Drinks high in sugar can interfere with the beneficial effects of exercise.

“The ultra-processed nature of these sugary drinks can cause changes in the natural bacterial community (microbiome) in the gut, which can lead to changes in the body’s major arteries (coronary arteries, cerebral arteries, etc.). “It can lead to an increase in plaque (atherosclerosis),” said Dr. Hossam Humood, a cardiologist fellow at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, who was not involved in the study. I haven’t.

“The bacterial community in our gut plays an important role in promoting or reducing the risk of major diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer,” Dr. Hummoud said. Today’s medical news.

Exercise can lower the basal level of inflammation in the body, while sugary drinks increase the basal level of inflammation.

“Think of exercise as a control valve for the human immune system. However, processed foods and sugary drinks increase basal levels of inflammation, promote arterial plaque buildup, and also increase the risk of developing cancer.” ” explained Dr. Hmoud.

Although exercise has beneficial effects on your health, it does not counteract a sugary diet and the damage it can cause to your body.

“While physical activity by itself has heart-protective effects, it does not reduce the negative effects that carbonated drinks and other sugary drinks have on cardiovascular health,” says the Columbia University Vagelos College of Cardiology Department of Medicine. said Assistant Professor Dr. Brooke Agarwal. Physicians and surgeons were also not involved in the study.

“This study did not specifically examine whether consuming a diet high in sugar, such as carbonated drinks, may provide less energy for physical activity than a healthier diet. It’s not,” she said. MNT.

Soda contains a lot of sugar, which can have negative effects on your health.

“Soda consumption has been linked to weight gain due to excess calories and sugar intake, tooth decay due to high sugar content that promotes bacterial growth, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease,” says a dietitian at Yale University New Haven. says Jacqueline Davis, clinical nutrition manager. Health – Bridgeport Hospital was not involved in this study.

Excess sugar can cause arteriosclerosis and lead to cardiovascular disease.

“High dietary sugar intake can increase triglycerides, a type of lipid circulating in the blood, which over time accelerates arteriosclerosis and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. High sugar intake can tax the liver and worsen metabolic health,” Dr. Agarwal said.

“Excessive sugar consumption also promotes chronic inflammation, which puts stress on the heart and blood vessels and is a precursor to cardiovascular disease. Additionally, added sugars can be a source of ’empty calories’ in the diet, reducing nutritional benefits.” and can lead to excess weight. “Secondly, overweight and obesity are major risk factors for chronic disease,” she added.

Comparison of diet and regular soda

“Diet soda has been shown to have the same negative effects as regular soda and should be consumed in moderation or avoided for healthy eating patterns.”
— Jacqueline Davis, Registered Dietitian

It’s important to note that there is a difference between diet soda and regular soda.

“While the evidence regarding the harmful health effects of regular carbonated drinks is overwhelming, the evidence regarding the health effects of artificial sweeteners is less clear,” Dr. Agarwal said. “Recent studies have shown an association between diet soda and an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure, but the magnitude of the association is weaker than that for regular soda.”

“It’s also unclear whether people are switching from regular diet soda to diet soda because they’re already noticing weight gain and other negative health effects,” Dr. Agarwal said.

Experts recommend cutting out soda completely.

“Whether it’s diet or regular soda, you should ideally eliminate them from your diet and replace them with water and unprocessed fruit juices,” Dr. Hummoud said.

As a general dietary guideline, it’s best to limit your intake of added sugars.

“The American Heart Association provides specific recommendations regarding upper limits for added sugar intake, including up to 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day for women and up to 9 teaspoons of added sugar per day for men. ” explained Dr. Agarwal.

“One can of soda contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar. Most public health organizations recommend observing the following Less than 12 ounces of sugar-sweetened beverages per weekThis is the equivalent of one can of soda per week. ”
— Dr. Brooke Agarwal

Too much added sugar can cause chronic inflammation and obesity, which can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Experts advise people to avoid carbonated drinks completely and drink water or coffee or tea without added sugar.

When it comes to healthy drink options, there are many different options.

“The best thing to drink is water, plain or sparkling, optionally flavored with fruit slices,” says Dr. Agarwal. “Coffee or tea without added sugar is fine. Smoothies made with real fruit and milk are also great options.”

Davis recommended water infused with natural flavors (cucumber, lemon, etc.), herbal teas, or sparkling water.