How Diet Sodas Affect Children

Many of us grew up drinking caffeinated diet sodas instead of sugary regular sodas. We believe that this is a better option than overloading our and our children's bodies with sugar. While diet sodas help us avoid a sugar overload (which can lead to weight gain), we should be aware of the effects of caffeine, which is found in many cola-flavored diet sodas.

Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to excrete water. Drinking several caffeinated drinks throughout the day depletes rather than replenishes the body's fluids. When such drinks are consumed as the primary source of daily fluid intake, the net result may be a loss of water, which can lead to dehydration. It is not uncommon for many of us to be dehydrated without even realizing it!

Here are some of the most common symptoms of dehdration. If you recognize any of these symptoms, you may be able to improve your health simply by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of pure, fresh water every day.

1. Headaches are the most common symptom. Toxins are flushed from the body by water, which is one of its primary functions. Because your brain is made up of 75% water, even mild dehydration can cause headaches.

2. Lack of concentration/fatigue

If your body is unable to eliminate toxins, it will struggle, and you will feel less energetic as your body diverts energy to deal with the toxins.

3. Constipation is number three. Your body will divert water to more important functions, making your stools harder and more difficult to expel.

4. Low urine output or dark urine

Did you know that your kidneys can filter up to 200 litres of water per day? Your urine will become darker if you do not provide fresh water for your kidneys to filter waste products out of your blood.

5. A scaly tongue or bad breath If there isn't enough water passing through your mouth to wash away food particles, bacteria can multiply and cause that 'furry' feeling or bad breath.

6. The skin. Your skin should be pliable. When you pinch the skin on the back of your hand, it should immediately snap back.