Xiao Ming held a bottle of soda that had just been taken out of the refrigeration, and the coldness seemed to touch the depths of his heart. When he unscrewed the cap, the bubbles of the soda made a tiny crackling sound, and he almost instinctively looked forward to the soothing coolness. However, he did not realize that every hope and enjoyment may be hiding health risks that are not generally recognized. Despite the wide consumer base of soda around the world, scientific research continues on its potential health effects.
Carbonated drinks in their primary form were already the "source of happiness" in people's lives at that time. Today's carbonated drinks, which contain caffeine, carbonated water (carbon dioxide and water), and sugar, are more addictive.
1. Caffeine Energy Activation: The core of the body's vitality is the degradation of ATP, which releases adenosine, a signaling molecule that tells us when we need to rest. However, the intervention of caffeine has changed this process. It occupies the receptor site of adenosine, blocking the transmission of fatigue signals, making our brain feel tired with a delay, so we feel more energetic.
2. The double pleasure of carbonated drinks: The joy that carbonated drinks bring us comes from their unique physiological effects. When carbon dioxide is released from the drink, it activates the trigeminal nerve that connects the mouth and nasal cavity, triggering a series of reactions that prompt our body to release endorphins, chemicals that allow us to experience pleasure. In addition, the presence of carbon dioxide reduces sweetness and increases sourness, adding a richer taste layer to carbonated beverages.
3. The Pleasure Effect of Sugar Intake: After ingesting sugar, the levels of dopamine in our body rise, and this neurotransmitter is responsible for transmitting pleasure signals in the body. Sugar depletion also causes a rapid rise in insulin levels, lowering blood concentrations of certain amino acids, which helps convert tryptophan more efficiently into serotonin, a key well-being chemical.
But drinking too many carbonated drinks is also very bad for the body, so let's talk about the harm of drinking carbonated drinks.
The hidden danger of broken teeth
Drinking beverages rich in phosphoric acid and carbonated acid can trigger a chemical reaction with tooth enamel, causing minerals to dissolve from the teeth. If this happens for a long time, it can make the tooth brittle, thin and prone to cracking. These fragile teeth may experience severe pain when exposed to cold, hot, or acidic foods.
Digestive discomfort
Beverages rich in carbonated carbonated beverages have an inhibitory effect on digestive tract bacteria, and long-term consumption can lead to excessive stomach acid, bloating, loss of appetite, and even cause digestive system dysfunction, thereby triggering gastrointestinal diseases.
Threats to bone health
The acids in carbonated drinks make the pH of the blood tend to be acidic, and the body needs to use calcium in the bones to neutralize this acidity. In the long run, this will disrupt the balance of calcium and phosphorus, accelerate calcium loss, and cause osteoporosis.
Weight management challenges
The high sugar content of carbonated drinks is a major contributor to obesity. These sugars are converted into high energy, and frequent intake can easily lead to weight gain.
Impaired kidney function
High levels of phosphate in carbonated beverages may induce kidney stones and other kidney diseases, and uncontrolled consumption of carbonated beverages doubles this risk.
Persistent thirst
Experts point out that carbonated drinks are full of colorants, additives and preservatives, which have no health benefits and consume a lot of water in the body's metabolic process. The caffeine may also promote diuresis and enhance thirst.
Carbonated beverages, which are industrial products, can be refreshing when consumed occasionally, but in order to maintain health, it is recommended to limit their consumption and control their drinking cravings.