Carbonated drinks are real enemies of health. They “hit” different areas at the same time, and if you drink them excessively, sooner or later you will feel it on your body.

A recent study showed that people who consume at least one carbonated drink every day have a higher risk of stroke than people who do not drink carbonated juices at all.

Carbonated drinks are full of sugar and unnecessary calories, and their excessive consumption can increase blood sugar levels and cause inflammation and insulin resistance.

These drinks are also the main cause of numerous gastro-esophageal diseases, some of which are reflux and ulcers. Carbonated drinks also contain artificial colors and chemicals, so it is not surprising that they are one of the causes of cancer.

Here are some of the worst effects of drinking soda:

They increase your risk of cancer

The toxic chemical 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) is produced during the production of artificial caramel coloring found in many sodas. A 2014 study by Consumer Reports and the Johns Hopkins Center for the Future of Life found that 4-MEI was found in varying levels in 110 samples of soft drinks and diet sodas.

Ingesting this toxic chemical may increase your risk of developing cancer, the research team says. You might have to drink too many of these drinks on a daily basis to experience any health problems caused by this compound, but isn’t it enough to know that you’re willingly ingesting these substances?

May increase your risk of pancreatic cancer

Sodas are linked to an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer, according to a study from Singapore published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Scientists attribute the rise in cancer cases to high sugar levels, which increase insulin and encourage the growth of cancer cells.

May increase stroke risk

A study published in the journal Stroke – which studied 2,888 people over ten years and followed them for stroke and dementia – reported that those who drank at least one soda a day had a three-fold increase in their chances of developing either disease.

Can destroy tooth enamel

If you’ve ever seen photos of long-term methamphetamine addicts, a nearly universal attribute is severely damaged and decayed teeth. Research published by the Academy of General Dentistry found that the citric acid in soda can similarly affect tooth enamel, leading to erosion and decay.

Can Cause Bad Cholesterol

Clogged blood vessels may be another reason to avoid soda, as a 2015 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that subjects who consumed drinks with low, medium, and high amounts of high-fructose corn syrup for just two weeks had elevated levels of LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol. This shows a direct link between added sugars in drinks and risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease.

Sugar Addiction

When you’re stressed and tired, you tend to reach for sweet, rich foods, which is why many people indulge in soda. According to research in The Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism, drinking sugary drinks like soda can help relieve stress by blunting cortisol, a stress hormone. Because of the emotional response that sugar gives you, it makes you want to consume even more of the sweet stuff.

Builds Belly Fat

Are you worried about gaining belly fat as you age? Then you might want to avoid diet soda. According to a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society of nearly 1,000 adults aged 65 and older, those who drank diet soda daily had waistlines that were nearly an inch larger than those who didn’t drink the drinks.

Can Raise Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the surest signs of a bigger problem with your cardiovascular system. A 2012 study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, which looked at over 150,000 people, found that drinking sugary drinks like soft drinks containing high-fructose corn syrup was linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure.

Can Harm Your Kidneys

Your kidneys are important for filtering out all the toxins that accumulate in your body throughout the day, but if you regularly drink soda, their function may be compromised, according to a 2011 Harvard Medical School study.

Researchers reviewed data on more than 3,000 women over 11 years and found that a diet high in sodium, which is commonly associated with drinking artificially sweetened beverages such as diet sodas, can lead to reduced kidney function.

It may reduce fertility

If you’re planning to have children soon, it might be wise to avoid consuming soda for a while, says a 2018 study published in the journal Epidemiology. Researchers surveyed nearly 5,000 couples and found that just one or more sugary drinks a day led to a lower chance of getting pregnant.

Faster aging

If you regularly drink soft drinks, it affects not only your health but also your appearance. Studies have shown that a diet high in sugar may be to blame for premature skin aging and the appearance of wrinkles.

Weight gain A 2017 study presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting reported that consuming sucralose — one of the most popular artificial sweeteners used in soda — can activate genes that produce fat.

Muscles can weaken

No one wants to have weaker muscles, especially as you age, but the more you drink, the faster you could lose strength, suggests a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice. Scientists have found that drinking several liters of soda a day can negatively affect potassium levels in the body, leading to hypokalemia and reduced muscle function.

May cause lung problems

Researchers at the University of Adelaide in Australia have linked asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to soda consumption. In a study of more than 15,000 people, those who drank at least half a liter of soda a day were almost twice as likely to develop lung disease.

Shorter Lifespan

You don’t usually associate soda with early death, but a 2013 study presented at the American Heart Association meeting attributed nearly 180,000 deaths a year to sugar-sweetened beverages.

Weaker Bones

Strong, healthy bones are crucial as you age, as falls and subsequent fractures can become more common. Getting plenty of vitamin D and calcium can help prevent bone loss, but drinking lots of soda is a good way to weaken your skeleton, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Women who drink soda have also been found to have weaker bones in their hips.

They Start Taking a toll on your body quickly

If you think that occasionally indulging in a soda can’t hurt your body, a 2015 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition may convince you otherwise. It showed that drinking carbonated drinks for just two weeks can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, writes Eat This, Not That.