In this lovely warm weather it is important for great health to keep your body hydrated, however, the type of drink you choose could be setting you up for more problems.
Alcohol is the most obvious drink that carries dangers, and in fact causes fluid to be lost from your body, so never rely on alcohol to quench your thirst.
Soft drinks are often thought of as harmless, however, regular consumption of soft drinks can cause serious health problems. Research recently released has added depression to the long list of health problems caused by soft drinks. The list includes tooth decay, type 2 diabetes, fractures, osteoporosis, reflux disease, pancreatic cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, kidney disorders, and obesity. The study took place over ten years, looking at the soft drink consumption of 263,925 people, aged between 50 and 71, and how many went on to develop depression.
It found that 3 out of 10 people who drank carbonated soft drinks daily, were more likely to be depressed than those who drank no carbonated soft drinks. The results were worse for those who drank cans of fruit juice, as almost 4 in 10 people ran an increased risk of depression. Diet soft drinks are not a healthier option; in fact they increased the chances of depression even more than the non-diet versions.
Studies show fruit juices are high in sugars and acids, and can increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and tooth decay. Fruit juice squeezed freshly either by hand or in a juicer does not have the same sugar or acidity that carton or bottle juices have, so are better to have, though aim for less than one glass a day.
All fizzy drinks affect the ability of the body to lay down calcium in the bones; this increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Another problem with soft drinks is the high levels of caffeine they may contain. Caffeine can also trigger anxiety and depression, as well as behavioural disorders, dementia, and high blood pressure.
So what to drink? The best thing to drink is water, plain and simple. It is the best nutrient for your body. It will not cause any problems. Herbal teas are another good option; taken hot or cold. If you want to add a little flavour to water try squeezing a little fresh orange juice into it.
If you are suffering from depression at the moment, do seek help. Naturopathic treatments involve a plan tailored to specific individual needs encompassing diet, lifestyle, herbal medicine and nutritional supplements. I frequently recommend as part of the treatment the Entire Katoa Food State Vitamin B Complex with Magnesium and vitamin C; these nutrients are very likely to be deficient when a person is anxious or depressed. The highly absorbed Food State Supplements are available at www.entirekatoa.co.nz
Contact Bay Health Clinic today to find out more or to book a consultation with one of our Naturopaths; if needed they will also prepare tailored herbal medicines and recommend supplements to help you feel your best. Call 07 571 3226 or email us: ask@bayhealth.nz
Original Article Jan 2013
Copyright Jaine Kirtley MRN RN Reg. Nurse Reg. Naturopath
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