It remains a mystery why men get worse from osteoarthritis and pain more than women from drinking soda.
HFCS and other harmful sweeteners in soft drinks cause fat gain and health problems. However, a recent Harvard study indicates that arthritis of the knees is not caused only by the extra weight it carries.
Harvard researchers speculate that other ingredients in soft drinks along with sugars compound the damage to bone health. Carbonic acid requires action to counteract its harmful potential to remove minerals from the blood, tissues, and bones. Phosphoric acid interferes with calcium absorption and must also be counteracted. High fructose corn syrup feeds the acids and adds more challenges to bone health. Acids increase oxidation and more free radicals can be released that add stress to cells. So bad sugars are not alone. They have an accomplice.
A more alkaline system is desired for better health and can be achieved with less acid and bicarbonate input, but that’s a lot different than adding carbon dioxide to water or soda. Carbonated water that contains phosphorus that can interfere with calcium metabolism and contribute to the leaching of calcium from the bones.
A Harvard researcher found that soda consumption is associated with bone fractures in teenage girls. However, it is not yet fully understood why men have worsened osteoarthritis and pain from soda than women. Sex hormones apparently play an invisible role.
Tooth enamel damage and decay increases dramatically in those who drink carbonated beverages. The decomposition is believed to be mainly due to the sugar content, but assisted by carbonation. Carbonic, phosphoric and citric acids are potentially harmful to tooth enamel which dissolves at an acidic pH below 5.2.
Over a four-year period, the researchers examined 2,149 osteoarthritis patients (3,066 knees) and surveyed them on the frequency of their consumption of non-diet sodas. After taking into account excess weight and other risk factors for knee osteoarthritis, they found that men who drank five or more sodas a week had greater arthritis progression by a 2-to-1 ratio compared to the men who didn’t drink soda.
Knee osteoarthritis is common in about 1 in 100 people. When the cartilage in the joint wears down, it increases the friction that causes pain. Increased stress on the joints often leads to physical disability and even joint replacement.
A lady I know experienced serious knee problems due to lack of cartilage and had difficulty walking, much less climbing stairs. The challenge in a few months was gone as his hormones became more balanced and smart sugars replaced the bad sugars. He could climb glances without problem and without the creaking his knees had previously made.
The sugars in soda can unknowingly become addictive as they feed alcohol and acid into the system. It was remarkable to find a healthy sweetener that actually reduces sugar cravings and is healthy by protecting cells from stress. I and many others have experienced additional benefits from Trehalose sugar.