Are Diet Drinks Dangerous?

A new study published in the journal Stroke revealed some potentially startling information. Older women who drink more than one diet soda (or other artificially sweetened beverage) were at a higher risk of suffering a stroke than those that did not drink this amount. When compared to women who did not drink diet sodas, this group of women were about 23 percent more likely to have a stroke and 31 percent more likely to have a stroke that was caused by a blocked artery.

 

In this study, the researchers also found that the mortality rate of this group was 16 percent higher, too.

 

There’s obviously a lot to unpack regarding this study. For example, one question that might not be addressed is why this group of women were drinking diet soda. Women that are trying to lose weight or have been told to stay away from drinks with high amounts of sugar might already be at a higher risk for stroke or other cardiovascular conditions. If this is the case, then the artificial sweeteners found in diet drinks might not have anything to do with the findings.

 

Diet drinks may be dangerous in elderly women.

 

However, because this study did build upon previous research and the link between diet drinks and cardiovascular disease has already been established, there seems to be some basis for the statement that diet drink consumption should be moderated. Diet soda and other beverages may be a healthy alternative, but only if they are consumed in small amounts. Over 81,000 postmenopausal women were looked at for this study. On average, each of these women was tracked for almost 12 years. A compilation of medical data was looked at, made available through the Women’s Health Initiative study. Although this information is not definitive, it does provide compelling evidence to say that we need to be cautious when it comes to how much diet soda we drink. Healthier alternatives, like water, some sports drinks, or low caffeine teas and coffees (unsweetened) could provide a better choice in these instances.

 

This study comes on the heels of a study published by the American Heart Association that said that there was not enough evidence to say whether diet soda played a role in the future development of heart disease amongst younger adults and children. Even though current research makes this assertion, there is reason for all of us to take a step back and re-evaluate what we drink and eat. After all, Americans are living much longer than ever before, and entering our senior years in good health should be a goal for all in order to help reduce our dependence on senior care.

 

For many, this information is going to seem like it’s too little, too late. If your mother has already suffered from a stroke, then the goal is no longer prevention, but enhancing quality of life, healing, and helping to avoid a second stroke. Unfortunately, if someone has one stroke, they are likely to have a second stroke. Reducing the likelihood of this can go a long way toward helping them to live a better and happier life.

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