The first soft drinks appeared in the 17th century. Made from water and lemon juice sweetened with honey.

Soda has become a very glorified beverage over the years. From celebrity endorsements to cool commercials promising ultimate hydration and thirst quenching satisfaction. It’s hard to go outside and find someone who doesn’t know about the Coke versus Pepsi challenge.

Many people grew up with soda as a regular visitor in their household; It provides a nostalgic feeling of comfort. You flip that little tab of happiness and enjoy a sip of liquid sugar. Some say they even get a “buzz” from drinking a soda. Just like beer and wine, some people are social soda drinkers. If they’re at any kind of social gathering, they have to have that name brand soda somewhere nearby to get their fix.

So here are some problems with this popular little product

Dehydrating. First of all, soda does anything but quench your thirst. You’ll notice that unlike water that actually puts something back into our bodies- soda is filled with sugar and corn syrup. Take note of how unsatisfied you are toward the end of consuming a soft drink. Generally you will crave another one immediately afterward.

It Promotes Tooth Decay. Dental Hygienists are always telling their patients to steer clear of soda. There is a reason they label soft drinks “liquid Candy”. Most soft drinks contain a high concentration of Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose and other simple sugars. A great number of soft drinks are acidic. High acidity can eventually lead to eroding of tooth enamel.

Health Concerns/ Disease. Sugar-sweetened soft drinks linked with obesity, type 2 diabetes, dental cavities, and low nutrient levels. Many sodas contain caffeine. An ingredient link to anxiety and sleep disruption when consumed in access. Also Sodium Benzoate, a preservative found in soda has been investigated by researchers at University of Sheffield as a possible cause of DNA damage and hyperactivity.

Weight Gain. Obesity is a huge problem among Americans. From 1977 to 2001, Americans doubled their consumption of sweetened beverages (source)- an event that accompanied the doubling of obesity. Many studies have produced results linking soda consumption to weight gain.

Are these negative side effects really worth a temporary sugar buzz?

If you can’t kick your soda habit, you can at least limit your intake. You can also try a reward system. Tell yourself that you can only have a soda after consuming a large glass of water. This way you can at least balance out the dehydrating effects of soda and get in the habit of consuming water.