I've talked to alot of people that have shared a desire to give up carbonated drinks,(soft drinks).

So I thought I would share alittle information that I came across that might help you make up your mind for good. Im not trying to frighten anyone, but nothing is better than information to guide us, and as I always say, don't take my word for it , research it yourself!

Here is a list of some of the toxic compounds found in soft drinks:
SUGAR
Back in the 1900's the average consumption of sugar was 1/2 lb per person per year; it's estimated now that we consume 180 lbs per person per year! The average soft drink has 10 teaspoons of sugar per drink.
ASPARTAME
For the diet soda drinkers;Aspartame is a low calorie artificial sweetner that has the effect of lowering your body's metabolisim and has been linked to depression, insomnia, migraines, and mood changes. For more information about artificial sweetners go to http://www.sweetpoison.com/ .
FOOD DYES
CARBONATION
Carbonation causes calcium loss in the bones
1) The carbonation irritates the stomach
2) The body responds by getting calcium from the blood to cure the irratation.
3) The blood becomes low on calcium, so it takes it away from your bones.
PHOSPHORIC ACID
This is the substance that causes the bubbly in the soft drink;(not the same as carbonation, which is carbon dixoide mixed with water.) This substance also depletes the body of calcium.
SALT
The salt in these bererages can reduce the amount of water in your cells-which leads to dehydration.
If you drink alot of sodas that may be reason for dehydrated skin.
This is just a drop in the bucket of the information that is available on the dangers of soft drinks.

I haven't had soft drinks in 6 years, and I used to be a diet soda addict, so I know that it is possible to quit, and be good to your body. Always remember we are what we eat and drink.

But the positive note is the benifits of water:
The National Institure of Health reports that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated-even mild dehydration slows down your metabolism, speeds up aging, and reduces resistance to disease.

The NIH reports also adds that daily water comsuption (8 glasses a day) reduces the risk of colon cancer by 45%, reduces the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and bladder cancer by 50%.
Water has no harsh chemicals, it hydrates your cells, improves your skin, and helps with weight loss!
The best way for me to drink plenty of water a day is not only through carrying water around everywhere I go, but also through juicing of green leafy vegtables, because of their water content.

It's really just a choice-choose water!

Until next time, google it, read about it, talk to a friend, then go out and do it!

Jan