Are diet drinks such as diet coke and such really that bad for me? For many of us who try to watch the amount of sugar we consume, diet drinks are an excellent alternative to the calorie dense drinks which fill the convience store shelves. However, diet drinks like anything else these days, does come with some negatives as well. Diet sodas contain phosphorus, and a high phosphorus intake. beverages that contain phosphorus adds to the problem of good calcium balance, and this can be a problem for those prone to osteoporosis. As well, diet sodas often contain caffeine, which is de-hydrating and adds to the challenge of replacing lost fluids. However, the phosphorous issue is mostly a concern in colas, not clear drinks - as the colas contain the highest levels of phosphorous. just make sure you take a calcium supp. As well it should be noted that red meat is also high in phosphorous. And the caffeine is a non-issue in people who normally consume caffeine -- it doesn't have as much of an effect in those who regularly consume it. In the end, for many of us, diet drinks are a great addition to a diet. However, just because there are little to no calories to count, doesnt mean you can drink as much as you want. Everything in moderation is key. |
