Alcohol vs. Soda: What's Really Worse? - PharmEasy blog (2024)

You may have read or heard health advice warning you not to drink too much alcohol or drink a can of co*ke (or any soft drink of your choice). But are they equally harmful to your health or is one more dangerous than the other? Read on to find out.

Let's use four key parameters to compare the harmful effects of both drinks:

1. Toxicity

Drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time can cause this

• Decrease the activity of your nervous system.
• Leads to cirrhosis.
• Inhibits the function of the kidneys and pancreas.
• Causes stomach ulcers.
• Cut off the blood supply to the heart and gradually weaken it.
• Increases the risk of getting cancer.

What can soft drinks do to your body?

• Drinking too many soft drinks leads to fat deposits in your liver and increases your riskfatty liver disease.
• It can cause weight gain, especially around the abdomen.
• It can negatively impact your heart health.

As for toxicity,Alcohol has more troubling effects on your health than soda.

2. Glycemic score

When you consume certain foods or drinks, it increases the sugar levels in your blood. This is the glycemic index and all foods and drinks are assigned a score between 0-100 based on the sugar boost.

Distilled alcoholic drinks such as vodka, rum, cognac or whiskey have a negligible glycemic index. In that sense they are not particularly harmful.

But cola and those types of soft drinks are full of sugar. They can cause a dramatic increase in sugar levels in your body. This can ultimately lead to insulin resistance – the culprit behind itType 2 diabetes.

On that point, alcohol is less harmful than soft drinks.But co*cktails – these are sugary alcoholic drinks – have the same effect on your body as soft drinks. So drink responsibly in more ways than one.

3. Weight gain

It is known that both alcohol and soft drinks can be fattening. Moreover, people tend to consume both with fried, unhealthy snacks that will do no good to your weight loss goals.

Alcohol is a hunger stimulant. But drinking in moderation — one drink if you're a woman and two if you're a man — won't lead to significant weight gain.

But the added sugars in soft drinks directly lead to drastic weight gain and ultimately to obesity. And obesity, in turn, can be a magnet for a wide range of lifestyle disorders, such as diabetes, heart disease, and diabetesarthritis.

In fact, a standard can (330 ml) of cola contains a whopping 7 teaspoons of sugar!So in weighty matters (both literally and figuratively), alcohol emerges as the clear winner.

Also read:Will Alcohol Kill Lice: Debunking Common Home Remedies

4. Nutritional value

There isn't much to choose between alcohol and soda when it comes to nutritional benefits. Neither drink has any nutritional value.

However, studies have shown that extremely small amounts of alcohol can improve heart health and alleviate the effects of high blood pressure, Alzheimer's disease or diabetes. Red wine contains antioxidants that can fight infections, keep the dreaded free radicals at bay and even ward off cancer.

Soft drinks, on the other hand, do your body no good in terms of nutrition and can only have a devastating effect on you.

Alcohol and soda both have the potential to destroy your health. But between the devil and the deep sea, alcohol is slightly less dangerous than soda, simply because it has a handful of health benefits. But only if consumed in moderation.

Although soft drinks can harm your body more, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to several health problems such as liver disease, stroke, heart disease, etc. It is always recommended to drink alcohol in moderation.

dr. Siddharth Gupta, BAMS, MD (Ayu)

Healthy alternatives to alcohol and soft drinks

A healthier option to both soft drinks and alcohol are sugar-free, antioxidant-rich drinks that are beneficial to your health. The super cool young generation wants cleaner drinks and more provenance when it comes to knowing what's in their glass. Here are some healthy drinks you can try instead of soda or alcoholic drinks:

• Kombucha: Made with black or green tea with a hint of bacteria, this fermented and naturally effervescent drink has become a byword, representing a "cult status" among people who want to drink something that tastes grown up yet is a healthy option. Kombucha manufacturers often tout its probiotic and antioxidant properties. Because it contains no sugar, its popularity among young, health-conscious drinkers has skyrocketed sales.
  
• Coconut Water: According to reports from the USDA, unsweetened coconut water is packed with vitamins and minerals and contains only 12 grams of sugar per serving. cup. Coconut water also contains electrolytes such as potassium and sodium that help restore strength after a long, strenuous day. Coconut water is a refreshing and hydrating drink that you can add to your daily list of healthy drinks.
  
• Green Juice: Whether homemade or pre-mixed green juices are available on the market, they are a good alternative if you want to switch to healthy drinks instead of alcohol or soda. For homemade green juices, the vegetables should be coarsely chopped and thrown into the blender. The pre-mixed juices available in the market can be in juice form or in powder form that needs to be liquefied. However, before purchasing, it is advisable to check the ingredients list as many of these green juices contain sugar content.
  

Soft drinks contain large amounts of sugar or other artificial sweeteners. It contains enough caffeine to perhaps even raise your blood pressure. It can promote obesity, digestive problems, bone problems, etc. For these reasons, it is always recommended to avoid drinking soft drinks.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Mocktails:Many alcohol cravings can be suppressed by indulging in mocktails. Mocktails are made from fruit juice and sparkling water, making them a healthier version of soda or alcoholic drinks. Mocktails can be made refreshing by adding mint leaves, lemon slices and ice.

Also read:Frugal October: what it is and tips for success

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practice universally followed. The suggestions in this article represent relatively general advice given to patients. Because every patient is different, if in doubt, you are advised to consult your doctor before acting on this information. Lupine Limited has facilitated the distribution of this information to you solely for the purposes of patient education and welfare.