6 Super Liver Cleansing Foods

By Michelle Schoffro Cook

Next to your brain, your liver may be the most overworked organ in your body. This powerful organ, sitting just under the ribs on the right side of your body, has approximately 500 functions— from filtering toxic substances out of our blood, to reducing excess stress hormones and cholesterol, ensuring strong digestion and even filtering over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Because it works so tirelessly, it also needs plenty of nutrients and liver-supporting foods to keep it functioning optimally. Here are some of the best foods to give your liver a boost:

Avocado—Exciting research published in the medical journal Hepatobiliary Surgery and Nutrition found that a group of compounds found in many fruits and vegetables known as carotenoids can help protect and treat non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD has been linked with obesity, type 2 diabetes and other serious health conditions. While avocado contains a small amount of carotenoids, it has been shown in research to boost the absorption of carotenoids 2 to 6 times when eaten alongside rich sources of the nutrients, such as tomatoes, carrots, squash, pumpkins and many other orange and dark green fruits and vegetables. The healthy fat found in avocados also reduces inflammation in the body—a condition that has been linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and many other serious conditions. Use avocado in place of butter on bread or sandwiches. Add it to wraps, on top of salad or as a creamy salad dressing or dip base. Beets—These nutritional powerhouses contain a substance known as betaine which is essential to healthy digestion, one of the liver’s many functions. They are powerful liver-cleansers and rebuilders. Enjoy raw grated beets in salads or on sandwiches. Steam or roast beets and use in soups, stews and atop salads. Dandelion Greens—Perhaps dandelion greens are the most overlooked liver-cleansing foods. They contain numerous bitter compounds that help cleanse the liver and boost its functioning. Choose young dandelion greens as they are more palatable than more mature ones. Also, pick dandelion greens away from high-traffic areas or areas that have been sprayed with chemical pesticides. Steam, saute or juice the greens. I love them sautéed with minced garlic, olive oil and topped with some fresh lemon juice and a dash of sea salt. Flax Seeds and Flax Seed Oil—Flax binds to hormone receptor sites, preventing excess hormones (including synthetic xenoestrogens—chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body—from plastics and other sources) from floating around your bloodstream. One of the liver’s 500 jobs is to filter excess hormones. Flax seeds and flax seed oil can help improve the liver’s efficiency in this regard. Sprinkle flax seeds on cereal, toast, salads or blended into smoothies. Use flax seed oil as a base for homemade salad dressings, along with some lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Lemons—The compound limonene found in lemon can boost your body’s production of glutathione, a critical nutrient in liver detoxification that helps ensure toxins are neutralized before they can damage the body’s cells. Add fresh lemon to your water, atop salads, over vegetables or to soups. Keep in mind that the limonene is primarily found in lemon peels, so buy organic lemons and grate a small amount of the rind and add to your salad dressings, soups and baked goods. Turmeric—This super spice is potent medicine for the liver. It is the highest known source of beta carotene, which helps protect the liver from free radical damage. In the medical journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, researchers found that curcumin, a naturally-present compound found in turmeric, could protect the liver against alcohol-induced injury. Curcumin is also a potent anti-inflammatory. When it comes to boosting liver health, food truly is the best medicine. Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM is a board-certified doctor of natural medicine and international best-selling and 19-time published book author whose works include: Be Your Own Herbalist: Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking (New World Library, 2016).

Herb that Repels Insects as Effectively as DEET

By Michelle Schoffro Cook

Most humans love the fragrant scent of lavender wafting in the air. But research shows that some insects can’t stand the smell of this purple flower, which is good news if you’re trying to send them in the opposite direction. In a study comparing the effects of lavender essential oil to the chemical DEET-based tick repellents, lavender showed results that were comparable to the DEET sprays at repelling ticks. At a 5 percent concentration, the insect-repelling results of the lavender oil lasted for 40 minutes while at a 10 percent concentration, the results lasted for 2 hours. Another study in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that lavender oil used in a 30 percent dilution was 100 percent effective against ticks. That’s great news for anyone trying to steer clear of DEET-based repellents, which should be everyone. A study by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and published in the Journal of Neurochemistry found that DEET-based mosquito repellents interfere with proper nerve signalling in humans, disrupt the hormone dopamine needed for healthy brain function and contribute to chemical mechanisms associated with neurological disorders and nerve degeneration. Other research in the journal Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior found that DEET may be linked to motor function impairment and brain and nervous system damage. It’s no surprise that insects head the other direction…while they still can. Perhaps we should follow their lead and leave the DEET repellents behind in favor of natural options like lavender. While I am unfamiliar with any studies specifically testing lavender essential oil against mosquitoes, I can attest to its effectiveness in this regard. I am a natural-born mosquito repellent…for anyone who stands near me at least. That’s because the mosquitoes seem to head straight for me, leaving friends and family members in my company unscathed. But I’ve found that lavender oil works well to keep the little pests away from me too. Adding 10 drops of lavender oil to your favorite unscented cream or oil and applying before heading outdoors will help to keep ticks at bay. Like the chemical sprays, you’ll need to periodically reapply the lavender oil. Of course, you should conduct a 48-hour skin test using diluted lavender oil (one drop of lavender essential oil to 10 drops of a carrier oil like sweet almond or apricot kernel oil) to the inside of your wrist before using it all over your body and face. What’s more is that lavender helps to alleviate anxiety and depression, aids sleep and PMS symptoms and even helps with skin conditions and burns. Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM is an international best-selling and 19-time published book author whose works include: Be Your Own Herbalist: Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking (New World Library, 2016).

Herb that Shows Promise against Heart Disease

By Michelle Schoffro Cook

Few people give their heart and vascular system much consideration until something goes wrong. But the circulatory system, which comprises the heart, lungs, arteries and veins, keeps hormones, nutrients, oxygen and other gases flowing throughout the body. Essentially, it is the delivery system for the body, without which we could not live. However, with our modern high stress lifestyle with its stresses, fast food and insufficient activity, we can become prone to the leading cause of death—heart disease. When we think of natural solutions for the condition, we probably think of a plant-based diet high in Omega 3 fatty acids and low in trans fats, saturated fats and Omega 6 fatty acids, not to mention exercise. And, we’d certainly be right in doing so since all of these lifestyle improvements can help prevent or reverse heart disease. But exciting research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that adding the herb rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) to your diet can also help treat heart disease. The researchers found that compounds naturally found in rosemary have significant anti-inflammatory effects, which is an underlying factor in the condition. A growing body of research links heart disease to low-grade inflammation throughout the blood vessels. Our dietary choices of trans fats and other harmful fats, excessive sugar consumption and other inflammation-causing substances can inflame the blood vessels. I tend to think of the inflammation underlying heart disease as scouring the inner walls of the blood vessels, which then need repair with substances like cholesterol, which is the body’s natural substance for arterial repair. While rosemary has been traditionally used throughout history in the treatment of headaches, memory and epilepsy, the research shows that it also holds promise as a natural medicine for the treatment of heart disease. The study concluded that rosemary has the potential to be developed into a natural heart disease medication or functional food. How to Use Rosemary The easiest way to benefit from rosemary’s circulation-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties is to add it to your food. It is a flavorful addition to soups, stews, vegetable or poultry dishes. I add rosemary along with vegetables like onions, carrots, celery and other vegetable scraps and water to make a delicious stock that can be used to make soups, gravy, sauces or to cook rice, quinoa, or other grain. Rosemary is also a welcome addition to tomato sauces or other tomato-based dishes. How to Make Rosemary Tea Add two teaspoons of dried, organic rosemary needles or a 4-inch sprig of fresh rosemary to boiled water and let steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and drink to reap the health and healing rewards of rosemary. Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM is an international best-selling and 19-time published book author whose works include: Be Your Own Herbalist: Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking (New World Library, 2016).

10 Warning Signs of Cervical Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

By James Achanyi-Fontem,

camlinknews More than 40 years ago cervical cancer was a major cancer death risk for women. With the development of pap tests and in-depth recognition of warning signs those numbers are dropping significantly. We still aren’t completely safe however, as many thousands of American women are still affected by cervical cancer every year. Picking up on risk factors and warning signs could save an individual from a lifetime of suffering. Cervical Cancer Risk Factors Acknowledging the risk factors that make women more likely to contract cervical cancer will help women to reveal a greater insight to their cancer risk. Human Papilloma Virus Infection (HPV) – There are over a hundred different viruses grouped here and some are spread through skin contact and considered a stepping stone to cervical cancer. Detection of HPV is usually through the discovery of warts or pap smears. Food Intake – overweight women and women that have a diet devoid of essential nutrients from fruit and vegetables face a higher risk of cervical cancer. Birth Control Pills – The female hormones found in some oral contraceptives may provide some cancers with ideal breeding grounds. Also the risk of cervical cancer goes up the longer a woman takes oral contraceptives and doubles after 5 years of using them. Genetics – There are conflicting references regarding this issue. Some references claim that cervical cancer is something that can be passed down among family members, giving women with a genetic history of the cancer about 2-3 times more of a risk. However I’ve seen other references that claim that there is no genetic component to this type of cancer. HIV – The virus that causes AIDS damages the immune system and increases the risk risk for HPV infection. Chlamydia Infection – Women who show signs of past or current chlamydia infection have a higher risk of cervical cancer. Smoking – Women who smoke double their chances to get cervical cancer. It is believed that tobacco by-products damage the DNA of cervix cells, and may contribute to developing this cancer. Smoking also affects the immune system, making it harder to fight HPV infections. And indeed smoking is one of the top 10 habits to stop right now if you want to be healthy. Multiple pregnancies – Women who have had 3 or more full-term pregnancies have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. No one really knows why this is true. First pregnancy at a young age – Women who were younger than 17 years when they had their first full-term pregnancy are almost 2 times more likely to get cervical cancer later in life than women who waited to get pregnant until they were 25 years or older. Warning Signs of Cervical Cancer In the earliest stages of development, there is typically a frightening lack of visual and physical symptoms to foreshadow onset stages of cervical cancer. Many symptoms aren’t evident until the cancer has begun an invasive spread to surrounding tissue. Some of the most typical symptoms are as follows: 1. Leg Pain Some women exhibiting early stages of cervical cancer experience swelling and pain in the leg. When the cervix swells it can lead to an obstructed blood flow, which eventually causes the leg to swell and gives a sore, painful sensation. 2. Vaginal Discharge It’s normal for a woman to experience small amounts of clear discharge without color or odor. If the output of discharge increases, smells foul, or has any type of irregular appearance, it could be a sign of onset cervical cancer. 3. Unusual Bleeding Of all the symptoms, this is likely the most common. If a woman is experiencing an untimely bout of vaginal bleeding, it could be an indicator of cervical cancer. Consider contacting a physician if you experience persistent bleeding in between menstrual periods or following sexual intercourse. Women who are postmenopausal and no longer have periods should pay close attention to this symptom. 4. Discomforting Urination Keeping track of urination can help reveal the presence of cervical cancer in several ways. The most immediately obvious and prevalent symptom is discomfort while urinating. This is normally described as a tight and concentrating stinging sensation, but it can take on several different discomforting sensations. Usually when urinary symptoms are involved, the cancer has spread to nearby tissue and requires immediate attention. 5. Irregular Urination The appearance of the urine and urinary habits can also be symptoms of cervical cancer. If you notice strange changes in the frequency of your urine, loss of bladder control (incontinence) or a discoloration – especially with blood – seek the input of a medical professional. 6. Irregular Menstrual Cycles – There should be some level of consistency when it comes to monthly periods. If time, frequency, or any other changes disrupt the regular routine, it may be linked to a future with cervical cancer. Take note of any medication you are on and consult a physician if inconsistencies persist. 7. Uncomfortable Sex Painful intercourse, otherwise known as dyspareunia, is another discomforting side effect of cervical cancer. There are several possible reasons for this symptom to develop, as is the case with many of the symptoms on this list. This symptom is most commonly linked to conditions that require medical attention, however, so it shouldn’t be ignored. 8. Pelvic Pain Pelvic pain is a fairly routine burden of being a woman. Cramping and aches during a menstrual cycle are perfectly normal, but when pain lasts for longer periods, happens frequently, or becomes more intense than usual it could beckon a look from the doctor. 9. Back Pain – Back pain is common, affecting around 80 percent of Americans, and it can happen for a wide variety of reasons, but if accompanied with other symptoms from the list, go for a medical check-up. 10.Unexplained Loss of Weight and Fatigue – Again, on its own, these symptoms can be a result of other factors, but when other symptoms are present, it should signal the need for a physical checkup. Cervical cancer can reduce the number of healthy red blood cells which are replaced by white blood cells that try fighting off the disease. This can cause anemia which typically causes the woman to feel unexplained fatigue, lack of energy, and can lead to weight loss due to a loss of appetite. Prevention of Cervical Cancer Treatment of cervical cancer is tough because it is often hard to detect in the earliest stages. For this reason, the best defense for women is preventative knowledge. Pap Test Screening – Pap smears are the best way to test for cervical cancer, so they should be done regularly according to a woman’s age. WebMD recommends that women ages 20 to 30 get a screening every 3 years, 30 to 65 every 3 to 5 years, and women 65 and older need no further screening if they’ve had 3 tests in a row with regular results. HPV Vaccine – Some medical professionals advocate HPV vaccines for women and men before their early twenties. They claim it is essential for preventing the virus that causes cervical cancer. Female children can get their first vaccination at as early as 9 years old. No Smoking – People that are exposed to cigarettes, even those who are only around secondhand smoke, face a greater risk of contracting cervical cancer. If you smoke, consider the multitude of health benefits that come from quitting, and the ton of health risks you face by continuing. Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases – HPV can exist in a sexual partner with a deceptive lack of symptoms. Having a firm grasp of your sexual partner’s history will help you reduce the risk of cervical cancer. When in doubt, always use protection. Some of the above mentioned warning signs can be also signs of ovarian cancer. To learn more about the risk factors and warning signs of ovarian cancer read my article in this subject: 8 Early Warning Signs Of Ovarian Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore Resources [1] http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/oral-contraceptives [2] http://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-cancer/understanding-cervical-cancer-symptoms [3] http://www.webmd.com/cancer/tc/cervical-cancer-screening-topic-overview [4] http://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-cancer/cervical-cancer-prevention

Lemon and Baking Soda – Powerful Healing Combination for Cancer

By Jenny Hills

If you are a supporter of alkalizing therapy, then this natural treatment for cancer will resonate with you. In vitro tests have shown cancer cells thrive in acidic and oxygen-free (anaerobic) environments. The first to describe the correlation between the acidic environment and cancer cell growth was Dr. Otto Warburg, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in physiology in 1931. Dr. Warburg’s work In his work he scientifically explained how the growth of cancer cells is triggered in the absence of oxygen, and as a result of sugar fermentation that occurs under such conditions. Dr. Warburg was in fact describing acidic conditions. For cancer cells to maintain effective metabolism, they need a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Their tolerance for change is small, therefore it has been argued that by raising the blood’s pH, we will effectively target the cancer cell’s cycle, stop its growth and cause it to die. The key is to make your body more alkaline, and different ways to do that have been proposed (find more information in my previous article about how to balance your pH and find out if you are too acidic). Alkalizing the body with baking soda and lemons It has been shown that sodium bi-carbonate (baking soda) alkalizes the area around the tumor and prevents development of metastasis (spread of a cancer from one organ to another) in mice with breast cancer. A study published in Cancer Research in 2009 confirmed that inhibition of tumor’s acidity reduced the number of metastasis in some cancers. A new study is underway at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, which will look specifically at the effects of sodium bicarbonate on breast cancer patients. Lemons, too, help to balance the body’s pH. They have an alkaline effect on the body, despite their initial (citric) acidity. They contain limonoides which are phytochemicals and have anti-cancerous properties. Vitamin C destroys free radicals, which damage our cells. An interesting thing about lemons is also that they act as an anti-microbial. Some researchers suggest that cancer is like a fungus, and should be treated in the same way, so lemons might be a powerful remedy. Now put baking soda and lemons together, and you get a potentially powerful anti-cancer concoction. Also, lemons are a safe way to introduce high alkaline substances into the system. If successful, this method destroys only cancer cells, while healthy cells are left alone. You can ingest the mix by drinking a glass of water with half a lemon and half a teaspoon of baking soda. It is recommended to drink this mixture between meals, as if taken with food, it will reduce the effectiveness of the stomach’s acid and compromise digestion. Other methods of taking the mixture have been described, but they might require professional guidance, such as intravenous vitamin C therapy. As we know, conventional cancer therapies come with many side effects, and sometimes there is little they can do for the patient. According to The Cancer Alternative Foundation, when applied properly, alkalizing or ‘pH therapy’ has had a success rate of 80% and higher, which is a hugely significant rate when compared with some of the mainstream methods. Lemon and Baking Soda – Things to Consider It’s worth pointing out that the research about lemon and baking soda for cancer is extremely limited. Although the current results are encouraging, further research is needed. There is no scientific information about the dosage that is needed for an effective treatment and there is no exact information about the quantities of each ingredient in the mixture. In addition, the scientific evidence is extremely limited. There are of course many factors that influence the individual’s treatment process, and there is no cure that would suit all. What is important is to keep an open mind, and evaluate all options available.

Protein Myth That Has Taken Years to Debunk

By Becky Striepe

Protein combining is the idea that in order to get ”complete” proteins from plant-based foods, you need to eat two different protein sources together, like beans and rice or corn and quinoa. And it’s just not true. Here’s how this myth got started and the truth about plant-based protein. Back when I first went vegetarian and then vegan, Diet for a Small Planet was the book to read. At that time, author Francis Lappe included information in her book about how plants provide incomplete proteins and how vegetarians and vegans need to combine proteins at each meal to ensure we’re getting a “complete” protein. This was commonly considered true at the time. It was being taught in health and nutrition classes and in medical schools, so it makes sense that Lappe would mention it in her book. I also learned about protein combining in a freshman year nutrition class in college. In more recent editions of Diet for a Small Planet, Lappe says correctly that there’s no need to worry about eating complementary proteins, as long as you’re eating enough calories. Protein combining is all about amino acids. The idea is that plant-based proteins don’t provide all of the essential amino acids, so you need to eat combinations of plant-based protein sources to make up the complete set. It’s like Pokemon, but with amino acids: “Gotta catch ‘em all.” But, that’s not really how it works. It’s true that some plant-based foods are missing an amino acid here and there. What isn’t true is that you need to combine plant-based proteins carefully to avoid deficiency. Your body stores amino acids, so if you eat whole grains at breakfast and beans at lunch, you’re good. In fact, as long as you’re eating a variety of plant-based protein sources, you’re good. And pretty much all plants provide protein. Unfortunately, this myth is still common, even in the medical community. Jeff Novick, MS, RD, describes teaching a recent nutrition course where a medical resident told him that protein combining was covered in one of her current textbooks. It turns out that the myth of protein combining has even deeper roots than the book that popularized the idea. It goes all the way back to a 100-year-old study of rats. Here’s Dr. Michael Greger talking about how this idea got started and what we know now about plant-based protein. You don’t have to eat beans and rice together to stay healthy. As long as you’re eating a variety of foods, you don’t need to worry about complementary proteins on a vegan diet at all. Your body is smarter than that. The other concern when it comes to plant-based protein is that vegans and vegetarians don’t get enough. Luckily, I’ve noticed that this myth seems to be on the decline. It’s so easy to hit your protein requirements while eating a plant-based diet. If you’re worried, check out these 25 delicious vegan protein sources, and lay your fears to rest.

How a Can of Coke Destroys your Bones

Coke contains phosphoric acid

Certain Coca-Cola bottles claim that the drink contains no artificial flavors and chemical preservatives. This seems to be the company’s newest strategy to get the more health-conscious costumers back on board. The only problem is that the labeling is somewhat misleading. Coke contains the notorious phosphoric acid, which is essentially both an artificial flavor and a preservative, and has been linked to many health problems. Read on to find out what happens to your body when you consume Coca-Cola and how it can destroy your bones. What Happens when you Drink a Can of Soda I mentioned in a previous article what happens within an hour of drinking a can of soda: Within 20 minutes, you get a sugar high. Your blood sugar spikes, resulting in a quick release of the hormone insulin. The liver tries to compensate by turning excessive sugar into fat and storing it around the body. Within 40 minutes, all the caffeine is absorbed and your body responds to this substance: the pupils dilate, blood pressure rises, and the liver dumps even more sugar into the bloodstream. Around 45 minutes after you have had your drink, the body increases dopamine production, which gives the person an imminent sensation of pleasure – this is similar to the way the body responds to heroin. After 60 minutes, you develop a sugar crash. You can experience fatigue, change in mood, lethargy, mental fogginess. A can of coke contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar, which amounts to 100% of your recommended daily intake. The extreme sweetness is masked by phosphoric acid, which prevents the body from developing an immediate reaction to the glucose overload. Here is how phosphoric acid can destroy your bones. How a Can of Coke Destroys your Bones Coke contains phosphoric acid Coca-Cola contains Phosphoric which is also known as E338, orthophosphoric acid, and phosphoric(V) acid. It is a mass-produced chemical, available cheaply and in large quantities. It can be used to remove rust, while the food-grade phosphoric acid is a very acidifying agent. It makes the drink more acid than vinegar or lemon juice. Some studies have linked phosphoric acid to osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease and kidney stones. One such study was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2006. The main conclusion of the study was that drinking cola is associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) in women. Women who were drinking Coke daily, had 3.7% lower BMD at the femoral neck compared to those who didn’t consume the drink. The link was not found with other carbonated soft drinks. There was however a study that claimed just the opposite, and linked low phosphor intake to lower bone density. This study was funded by Coca-Cola, so the findings are not unbiased, and the validity of the study has been questioned. Coca-Cola is Under Fire for its Deceptive Labeling As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, certain Coca-Cola bottles claim that the drink contains no artificial flavors and chemical preservatives. Coca-Cola is under fire for its deceptive labeling, and several class action lawsuits have been filed across the US. The company officials say that phosphoric acid is not on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) list of artificial flavors, so they are not obliged to name it as one. But this claim was quickly discredited, as the FDA’s list is not meant to be exhaustive. The FDA defines artificial flavors as ingredients included specifically to add flavor and which are not derived from natural sources like fruit and vegetable juice, plant materials, or dairy products, among other things. Coke doesn’t hide the fact that phosphoric acid is used in its signature drink, and includes it in the list of ingredients. It adds tartness to Coke (that’s why the abundance of sugar has to be used to mask and balance the acidity), and prevents spoilage, so it’s clearly a flavouring and a chemical preservative. Where else you can Find Phosphate Compounds Meat and dairy products also contain phosphate compounds, which is probably why they can cause inflammation in the body. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), most phosphates in the American diet don’t come from soft drinks, but from animal products. Taking that into consideration, Coke might be more harmful due to its high sugar content, and less for the phosphoric acid it contains. Food and beverage labeling is becoming a big battlefield, and there is a lot of scope for fraud and product misrepresentation. Common ingredients found in processed foods can be harmful for our health (and you can read about them in my article about the top 10 worst ingredients in food). It is clear that Coke is not a natural drink. People buy it for other reasons, and being healthy is not one of them. 1. Here is another popular beverage that can increase your risk of having a stroke and heart attack. 2. Make sure to consume this ingredient to strengthen your bones. 3 Responses to How a Can of Coke can Destroy Your Bones 1. Phil says: Phosphoric acid is produced and used within your body during metabolic processes around ADP/ATP energy metabolism. Phosphorus and phosphates are a essential component to life. Phosphoric acid is an acid correct but, it is more acidic than vinegar and other acids. However, you have forgotten about the stomach whose acid content is far stronger than phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid is used in soda to keep carbon dioxide in solution ie a preservative of “fizziness”. Not all preservatives are “bad”. Phosphoric acid exists naturally in nature as part of the life cycle of phosphorus again an essential component of life like water, carbon, nitrogen, etc.. From an acid perspective, drinking soda would supplement the age related decline of stomach acid. However, to much would affect pH in the GI tract and affect nutrient absorption and digestion processes. Carbon dioxide expands the stomach providing more room for food and may result in over consumption of food. Carbon dioxide can be absorbed in the stomach lining directly into the blood and form carbonic acid. This will have little effect on the blood pH and chemistry due to the buffering capacity of your blood. Again, over consumption may lead to affecting the pH of blood. Once this capacity has been stretched then problems can arise from the change of blood chemistry due to the lowering of pH. Sugar has its own problems. Too much can cause a hole list of problems. Blood levels affect the insulin response which leads to irregular blood levels which affects many things due to improper energy levels. Diabetes is one of the most common and also brain function. So what else in soda is causing the problem? Good question – maybe the caramel additives, other natural and artifical flavourings? Regardless, correct information should be given so that the public is not misinformed about the risks of drinking soda. Should we stop drinking soda? Maybe but, perhaps a reduction would be appropriate nonetheless but that depends on your current health status. If you carbohydrate daily intake is reduced then is drinking soda moderately a problem? I do not know just wanted to clarify some finer points that are often overlooked, mistated and quite frankly wrong. 2. Ken Easterling says: If you put 20 penny nails in a container with coca cola in it, the nails will disintegrate very rapidly. Do you think we need that in our bodies? A 10 ounce coca cola has 10 teaspoons of sugar in it. Do you think it is good to drink something that has that much sugar in it? Personally, I have never drank carbonated drinks and I hope I never get the urge to do that. I don’t need the sugar and I certainly don’t want to drink something that can dissolve 20 penny nails. 3. Joseph says: Pepsi & Coke are known killers ! I carried the chemicals from Ireland to other EU countries in the backs of trailers. Often a container would be leaking the chemical would eat through a 1/4 plate steel chassis of the trailer. These chemicals did cause health problems just to breath in the vapours on a hot day caused problems. They should be banned, they are killing children / people.