10 Reasons to stop drinking soda #goH20

I like the taste of most sodas. I won’t lie. I have a sweet tooth with a mind of it’s own. I love root beer.  Birch beer. Sasparilla.  So good. I am trying to stop drinking soda, though, for a plethora of reasons.  Really, it’s just not good for us. Recently, I was challenged to write a post about the benefits of drinking water vs. drinking soda.  That’s how I came up with these 10 reasons to stop drinking soda.

1. Many sodas contain brominated vegetable oil—a toxic flame retardant—to keep the artificial flavoring from separating from the rest of the liquid. Do you really want to ingest flame retardant?

2. Your teeth. I’m pretty sure you like yours. I like mine! The acidity in soda can eat away your tooth enamel. You can’t just replace enamel on your teeth.  I’ve lost a lot of my tooth enamel from grinding my teeth for decades… I don’t need any extra help in that department.

3. Weight gain- even diet soda can make you gain weight, long term.

4. Sodium- Soda usually has sodium  in it.  That’s not going to hydrate you, and it’s not going to quench your thirst.  Quite the opposite.

5. BPA- most soda in cans contains BPA. (bisphenol A)

6. Empty calories- there’s no nutritional value in sodas.  Drinking calories isn’t going to give your body fuel to keep going, and it won’t help boost your immune system.  It can help you gain weight, however, and put you at risk for health issues.

7. Diet Soda can cause problems too. Just because the calories are lower doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good idea to consume it.  Diet sodas still have sodium and carbonation.  Studies are showing long term effects of diet soda consumption.

8. Your organs- sodas are high in sugars.  Excessive sugar intake can negatively impact your organs.  You know, your organs, that keep your body running?

9. You can clean a car battery and a toilet with soda.  Do you REALLY want to be drinking something you can also clean your toilet with?  Or a battery?

10. YOU. Aren’t you deserving of something that won’t harm your insides?  Or cause damage long term?

Brita’s new campaign is taking a direct stand against sugary beverages, including soda, sports drinks and juices, for better health. Because after all, “nothing is better” than clean, clear, refreshing water. 

According to the CDC, more than 40 percent of Americans drink less than half of the recommended amount of water daily, and approximately one fourth of children don’t drink any water on any given day. When you drink just one more glass of water you are keeping your body hydrated and giving it the energy it needs.

Brita is an official supporter of Drink Up, the effort from the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) and its honorary chairperson, Michelle Obama, to get people to drink more water, more often.

Brita has also partnered with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation (AHG) to drive awareness of the dangers of sugary beverages and combat childhood obesity.

Check out Brita’s new commercial  that provides a clear visual on this very subject and Brita.com to learn more about drinking Brita filtered water as a healthy beverage choice.

Do you drink soda?

 

This blog post is part of a paid SocialMoms and Brita blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.