Soda Increases the Risk of Prostate Cancer

Soda is one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the whole world. In the United States alone, 57 gallons of soda are consumed per person per year. There are numerous harmful affects associated with the consumption of soda on a regular basis. Soda drinks are high on sugar and caffeine. Drinking sodas on a regular basis can lead to diabetes, weight gain, obesity, weakened bones, higher risk of osteoporosis, and dental caries and erosion. Consumption of soda drinks can damage kidneys and liver and can also increase blood pressure.

A recent study has linked everyday consumption of soda to increased risk of prostate cancer. The study, which was conducted by Swedish researchers concludes that drinking one soda per day increases a man’s risk of prostate cancer by almost 40% in comparison to a man who never touches the beverage.

 

Linkage Between Soda Consumption and Cancer

The study was conducted by Swedish researchers at Lund University and was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study was conducted over a period of 15 years. As part of the study, the health of about 8000 men between the ages 45 and 73 years was tracked. The health of all the men comprising the sample population was evaluated before the commencement of the study to ensure that all of them had relatively similar good health. Their daily eating habits were examined and the data was analyzed.

The results of the study showed that men who consumed about 330 ml of soft drink per day were 40% more likely to develop prostate cancer. The study found that consumption of sugary drinks and foods that release carbohydrates quickly can increase the risk of some of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer. The study also found that people who consumed carbohydrate-rich foods such as rice, pasta, and wheat increased their risk of developing minor forms of prostate cancer by almost 31%. Consumption of sweetened breakfast cereals could increase their risk of developing milder forms of prostate cancer by 38%.

Another study conducted at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health found that out of the 60000 people who were studied, 87% were likely to develop pancreatic cancer and consumption of soda was one of the major reasons for this.

 

Reasons for Reduction of Soda Consumption

Regular consumption of soda can lead to a number of health concerns. Some of these are listed below:

• Diabetes: People who drink one to two cans of soda per day increase their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by almost 26%.
• Cardiovascular Diseases: People who regularly consume soda drinks tend to put on more weight and increase their chances of dying from a heart attack or developing a heart disease by about 40%.
• Poor Bone Health: Soda drinks contain high levels of phosphate. Consuming higher levels of phosphate in comparison to calcium can have a deleterious effect on the bones.
• Obesity: The consumption of soda has a direct correlation with body weight. Research studies have shown that consumption of each soda drink increases the risk of obesity by 1.6 times.
• Tooth Decay: Consumption of soda can promote tooth decay. The sugar and acid present in soda drinks can dissolve tooth enamel. When this decay reaches the nerve ending of the tooth, the tooth can die and an abscess can form at the base of the tooth.

 

References:

• “Dietary intakes of carbohydrates in relation to prostate cancer risk: a prospective study in the Malmo ̈ Diet and Cancer cohort,” by Isabel Drake, et al. Published in November 7, 2012 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, accessed on Sunday, 12 April 2015 Retrieved from: http://dx.doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.112.039438