WASHINGTON (7News) — Do you love adding syrup to your coffee or sipping soda in the morning? You might want to think twice before enjoying your drinks.
7News Health and Wellness Reporter Victoria Sanchez spoke with Dr. Julie Chen, a lifestyle medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente, about the surprising effects of sugar.
A study in the journal Nature Medicine highlighted a staggering statistic: in 2020, over 2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes were linked to sugary drinks. Additionally, more than 1 million new cases of heart disease were also associated with these beverages.
Dr. Chen emphasized that sugary drinks can create tough habits for kids. If they start drinking sodas or sweet teas early in life, it’s often hard to change that later.
“We’re talking about energy drinks and fruit juices, which are often loaded with sugars too,” Dr. Chen explained. She advises parents to limit these drinks and instead encourage their kids to choose water.
Since many sugary drinks use bright colors and fun characters to appeal to kids, parents can try making water more exciting. Adding lemon, cucumber, or even berries can make it tastier. Seltzer water is also a fun and bubbly alternative.
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Sugary drinks,Sugar,Type 2 diabetes,Cardiovascular disease,Lifestyle physician,Dr. Julie Chen,Health,Hydration
