When I was younger, I used to be a big fan of soda. I would always find myself drinking juices with tons of sugar, all kinds of carbonated beverages and hardly any water. As a kid, you do not know what is good for you and what is not. All you care about is what tastes good.
As I started getting older, I started to realize that I enjoyed drinks with less sugar in them. I started drinking iced tea with mostly water and a little sugar. It was not long after that, I started to drift away from sodas.
I realized that my stomachaches were actually coming from the beverages I would drink and not the food. Usually, after having a meal, I would feel very bloated and unpleasant, leaving me not wanting to grab seconds.
Shortly after that, I started to experiment by drinking water with meals to see how it would make me feel.
For a period of time, it was very difficult for me, so I decided to not have anything to drink instead. But, as time went on, the awkwardness started to fade and I felt comfortable having water instead.
After doing research, I learned that drinking water with meals helps digest food by breaking it down and allowing the body to absorb nutrients. It also helps you control weight gain by preventing overeating. This will help you feel lighter after a meal. Some people believe it is bad to drink water during meals, but it is a myth, according to USA TODAY.
On the other hand, around half an hour after drinking Coca-Cola, the body has absorbed all the caffeine. This causes the pupils to dilate and an increase of blood pressure, which blocks adenosine receptors in the brain. The production of dopamine has increased, which is a transmitter that helps control the pleasure of the brain. According to Medical News Today, Coca-Cola has similar effects to heroin due to the way it fuels the centers. It leaves a person with the urge to drink more.
In 2018, other research showed that sugar-sweetened beverages also have effects on the brain. The study has shown that these drinks increase the levels of certain chemicals that relate to brain activity, increasing the risk of a stroke and dementia, according to Medical News Today.
After learning about this, it made me realize that there is more to beverages and food that we put into our system. For that reason, it is important to be aware and understand what you are consuming.
Now, do not get me wrong. Once in a while, I get cravings for a tasty, bubbling Coca-Cola from the movie theater, or a Sprite from McDonald’s. But, it is up to me to decide how I want to feel afterward. It is a tough battle we will always face, but sometimes it is worth the sacrifice.
