A study out this week, says that drinking more than one soda a day (even if it is a diet or sugar free soda), can be associated with an increased incidence of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors linked to the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Low-Carb Diets to combat metabolic syndrome

Eating a low-carb diet improves the hormonal signaling involved in obesity and improves the sense of fullness, allowing weight loss, according to study leader Matthew R. Hayes, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania.

People with metabolic syndrome struggle with excessive abdominal fat; low levels of HDL -- good -- cholesterol; and insulin resistance or glucose intolerance, in which the body doesn't properly use insulin or blood sugar. Metabolic syndrome raises the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems, according to the American Heart Association.

What is Metabolic Syndrome

People with the metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of coronary heart disease and other diseases related to plaque buildups in artery walls (e.g., stroke and peripheral vascular disease) and type 2 diabetes. The metabolic syndrome has become increasingly common in the United States. It’s estimated that over 50 million Americans have it.

Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

Tackling one of the risk factors of metabolic syndrome is tough — taking on all of them might seem overwhelming. But aggressive lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication can improve all of the metabolic syndrome components. Getting more physical activity, losing weight and quitting smoking help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels. These changes are key to reducing your risk.

Are Diet Soda and Metabolic Syndrome Linked?

Soda makers rejected the study. “The assertions defy the existing body of scientific evidence, as well as common sense,” said Susan K. Neely, president and chief executive of the American Beverage Assn.

In a statement on Monday, the American Heart Assn. said that diet soda remained “a good option to replace caloric beverages that do not contain important vitamins and minerals.”

Water, diet soft drinks and fat-free or low-fat milk remain better choices than full-calorie soft drinks, the group said.

Let me just point out, that this new study is not suggesting you drink regular soda instead of diet soda. Basically, both bad for you. Eliminating them from your diet would the the most healthy thing to do. However, if you can't give up your soda, then diet would still be the "lesser" of two evils. My suggestion would be; if you can't stop "cold turkey", consider decreasing the amount you drink gradually. Remember, every step you can take towards a healthier diet, is a step in the right direction - even if they are just baby steps.

From the Fit Shack...

What we eat has changed more in the last forty years than in the previous forty thousand. - Eric Schlosser, “Fast Food Nation”

Obesity, diabetes, liver and heart disease, etc. etc. etc. are not confined to the United States. China actually consumes more fast food than America, and they are also experiencing the health problems that come with it.

And from Tery at Dailyeats pointed me in the direction of this interesting article...

Female Cola Drinkers Vulnerable To Bone Loss

Women who are prone to bone loss might consider discovering the wonders of ginger ale. A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that regular cola consumption by women may lead to a loss of bone mineral density (BMD) in the hips and, ultimately, osteoporosis. The findings applied to cola, diet cola, and, to a slightly lesser extent, decaffeinated cola, but no correlation was found among other carbonated beverages. In addition, cola consumption was not found to have similar effects in men.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
also at Women 4 Hope and Informed Voters