355 ml of pop may lead to 355 health issues

In her column, Dr. Elena Krasnov answers a query on soft drinks from a writer that signs herself Pop-Aholic.

She writes, "I have tried to cut down because many people have told me it isn't good for me, but I become so agitated and tired if I don't have it.

"Am I really harming my body?

"If so, what else can I drink to give me the same type of energy?"

In her reply, Dr. Krasnov gives some examples of the dangers of soft drinks,

• Soft drinks steal water from the body. To replace the water stolen by soft drinks, you need to drink 8-12 glasses of water for every one glass of soft drinks that you consume!
• Soft drinks never quench your thirst, certainly not your body's need for water. Constantly denying your body an adequate amount can lead to chronic cellular dehydration, a condition that weakens your body at the cellular level. This, in turn, can lead to a weakened immune system.
• The elevated levels of phosphates in soft drinks leach vital minerals from your body. Soft drinks are made with purified water that also leach vital minerals from your body. A severe lack of minerals can lead to heart disease (lack of magnesium), osteoporosis (lack of calcium) and many other diseases.
• Soft drinks can remove rust from a car bumper or other metal surfaces. Imagine what it's doing to your digestive tract as well as the rest of your body.

Our bodies need water. The tap water in our homes isn't always the best thing for us either. Chemicals, viruses and other unwanted contaminents are present. An excellent water purifier is available. The system features UV light to destroy microorganisms and a patented carbon-block filter to reduce more than 140 potential health-effect contaminants.

For the active person, replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is vital. New XS Power Nutrition Sports Drink is scientifically formulated to help rehydrate your body before, during, and after exercise. A balance of the electrolytes, sodium and potassium, helps to replace those you sweat away during prolonged physical activity, making it easier to maintain peak performance. All without the dangers presented by traditional soft drinks.

As Dr. Krasnov says, "You are what you drink"

Stay healthy!