Dear Lynn:

I would like to receive information on the effects of soft drinks on the body.
Thanks,
Sheila

Dear Sheila:

Many professionals who work with people with eating disorders recognize the widespread use of caffeine -- whether in coffee or diet soft drinks -- as a low-calorie way of feeling energetic. Many people use diet soft drinks to try to avoid feeling hungry, or to manage their hunger without eating. It's possible to become physically addicted to caffeine, as people who have tried to give up coffee find out when they have headaches.

Colas also contain carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup or sucrose, caramel color, phosphoric acid and natural flavors. A 12-ounce can contains 140 calories, which come from the 39 grams of sugar. It also contains 50 milligrams of sodium. Diet colas contain aspartame in place of the corn syrup, but otherwise the ingredients are similar.

I don't believe that drinking soft drinks or diet soft drinks in moderation is a serious health problem. Moderation means no more than one or two 12-ounce servings per day. Moderation also means that we drink other beverages, such as water, milk and juice. If soft drinks replace beverages that contain needed nutrients, then it's no longer moderation.

Sincerely,
Lynn Grieger, R.D., C.D., C.D.E.