Soft Drink Consumption May Increase Risk of Chronic Bronchitis

People who consume larger quantities of soft drinks with high-fructose corn syrup are at high risk of chronic bronchitis, indicates a new study.

People who consume larger quantities of soft drinks with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are at high risk of chronic bronchitis, indicates a new study published in the Nutrition Journal.

Many studies have established the link between obesity, diabetes and heart disease with consumption of HFCS-sweetened soft drinks. This new study found that consumption of non-diet soft drinks five times or more a week was associated with nearly twice the likelihood of having chronic bronchitis.

Colas are Bad for Health in the Long Run
Intake of regular soft drinks adds calories but diet colas don’t. However, expert opinion says that diet colas are not the best alternative to regular soft drinks.

‘Several studies have showed that obesity, diabetes and heart disease are associated with consumption of sweetened soft drinks. This new study finds that consumption of non-diet soft drinks puts people at high risk of developing chronic bronchitis.’

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) a type of obstructive lung disease is characterized by chronically poor airflow. Globally, COPD affected around 329 million people in 2010. The disease affects men and women almost equally.

COPD refers to two lung diseases: emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema is primarily caused by smoking. The condition is characterized by a permanent enlargement of the airways and destruction of the walls of the alveoli. Chronic bronchitis is caused by overproduction and hypersecretion of mucus by goblet cells, which leads to worsening of airflow obstruction, epithelial remodeling, and alteration of airway surface tension, predisposing to collapse.

This new study involved as many as 2801 US adults aged 55 to 64 years. The researchers used data from the 2003–2006 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The surveys are unique in that they combine physical examinations and dietary intake. Data of chronic bronchitis status was available for adults, aged 20 years and older.

Acute Bronchitis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
Acute bronchitis is a short term inflammation of the bronchi of lungs. It is usually caused by a virus.

Researchers at New York Medical College conclude that underlying fructose malabsorption and fructose reactivity in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may contribute to chronic bronchitis, through the formation of enFruAGEs. However, more research is needed to establish and clarify the mechanisms involved.

Soft Drinks with High Fructose Corn Syrup

A recent study by the Childhood Obesity Research Center at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California found that hugely popular soft drinks hold more fructose than most people know.

A research team led by Michael Goran, the drinks - as sold on the streets - contain 50 percent more fructose than glucose. The ratio, it shows, is 60:40 and not 50:50 as it is in regular sugar.

Diet Soft Drinks are Bad for Your Dental Health
Scientists have found that acids in sugar-free drinks, lollies and other “sugar-free” treats are attacking our teeth just as aggressively as sugar.

There are high fructose levels in fruit juices as well as sodas. We should eat fruit - not drink it, Goran says.

Five Healthy Beverage Choices

Now we are well aware of the fact that consumption of HFCS is linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and chronic bronchitis. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, at present, beverages such as soft drinks and fruit juices are the primary sources of HFCS. So, read ingredient labels before drinking bottled beverages to avoid high fructose corn syrup.

Below are some alternative beverage choices that can improve your health and satisfy thirst.

The Lungs
The lungs are our organs of respiration. It is within these, that exchange of gases takes place.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas can make a great alternative to fruit juice. Green tea gives an array of potential health benefits including the prevention of obesity and cancer.

100 Percent Fruit Juice

Fruit juices should be taken in moderation since they have high concentrations of sugar. Apple juice rarely contains high fructose corn syrup. Now, many brands offer 100 percent juice varieties. Dilutie100 percent fruit juices with water to reduce the level of natural sugars.

Water

Water may seem an obvious alternative, but surprisingly, most people do not drink nearly enough water. Water should supply the majority of your hydration . Chronic dehydration is a concern among many people and is connected to multiple chronic health conditions.

References:

1. http://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12937-015-0097-x

2. Luanne Robalo DeChristopher Email author, Jaime Uribarri and Katherine L. Tucker
DOI: 10.1186/s12937-015-0097-x

Source-Medindia