Having soda with meals? Study warns it can lead to stroke and heart failure; 5 safe alternatives listed by experts

Love drinking sweetened drinks or soda? A recent study conducted on over 70,000 adults in Sweden has found that consistent drinking of sugary soda drinks is linked to a heightened risk of causing stroke, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, and even bulging blood vessels.

A total of 70,000 adults in Sweden answered the dietary questionnaires, which indicated how many calories these people got from three sources of added sugars, including sodas and sugary drinks, toppings like honey or jam, and sweet treats like pastries, candy, or ice cream.

After conducting the study for over two decades, the researchers followed up with about 26,000 people who were diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases, which revealed that soda users had the highest risk of heart diseases. The findings of the study have been published in the Frontiers in Public Health.

Drinking soda with your meals can take a toll on one¡¯s overall well-being. According to various studies, sugary sodas cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, pressurising the body to release more insulin. As time passes by, this can lead to insulin resistance, and one can be at a greater risk of suffering from heart disease.

Why do soda-based drinks pose health risks?

The high sugar content in the soda can also cause weight gain and promote obesity, raising cholesterol levels that are believed to be the contributing factors for heart disease.

Soda-based drinks may not be good for your heart health in comparison to healthier drinks. ¡°Soda usually contains high levels of preservatives and sugar, which can further lead to excessive weight gain. This can not only increase your blood sugar levels but also the risk of contracting diabetes in later life. Over time, this can put extreme strain on your heart, which can make you more prone to health issues like diabetes,¡± explains Dr. Anand Ram, consultant interventional cardiologist at Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road.

These high-sugar drinks can also increase bad cholesterol in your body.

Reasons why soda-based drinks are bad for health

Various studies have also proven that sugary drinks can cause obesity, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, non-alcoholic liver disease, tooth decay, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). According to Dr. Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, ¡°The inflammation caused by soda-based drinks can lead to strokes and heart attacks that are linked to higher morbidity and mortality rates.¡±

Soda-based drinks are extremely loaded with sugar, which can lead to sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. Dr. Ram warns, ¡°This sudden spike can be harmful to your cardiovascular health. Overconsumption of these sugary sodas can lead to obesity. This can put a strain on your heart as well as the blood vessels. Acids, artificial food colours, and preservatives can contribute to health issues like inflammation.¡±

5 safe alternatives to this

• Infused water: One can opt for fresh fruits like lemon, orange, cucumber, or berries to water for a naturally refreshing and flavourful drink without added sugars or artificial ingredients. One can also add mint to the infused water.
• Herbal tea: Having teas that are caffeine-free, such as chamomile, hibiscus, or mint, offers a soothing and hydrating option packed with natural flavours to improve immunity and help you stay healthy.
• Coconut Water: It is a known fact that coconut water is naturally sweet and hydrating, helps to balance electrolytes and is a healthier alternative to sugary sodas.
• Lemon water: You can do it by mixing fresh lemon juice with water and a small amount of honey as per your requirement, and you will surely enjoy this drink.
• Chaas: Buttermilk or chaas is good for gut health and digestion. It is better to opt for these healthier options instead of sodas.

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