Aging is a natural process that comes with a host of health challenges. One insidious metabolic issue that seems to creep up on you as you age is inflammation. But did you know that your diet might be contributing to this silent yet dangerous problem? In particular – diet soda, a drink that’s often marketed as a healthier alternative to regular soda, has been found to increase inflammation in your body.
In a study at the School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, it was found that consuming more diet soda leads to a higher risk of inflammation from visceral fat, which is a type of fat that accumulates around your organs. In fact, you can’t necessarily see this fat, and you can appear thin while still having visceral fat on the inside.
Visceral Fat: A Hidden Danger
Visceral fat is far more dangerous than the subcutaneous fat that lies just below your skin. It collects around your internal organs and traps toxins that are then stored right next to vital organs like your heart and liver. The presence of visceral fat stimulates an immune response, increasing your chances of heart attack, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and even premature death.
In the research conducted on health data from the San Antonio Longitudinal Study of Aging (SALSA), it was discovered that among people aged 65 and older, the more diet soda they drank, the more visceral fat they produced, leading to a higher risk of serious inflammation. To make matters worse, these individuals also had larger waistlines.
Inflammation and Chronic Disease
Visceral fat releases inflammatory molecules called cytokines – such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6 – which contribute to chronic diseases, especially heart disease.
Yale laboratory tests have shown that this inflammatory fat interferes with liver function and increases susceptibility to high blood sugar. This means that even though no sugar is present in your soft drink, consuming artificially sweetened concoctions can still end up raising the levels of sugar in your bloodstream.
Healthy Alternatives to Diet Soda
If you want to opt for a no-calorie drink while steering clear of inflammation-causing diet sodas, try drinking filtered water. For a touch of flavor, chop up some fruit or even cucumbers and leave them in the water overnight. The next day, you’ll have a naturally flavored, non-caloric drink.
Another potential alternative is coconut water, a refreshing beverage that boasts numerous health benefits.
A Proactive Approach to Health
Preventing inflammation in your body is essential to maintaining good health as you age. Some inflammation-fighting foods you can add to your diet include green leafy vegetables (like spinach and kale), nuts, fruits (especially berries), and fatty fish (such as salmon and mackerel).
Remember to avoid processed foods laden with artificial ingredients and too many carbohydrates—they only increase inflammation and wreak havoc on your body’s natural balance.
Addressing inflammation is a proactive approach to living a healthier life, and so making informed choices about what to consume is of utmost importance. Incorporate healthy, whole foods into your diet and avoid diet soda to keep inflammation at bay and minimize the risk of developing chronic diseases.
