According to a recently published study, in as little as 30 days sodas change the way our muscles use food as fuel, making them prefer to burn sugars over fats. This increases fat gain by inhibiting fat metabolism and raising blood glucose in the body. And those changes are lasting which means that getting back on the right track, afterwards, becomes a really complicated task.
The research, conducted at Bangor University in the UK, showed that the switch to the inefficient metabolism was seen in the participants who were lightly active, lean male and females drinking soft drinks for only four weeks.
The regular use of sodas drives alterations in the muscles which are similar to those found on people with obesity problems and type 2 diabetes.
“This study proves that our concerns over sugary drinks have been correct. Not only can regular sugar intake acutely change our body metabolism; in fact it seems that our muscles are able to sense the sugars and make our metabolism more inefficient, not only in the present but in the future as well. This will lead a reduced ability to burn fat and to fat gain. Moreover, it will make it more difficult for our body to cope with rises in blood sugar. What is clear here is that our body adjusts to regular soft drink consumption and prepares itself for the future diet by changing muscle metabolism via altered gene activity – encouraging unhealthy adaptations similar to those seen in people with obesity problems and type 2 diabetes.” explained Dr Hans-Peter Kubis, who led the research at the Bangor University’s School of Sport, Health & Exercise Sciences.
“Together with our findings about how drinking soft drinks dulls the perception of sweetness, our new results give a stark warning against regularly drinking sugar sweetened drinks,” Kubis concludes.
Kubis’ opinion is that the government needs to take action to address the problem of soft drink consumption: “Clearly taxation on sugary drinks is overdue. This money could be invested in the NHS where it is urgently needed to treat people with obesity problems and diabetes.”
Considerations
We have said this countless times but we’re going to state it once again: if you’re thirsty and think of reaching for a sugary soft drink- don’t - it can compromise your long-term health. Reach for water instead.
The Iron You
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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Bangor University
I never drink sodas, its all water and juice for me! Hmmmmm unless of course on the very occasional night out then I may break the rules!
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