content (like sodium and potassium) than water, it still is not a healthy alternative. You can always get sodium and potassium in food with salt, fruits and vegetables. And as countless elementary school science fair experiments have shown, soda has small acid content that can erode tooth, which can eventually lead to tooth decay. This is especially more dangerous in soda-loving children, who are just growing out their teeth.

Other ingredients in most sodas include artificial sweeteners which research has said can cause side effects and health problems. Most sodas also contain varying amounts of caffeine, which if ingested regularly can cause someone to be addicted to it. Another negative effect of ingesting all that caffeine is insomnia, which is pretty hard to get rid of once your body is used to it. Also because of caffeine, sodas are diuretics and can actually make you more dehydrated because they cause you to urinate more than necessary, making you lose more fluids faster than usual. Water on the other hand, is natural and one of the best drinks to hydrate a human body. If you are still not convinced, sodas have been shown to contain loads of calories and can also give people diabetes, osteoporosis and obesity, among other health risks.

Of course, as with anything, moderation is key. You can still enjoy you occasional pop soda, just as long as you also drink a healthy amount of water each day. It is also important in children to break the habit early to prevent addiction.

If you still find yourself having that craving, just remember, 60 to 80 percent of your body is made of water and not soda. Think about that.