When we stop and think of all the things that can shorten the length of our lives, not to mention the quality of the life in our years, it can be overwhelming. We all know the big ones like smoking, drinking, and poor diet which also have a detrimental effect on our oral health, but drinking pop isn’t too far down the list – which may surprise people. A recent study from the University of California at San Fransisco found that consuming a 20 oz soda per day can shorten your life by as much as five years! Aside from the obvious risks that soda can contribute to obesity, liver damage, and an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes, this study focused on the protective units of DNA that cap the ends of chromosomes in cells known as telomeres. In soda drinkers their telomeres were found to be shorter in white blood cells. This is significant as telomere health is one of the most prominent factors in predicting how long and how well we will live. The study found that soda was actually equally as detrimental to telomere health as smoking cigarettes! The study held fast regardless of age, race, income or education level, so we are all at the mercy of those tasty little 20 oz bottles of fizzy flavor!
So be strong and just stick to water.
So be strong and just stick to water.
– from Tessa H. (Dental Assistant)