Is Soda Consumption Associated With Infertility?
There is no doubt that soda is one of the most widely consumed foods. Drinking too much soda poses several health risks, such as obesity, diabetes, dental cavities, etc. Despite this, not many people are aware that soda may contribute to infertility. Diet and other associated factors have a significant effect on fertility, but people often overlook them due to so many factors influencing fertility.
The relationship between soda and infertility:
Men and women who consume excessive amounts of soda are significantly more likely to suffer from infertility. Regular soda consumption by men is associated with a four-fold increased risk of sperm count and motility lowering, as well as other factors that impact fertility. Additionally, soda is an acidic beverage, which affects fertility further by altering the pH of the body.
Many soft drinks contain aspartame, an artificial softener that disrupts the endocrine system and can cause hormonal imbalances. The consumption of excessive soda can also generate free radicals, which can kill many sperm and ovum. Aside from that, soft drinks are usually high in caffeine, which is a vasoconstrictor that reduces menstrual bleeding. Thus, both men and women can experience infertility if they consume excessive amounts of soda.
Here are some other harmful effects:
There are other ways in which soda consumption affects fertility, such as:
- A soda contains an extreme amount of sugar, resulting in excess weight gain, obesity, poor digestion, etc., all of which are extremely harmful to fertility.
- Soft drinks and sodas are also high in additives, preservatives, colorants, etc. that can have a negative impact on fertility.
- The consumption of excessive soda may increase blood sugar levels, which can lead to type-2 diabetes, which can lead to problems during pregnancy as well as poor fertility.
- A soda drinker can also be infertile due to the disruption of the body’s hormonal balance, including estrogen.
- Aside from being highly addictive, soda affects gut health, bone strength, and a variety of other body organs negatively. The combined effects of all of these factors are very detrimental to fertility.
Therefore, it is important to understand that drinking sodas and other soft drinks regularly are detrimental to the individual’s health and fertility. Replace soda with healthy drinks such as herbal tea, lime juice, fruit juice, and water, which is the most important.