Regularly drinking artificially sweetened beverages may affect your heart health, a recent study suggests. A new study published on March 5, 2024 Circulation: Arrhythmia and electrophysiologyThe American Heart Association, a journal of the American Heart Association, has found a potential link between the consumption of artificially sweetened beverages and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib is a common condition characterized by irregular heartbeats that can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related problems. Specifically, the researchers observed: People who drank more than 2 liters of artificially sweetened beverages each week had a 20% increased risk of atrial fibrillation.. These findings are timely given that an estimated 12.1 million Americans will have AFib by 2030. Read on to learn more about this fascinating new research and what you can do to minimize your risks.

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What we learned from the research

To reach these conclusions, researchers looked at dietary survey data and genetic data from more than 200,000 adults who did not have atrial fibrillation at the time they joined the UK Biobank between 2006 and 2010. Examined. During the nearly 10-year monitoring period, 9,362 of the study participants developed atrial fibrillation. AFib.

Researchers found that people who consumed two or more liters of artificially sweetened beverages per week had a 20% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation than those who did not consume these beverages. Additionally, those who consumed the same amount of sugary drinks had a 10% higher risk of atrial fibrillation.

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The study also found that consuming less than 1 liter of unsweetened juice, such as orange juice or vegetable juice, per week was associated with an 8% lower risk of atrial fibrillation. However, the study could not definitively say whether sweetened drinks cause atrial fibrillation because the association remained even after taking into account the subjects’ genetic susceptibility to atrial fibrillation.

“Our findings clearly conclude that some beverages pose a greater health risk than others because of the complexity of our diets and the fact that some people may drink more than one type of beverage. “We cannot do that,” said researcher Ning Jianwang, M.D., Ph.D., lead author of the study. The statement was released at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in Shanghai, China. “However, based on these findings, we recommend reducing or avoiding artificially sweetened and sugar-sweetened beverages as much as possible. Drinking artificially sweetened beverages that are low in sugar and calories is the norm. Without thinking, [as] May pose potential health risks. ”

Although the exact mechanism linking sweetened beverages and atrial fibrillation risk is still unclear, Dr. Wang said factors such as insulin resistance and the body’s response to different sweeteners may play a role. Suggests. Artificial sweeteners commonly found in foods and beverages include sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, and acesulfame.

It is important to note that this study has limitations. Because this is an observational study, we cannot prove a causal relationship between beverage consumption and atrial fibrillation risk. Additionally, the study required participants to recall their own meals from memory, which may have led to misremembering or bias.

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conclusion

Although more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between artificial sweeteners and AFib, it is clear that reducing intake of these beverages may have positive effects on heart health. Choosing naturally unsweetened alternatives, such as water, herbal teas, and unsweetened soda, may reduce your risk of atrial fibrillation and other heart-related diseases.