Carbonated drinks are what you reach for when you're thirsty or feeling bloated. They have a sharp, refreshing appeal, but they contain ingredients that can lead to obesity and osteoporosis. Cancer patients, who need to pay attention to their diet to prevent recurrence, should be cautious with carbonated beverages. Today, I will inform you about the dangers of carbonated drinks and beverages that are suitable for cancer patients to consume.

 

High sugar content carbonated beverages

 

Carbonated drinks add simple sugars such as sugar, liquid fructose, and glucose during the manufacturing process. Excessive intake of simple sugars raises blood sugar levels in the body, affecting insulin secretion. When insulin is secreted excessively, it stimulates the division and growth of cancer cells. Consuming more sugar than the appropriate amount can also lead to obesity.

 

Obesity is a risk factor that can lead to colon cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and endometrial cancer. A study from the University of South Carolina in the United States also found that people who consume more than one glass of carbonated drinks daily are 78% more likely to develop liver cancer than those who do not.

Artificial sweeteners also increase the risk of cancer development.

 

Many people also drink zero-calorie carbonated drinks instead of regular soda. However, carbonated drinks labeled as 'zero calorie' contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or saccharin instead of sugar to provide sweetness. Since research on artificial sweeteners is not sufficient, experts say that cancer patients, who need to pay attention to their dietary habits, should be cautious about consuming foods containing artificial sweeteners. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the French National Cancer Institute have also published research indicating that drinking artificially sweetened carbonated drinks daily increases the risk of premature death compared to those who do not consume them.

The bigger problem is that the more you eat sweet foods, the more dependent you become. When the tongue detects sweetness, areas of the brain related to reward, motivation, and taste become activated. Because of the instant pleasure it provides, many people habitually seek out sweet foods. As they continue to consume, the intensity of the desired sweetness gradually increases, leading them to eat more.

 

Replace with less harmful carbonated water

 

If you really want to drink a carbonated beverage, do not drink it straight away. Instead, mix the carbonated drink with water and ice in a 1:1 ratio. The taste may become slightly diluted, but the sugar content of the soda will be neutralized. If you dislike the change in flavor, another method is to drink the same amount of water within a day after consuming the soda. This can help slow down the interference of carbonated drinks with calcium absorption in the body.

 

Drinking sparkling water instead of soda is also an option. Sparkling water contains much less sugar and calories than soda, but the fizzy carbonation can still be felt strongly, making it less harmful to health. The carbonation itself does not pose significant health risks as long as it is not consumed excessively. Therefore, drinking sparkling water is safer than soda.

 

 

If you have indigestion, try drinking plum tea, a natural digestive aid.

When you have indigestion, try drinking plum tea instead of carbonated water. Known as a 'natural digestive aid,' plums help restore digestive function. The organic acids that give plums their sour taste normalize gastric acid secretion, and the picrotin in plums has an antimicrobial effect that kills harmful bacteria in the stomach and prevents food poisoning.

 

Drink 7 to 8 glasses of water or green tea every day.

 

If you care about your health, drinking water instead of carbonated drinks when you are thirsty is the best choice. Drink 7 to 8 glasses (1.2 to 1.5 liters) of lukewarm water daily. It is also good to drink one glass each at two-hour intervals before and after meals. Avoid drinking water during meals, as it can dilute digestive juices and hinder digestion.

 

When it is difficult to drink water due to dehydration caused by chemotherapy, it is okay to drink tea instead. Tea made from plant extracts is naturally rich in polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

In particular, green tea contains catechin compounds that produce a bitter taste, which are also excellent antioxidants and help alleviate dermatitis symptoms in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. In fact, green tea has been selected as one of Time magazine's top ten health foods and has been praised as "the closest food to nature."

 

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The closest food to nature: green tea

I don't drink green tea often because of its bitter taste.

They say it's good for health and skin.