Most sodas in the market have ingredients like carbon dioxide, water, sugar (sucrose, fructose, or glucose), intense sweeteners, acids, preservatives, and added colors. One can of the beverage provides about 150 calories, mostly from added sugar, and hardly any nutritional value. If fact, studies have shown the drink can increase the risk of health complications like fatty liver disease, heart disease, and diabetes. Here are nine ways in which sugary sodas are bad for health.

Insulin resistance
Insulin helps the cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream and convert it into energy. Consuming too much sugar, as found in sodas, causes the cells to become less sensitive to insulin. As a result, the pancreas produces higher amounts of the hormone, leading to a spike. This is known as insulin resistance. High levels of insulin resistance have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Soda cravings
Sugar consumption triggers the release of dopamine in the brain. Also called the feel-good hormone, dopamine boosts mood and provides a sense of pleasure. Therefore, some people unknowingly crave sweets when they are low, which leads to increased dependence on them. While such cravings can be hard to get rid of, gradually reducing sugar intake can help.

Fatty liver disease
Fructose, a kind of sugar found in soda, is metabolized by the liver. When consumed excessively, the liver becomes overburdened and turns fructose into fat. This increases the fat cells in the liver and, thus, the risk of fatty liver disease.

Leptin resistance
The body produces a hormone called leptin, which tells the brain that the stomach is full and one needs to stop eating. Due to leptin resistance, a person may not receive the sensation of feeling full or satiated and, thus, overeat. According to studies conducted on animals, increased fructose consumption may lead to leptin resistance. However, human studies on the subject are pending.

Heart disease
Research has shown that excessive sugar consumption indirectly increases the risk of heart disease by raising blood sugar, blood triglycerides, and small, dense LDL particles. A 20-year-long study conducted with 40,000 men found that those who drank one sugary drink daily had a 20% higher risk of having or dying from a heart attack than others.

Cancer risk
People who enjoy too many sodas may also be at risk of developing cancer. According to a study on 60,000 adults, those who consumed two or more sugary beverages daily had an 87% higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer than those who did not. Another study found that postmenopausal women who drink too many sugary sodas may have a higher risk of endometrial cancer. Furthermore, research has linked sugary beverages to higher cancer recurrence and an increased death rate among colorectal cancer patients.

Poor dental health
Most sodas contain phosphoric, carbonic, and other acids. They increase the acidity levels in the mouth, making the teeth susceptible to decay. The damage is more serious when acid is combined with sugar since the latter is also an energy source for oral bacteria. Over time, soda consumption can lead to toothaches, infections, cavities, and tooth loss.

Gout
Fructose can increase uric acid levels in the body. And when uric acid becomes crystallized, it leads to gout. Common symptoms of this condition include pain and inflammation in the joints, especially the big toes. Studies suggest that sugary soda increases the risk of gout in women by 75% and in men by around 50%.

Dementia
Dementia is a term used to refer to a broad range of health conditions that cause cognitive decline in older adults, leading to symptoms like memory loss, impaired judgment, and poor decision-making capabilities. Since higher blood sugar can increase the likelihood of dementia, individuals are advised to lower their intake of sweet beverages, including sodas.

Sugar-laden beverages like colas and flavored juices are known to hurt the body and offer no nutritional benefits. Moreover, despite their high fructose content, they do not help control hunger and keep one satiated. Hence, one must avoid them as much as possible and opt for alternatives after consulting a professional nutritionist. Doing so can prevent chronic diseases and help people lead healthier lives in the long run.