Diet Drinks And The Many Significant Health Risks

Diet drinks are popular among those who want to enjoy the taste of their favorite beverage but without all the calories. Most people think no calories means the drink must be healthy. But while the calories are missing, many other serious health risks still exist. Diet drinks are often full of artificial sweeteners and ingredients not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Here are some significant health risks associated with drinking diet beverages.

Weight Gain

Contrary to popular belief, drinking diet soda causes weight gain. According to a recent nine year study, adults who drank diet soda continued to gain weight over the years. The study went on to state that drinking diet soda everyday increases the risk of becoming obese within the next decade by sixty five percent. Another study found a link between diet soda and an increase in metabolic syndrome, which may lead to diabetes and heart disease.

Migraines, Anxiety And Insomnia

Diet beverages containing the artificial sweetener ingredient aspartame may cause migraines and impaired concentration because they alter nerve signals, brain chemicals and the brain’s “reward” system. This may lead to insomnia or anxiety. A recent animal study found damaged cells and nerve endings in the cerebellum of rats who drank diet soda. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls motor skills.