Is Soda Bad For the Brain?
Colin
Neff
4/24/17
PSYC
465-002
I chose to read the article “Is Soda
Bad for Your Brain?” by Matthew Pase at Boston University. This article
examines the results of recent studies which focused on the effects of regular
and diet sodas on the human brain. This focus is particularly relevant in the
U.S. where we consume approximately 11 million metric tons of sugar per year, a
large portion of which is in the form of sugar/ sweetened drinks. This article
discussed findings which show that individuals who consume high-sugar beverages
frequently are more likely to have poorer memory, smaller brain volume, and a
smaller hippocampus. Furthermore, those who drink diet sodas are three times as
likely to develop dementia or suffer from strokes. These findings were
unexpected as those who drink sugary drinks that are not diet are not at a
similar risk for stroke as those who drink diet soda, while the risk for Alzheimer’s
is similar across samples.
I found this article very
interesting as it links to our most recent discussion about hunger. The link
between amount of soda consumption and brain volume seems to suggest that
consuming this much sugar, or more specifically the fructose found in sugary
sodas, is depriving brain cells of necessary nutrients. While this research is
relatively new making it difficult to draw conclusions, it is possible that
this less beneficial form of sugar is not nourishing cells in the same way as
glucose would. Since these drinks most likely satisfy the glucose deficient
signals by tricking the brain into thinking this need is being met, they likely
are not consuming their necessary fill of essential sugars. The more surprising
result, which suggests that diet sodas create a much higher likelihood of
stroke, is seemingly difficult to interpret. The most logical theory would be
that artificial sweeteners may be depriving individuals of real glucose to the
degree that they suffer from hypoglycemia, or a lack of sugar in the blood. It is
clear that more research into this topic is necessary before conclusions can be
drawn.
http://neurosciencenews.com/soda-brain-aging-6464/
Great Post Colin! While I admit these findings are particularly frightening, especially in light of all the diet Dr.Pepper I consume, it is worth mentioning that this research only highlights a correlation. A causal relationship cannot be concluded. Perhaps individuals genetically predisposed to dementia also crave sweet diet soda. Perhaps socioeconomic status impacts dietary content, which then impacts brain development. In any case, it is unlikely that something as common as consumption of soft drinks is the only factor involved in a complex disorder like Alzheimer's. However, the study gave me pause when I visited my refrigerator in search of something sweet to drink, and I do think more experimental research should be done to determine the impact of high levels of soda consumption on the brain.
ReplyDeleteChristopher Mullin
I agree with Christopher; this is a great post. It is very interesting to read that soda has such an impact on our health. I am not as surprised with the findings pertaining to diet soda having such a negative effect on our bodies. There have been studies done in the past linking diet soda to health problems like higher risk of stroke and significant weight gain. For soda to reduce hippocampal volume and overall brain volume is shocking. As stated, individuals who consume high-sugar beverages are likely to have poorer memory. I cannot help but wonder if long-term or short-term memory is affected. As a possible extension of research pertaining to soda and the effects on the brain, it would be interesting if the researchers could do a longitudinal study pertaining to memory and constant soda consumption.
ReplyDeleteThis article is interesting to see considering we were just talking about the effect of the fake sugar taste on our brain and body's processing of the taste. Considering the fact that the United States is one the most unhealthy countries, the facts of our sugar intake, while disturbing, does not surprise me in the slightest. I also find the effect of it on Alzheimer's as compelling because I think that many older people, specifically in the 40-70 range, drink a significant amount of diet drinks in general. I am curious to see how the memory of the now middle age group who drinks diet drinks will differ from those who do not or seldom drink diet drinks. I also wonder if it is not only diet sodas, but the artificial sweeteners that some put in their iced tea that can have the same effect. Overall, I hope in the long run there is a way to decrease the consumption of fake sugar to protect our current youth from the horrible effects.
ReplyDeleteI found the information in this article both informative and a little alarming. The finding that shocked me the most was that people who drank diet soda daily were almost three times as likely to develop stroke and dementia when compared to those who did not. It is shocking to know that the brand of soda that most companies are trying to promote as their healthy alternative, is more harmful than their regular-branded product.
ReplyDeleteThis article is very eye-opening. Everyone knows that soda and diet soda is not good for you, but they do not know specifically what the ideal cause is. As Chris stated it is not a cause, but a correlation but it is still informative to understand what the soda is doing to our bodies. I wonder why they have a diet soda if they have findings of correlation studies that show how much more harm then can cause. Is drinking diet really more beneficial?
ReplyDelete