Research shows that there is a link between bone mineral density and cola drinks.1 This means that the colas or soft drinks you might be consuming are leading you to osteoporosis. Whether it's diet coke or regular coke, a habitual consumption of this drink can reduce your bone density significantly over time.
Further studies have shown that the major contributor to loss in bone density may due be due to hypocalcaemia. We have all heard that calcium and Vitamin D are important for strong bones. But, what if our calcium intake is being taken over by other minerals found in the soft drinks we consume?
Phosphoric acid, which is a major component in most soft drinks, may be the contributing factor. Phosphorus is an important bone mineral. However, if you are not getting a balance of the important bone minerals, this could have negative outcomes for your bones. In this case, the phosphorus in the soft drinks could take the place of calcium making no room for it thus leading to brittle bones.
Another contributing factor is the fact that soft drinks tend to replace other important nutrients in our diet. Therefore, it is not only the soft drink itself that is to blame, but the whole diet. An unhealthy diet with a high consumption of soft drinks and not enough of an intake of the calcium rich foods can, over time, weaken bones.
The third possible culprit may be the caffeine found in soft drinks, particularly coke.
Some important tips to increase or boost bone health:
- If you can’t give up soft drinks entirely, try switching to a ‘healthier’ version that can now be found on the market eg stevia sweetened soft drinks
- Increase your intake of calcium rich foods:
- Broccoli
- Almonds
- Fish namely sardines
- Milk (preferable organic)
- Cheese
- Yoghurt (preferably plain as the flavoured are high in sugars)
- Increase weight bearing exercise
- If necessary, take a calcium and vitamin D supplement (talk to your health professional with regards to brands and dose)
Lastly, it is important to understand that bone mass reaches its maximum during adolescents and approximately 2 years after menopause, bone mass begins declining. Therefore, the teenage years is a vital time for bone development. The food you eat as well as your lifestyle can affect the long term health of your bones. It is well known that teenagers tend to consume a higher amount of soft drinks and a lower amount of calcium rich foods. It is imperative that a teen’s dietary needs be balanced in order to increase of long term health.
If you have any concerns, see your naturopath or nutritionist.
