Diet Sodas
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Personally I think it is bad, I use to drink diet pop all the time until I realized its not good because of the aspartame. Aspartame is what's used to sweeten it and its not good for you. I love drinking water, add a slice of lime and lemon to it or even cucumber, it tastes great.
Pop in general is bad for you.
Read this and you'll understand: http://aspartame.mercola.com/
This is from cancer.orgWhat is aspartame?
Aspartame is one of the most common artificial sweeteners in use today. It is sold under the brand names NutraSweet® and Equal®. Aspartame is composed mainly of 2 amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are found naturally in many foods.
Aspartame is used in many foods and beverages because it is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, so much less of it can be used to give the same level of sweetness. This, in turn, lowers the calories in the food or beverage.
Rumors claiming that aspartame causes a number of health problems, including cancer, have been around for many years. Many of these continue to circulate on the Internet.
How are people exposed to aspartame?
Aspartame has been used in the United States since the early 1980s. It is now found in thousands of different food products. Aspartame is commonly used as a tabletop sweetener, as a sweetener in prepared foods and beverages, and in recipes that do not require too much heating (since heat breaks down aspartame).
How is aspartame regulated?
In the United States, artificial sweeteners such as aspartame are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products must be tested for safety and approved by the FDA before they can be used. The FDA also sets an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for each sweetener, which is the maximum amount considered safe to consume each day during a person's lifetime. The ADI is set to be about 100 times less than the smallest amount that might cause health concerns, based on studies done in lab animals.
The FDA has set the ADI for aspartame at 50 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight. (In the European Union, the European Food Safety Authority has recommended a slightly lower ADI for aspartame, at 40 mg/kg.)
To put the ADI for aspartame in perspective, this would be 3,750 milligrams per day for a typical adult weighing 75 kilograms (about 165 pounds), far more than most adults take in daily. A can of diet soda usually contains about 180 milligrams of aspartame, so a typical adult would have to drink about 21 cans of diet soda a day to go over the recommended level.
Does aspartame cause cancer?
Researchers use 2 main types of studies to try to determine if a substance or exposure causes cancer. (A substance that causes cancer or helps cancer grow is called a carcinogen.)
In studies done in the lab, animals are exposed to a substance (often in very large doses) to see if it causes tumors or other health problems. It's not always clear if the results from these types of studies will apply to humans, but lab studies are the best way to find out if a substance has the potential to cause cancer in humans before widespread exposure occurs.
Another type of study looks at cancer rates in different groups of people. Such a study might compare the cancer rate in a group exposed to a substance versus the rate in a group not exposed to it, or compare it to what the expected cancer rate would be in the general population. But studies in people can sometimes be hard to interpret, because there may be other factors affecting the results that are hard to account for.
In most cases neither type of study provides definitive evidence on its own, so researchers usually look at both lab-based and human studies if they are available.
Studies done in the lab
Many studies have looked for health effects in lab animals fed aspartame, often in doses higher than 4,000 mg/kg per day over their lifetimes. These studies have not found any health problems that are consistently linked with aspartame.
Two studies published by a group of Italian researchers suggested that very high doses of aspartame might increase the risk of some blood-related cancers (leukemias and lymphomas) in rats. However, both the FDA and the EFSA have called these results into question, citing a lack of some important data in the published studies and other concerns.
Studies in people
Most studies in people have not found that aspartame use is linked to an increased risk of cancer.
One early study suggested that an increased rate of brain tumors in the US during the 1980s might have been related to aspartame use. However, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the increase in brain tumor rates actually began back in the early 1970s, well before aspartame was in use. And most of the increase was seen in people age 70 and older, a group that was not exposed to the highest doses of aspartame, which might also make this link less likely. Other studies have not found an increase in brain tumors related to aspartame use.
In the largest study of this issue, researchers from the NCI looked at cancer rates in more than 500,000 older adults. The study found that, compared to people who did not drink aspartame-containing beverages, those who did drink them did not have an increased risk of lymphomas, leukemias, or brain tumors.
What expert agencies say
Expert agencies in the United States and elsewhere that have evaluated aspartame have found it safe for use.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the use of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners in the United States. In 2007, the FDA stated:
Considering results from the large number of studies on aspartame's safety, including five previously conducted negative chronic carcinogenicity studies, a recently reported large epidemiology study with negative associations between the use of aspartame and the occurrence of tumors, and negative findings from a series of three transgenic mouse assays, FDA finds no reason to alter its previous conclusion that aspartame is safe as a general purpose sweetener in food.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assesses the safety of sweeteners such as aspartame in the European Union. According to a 2009 report from its Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources Added to Food:
Overall, the Panel concluded, on the basis of all the evidence currently available… that there is no indication of any genotoxic or carcinogenic potential of aspartame and that there is no reason to revise the previously established ADI for aspartame of 40 mg/kg [body weight].
Though research into a possible link between aspartame and cancer continues, these agencies agree that studies done so far have not found such a link.
Does aspartame cause any other health problems?
Complaints of various health issues have circulated since aspartame first appeared on the market in the 1980s. But for most people, no health problems have clearly been linked to aspartame use.
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Phenylketonuria is a rare genetic disorder (present at birth) in which the body can't break down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in many foods. Levels of phenylalanine can build up in the blood, which prevents other important chemicals from getting to the brain. Unless phenylalanine intake is severely limited, children with PKU suffer from abnormal brain development.
PKU is usually detected in babies by a routine blood test shortly after birth. People with PKU need to follow a phenylalanine-restricted diet. This is especially important in children, whose brains are still developing.
Because phenylalanine is a component of aspartame, it's important that people with PKU limit their intake of aspartame-containing foods and drinks.
Other health complaints
Claims have been made that aspartame is related to health effects ranging from mild problems such as headache, dizziness, digestive symptoms, and changes in mood, to more serious health issues such as Alzheimer disease, birth defects, diabetes, Gulf War syndrome, attention deficit disorders, Parkinson disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and seizures. However, studies done to date have not found any consistent evidence of harm. Research into the safety of aspartame continues.
Should I limit my exposure to aspartame?
Aside from the possible effects in people with phenylketonuria, there are no health problems that have been consistently linked to aspartame use. Research on artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, continues today.
For people who want to avoid aspartame, the easiest way to do this is to check the labels before buying or eating foods or drinks. If aspartame is in the product it will be listed in the ingredients. NutraSweet® and Equal® are brand names for aspartame, so these can be avoided as well.
Other artificial sweeteners on the market include sucralose (Splenda®), acesulfame K (Sweet One®, Sunett®), and saccharin (Sweet'N Low®, SugarTwin®), but some of the same types of health concerns have been raised about these products as well
TL;DR: There has been nothing proven that it is bad for you.0 -
Artificial sweeteners are horrible for the human body. Google it and you'll find tons of articles and studies that prove there are dangerous, toxic chemicals in diet sodas.
If you absolutely need something carbonated you should try flavored sparkling water or sparkling juices.
Flavoured Water almost always uses Sweetener! You don't get all that flavour from 1kcal per 100ml from nothing ya know
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O god!!!
No, You will not die, get fat, become lazy, eat more, or give birth to aliens from drinking it. This is a lose/lose questions around here. If you crave it, it is WAY better than the regular. Or treat yourself to one regular soda a week.
I'm more concerned about the phosphorus acid being a calicum depleter. I'm an early 40s male. While I'm not that too concerned about it, bone density is one (of many) reasons I weight lift. I don't really need something that is contrary to that.
Yeah, I still drink a cup(or two) of coffee but I don't to add to the lack of calicum absorbtion if I can help it.
I love my coffee, diet soda, and sugar free red bull. As a child, for your reasons above, we were not allowed to drink pop. We were allowed one orage pop on friday night for movie night. I think I resented my mother for this and when I turned 18 became a raging caffeine addict 0 -
Lol, show me a Peer reviewed clinical study backing your claims. Man people believe all sorts of crap nowadays.The artificial sweeteners (aspartame) in diet sodas actually make you CRAVE sugar, and they convert fat into hydrogenated fat, which is 10 times harder to burn... not to mention they are a class"A" carcinogen, meaning they cause cancer. No bueno.
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
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Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
You can choose which is worse. I try to stay away from foods and drinks with high fructose corn syrup, which is in regular sodas. Your body is not able to properly digest it and it typically will make you crave more sweets. The throwback sodas are made with real sugar which is better for you but has the extra calories. I have two sodas a day, but I drink lots of water and workout on a regular basis. The main drawback of diet sodas in my opinion is that there isn't any nutritional value to it. Other than that, a soda or two a day won'y kill you. Don't listen to the doom and gloomers.0
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Doesn't soda slow down your metabolism? I think I read that somewhere.0
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First of all, I'd just like to say, congrats on losing 60 pounds, really...that is awesome. But sodas in general are just bad for the human body, and that has been proven. Instead of being so pessimistic about this, perhaps you could use it to your advantage and achieve even better results than you already have0
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O god!!!
No, You will not die, get fat, become lazy, eat more, or give birth to aliens from drinking it. This is a lose/lose questions around here. If you crave it, it is WAY better than the regular. Or treat yourself to one regular soda a week.
I'm more concerned about the phosphorus acid being a calicum depleter. I'm an early 40s male. While I'm not that too concerned about it, bone density is one (of many) reasons I weight lift. I don't really need something that is contrary to that.
Yeah, I still drink a cup(or two) of coffee but I don't to add to the lack of calicum absorbtion if I can help it.
I love my coffee, diet soda, and sugar free red bull. As a child, for your reasons above, we were not allowed to drink pop. We were allowed one orage pop on friday night for movie night. I think I resented my mother for this and when I turned 18 became a raging caffeine addict
I hear ya. I'm also trying to up my water intake. I usually only drink water (specifically) during workouts. But I'm trying to add water (with MiO) to my routines during the day. So to go for the two for 1 deal, I'm trying to replace a diet soda with at least one equivalant amount of water.
I can drink up to 4 diet cokes a day. But it's more like 2-3. Down to about 1 for the last few days. And upping the glass of waters by about 2 per day.0 -
The artificial sweeteners (aspartame) in diet sodas actually make you CRAVE sugar, and they convert fat into hydrogenated fat, which is 10 times harder to burn... not to mention they are a class"A" carcinogen, meaning they cause cancer. No bueno.
That has never been proven:laugh:
First of all, I'd just like to say, congrats on losing 60 pounds, really...that is awesome. But sodas in general are just bad for the human body, and that has been proven. Instead of being so pessimistic about this, perhaps you could use it to your advantage and achieve even better results than you already have0 -
The artificial sweeteners (aspartame) in diet sodas actually make you CRAVE sugar, and they convert fat into hydrogenated fat, which is 10 times harder to burn... not to mention they are a class"A" carcinogen, meaning they cause cancer. No bueno.
That has never been proven:laugh:
First of all, I'd just like to say, congrats on losing 60 pounds, really...that is awesome. But sodas in general are just bad for the human body, and that has been proven. Instead of being so pessimistic about this, perhaps you could use it to your advantage and achieve even better results than you already have
Proven where? I have yet to see a peer-reviewed scientific study proving anything :]0 -
Phosphorus is a bone mineral. Like sodium (counter balanced with potassium), if you counter balance with calcium, bone density isn't affected.I'm more concerned about the phosphorus acid being a calicum depleter. I'm an early 40s male. While I'm not that too concerned about it, bone density is one (of many) reasons I weight lift. I don't really need something that is contrary to that.
Yeah, I still drink a cup(or two) of coffee but I don't to add to the lack of calicum absorbtion if I can help it.
And did you realize there's more phosphoric acid in chicken and cheese than in soda? Just thought you should know.
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
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Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Artificial sweeteners are horrible for the human body. Google it and you'll find tons of articles and studies that prove there are dangerous, toxic chemicals in diet sodas.
If you absolutely need something carbonated you should try flavored sparkling water or sparkling juices.
Flavoured Water almost always uses Sweetener! You don't get all that flavour from 1kcal per 100ml from nothing ya know
I've noticed that many flavored waters use aspertane as the sweetner.0 -
Lol, show me a Peer reviewed clinical study backing your claims. Man people believe all sorts of crap nowadays.The artificial sweeteners (aspartame) in diet sodas actually make you CRAVE sugar, and they convert fat into hydrogenated fat, which is 10 times harder to burn... not to mention they are a class"A" carcinogen, meaning they cause cancer. No bueno.
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
http://aspartame.mercola.com/0 -
I drink 2-3 a day (I used to have 4) plus lots of water. My goal is to cut it to 2, then 1. I'm going to replace my morning diet coke with coffee, then plan to have a diet coke at lunch, then only water for the rest of the day after that. I am steadily losing weight so I don't think it's affecting my progress...but I need the caffeine!0
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bynsky love your ticker! Bucky Katt rules!0
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Nope. Loss of muscle and undereating does.Doesn't soda slow down your metabolism? I think I read that somewhere.
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Ah the great debate. I'm inclined to think all those chemicals can't be good for you. But does it stop me from drinking diet soda...NO!!! I have one can a day...I look forward to it like it was a treat! Don't take away my diet coke or coffee!!0
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Lol, show me a Peer reviewed clinical study backing your claims. Man people believe all sorts of crap nowadays.The artificial sweeteners (aspartame) in diet sodas actually make you CRAVE sugar, and they convert fat into hydrogenated fat, which is 10 times harder to burn... not to mention they are a class"A" carcinogen, meaning they cause cancer. No bueno.
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
http://aspartame.mercola.com/
okay... not a good source.
Peer reviewed scientific study please.0 -
Phosphorus is a bone mineral. Like sodium (counter balanced with potassium), if you counter balance with calcium, bone density isn't affected.I'm more concerned about the phosphorus acid being a calicum depleter. I'm an early 40s male. While I'm not that too concerned about it, bone density is one (of many) reasons I weight lift. I don't really need something that is contrary to that.
Yeah, I still drink a cup(or two) of coffee but I don't to add to the lack of calicum absorbtion if I can help it.
And did you realize there's more phosphoric acid in chicken and cheese than in soda? Just thought you should know.
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
Good to know. I'm not trying to be a nazi about it. Again, I'm just making small changes here. Diet sodas don't offer anything really. And if anything, they are a negative. If there is more in chicken and cheese, so be it. To me, that's another reason not to add to it via diet cokes. I never really drank alot. But I'm trying to sub it with glasses of water. Just think the diet sodas don't offer anything to take the neg hits. The chicken and cheese offer benefits over and above whatever phosphorus acid hit I'd take.0
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