Chennai: Facing trouble in getting your child to stop consuming aerated drinks? Do scary stories of what the poisonous contents in the drinks can do, not worry your child?
Doctors have and will continue to plead with the public to find a replacement for these soft drinks and now, they urge the public to take it seriously following a study done by the Drug Technical Advisory Board recently.
Despite the study having found lead content and other chemicals in drinks like Sprite, Mountain Dew, 7UP, Pepsi and Coca-Cola, manufactured by two major multinational companies, sales of these drinks continue to thrive.
“Even though the public is aware, they continue to consume it. Once you get attached to something, it continues to tempt you. Though not an addiction, it can be difficult to let go,” said renowned dietician Dr Dharini Krishnan.
With youngsters and the elderly alike having developed a great liking towards aerated drinks for its fizzy nature, doctors suggest alternatives, which could also be healthy. “The option of lime and soda is one that many could like. There are a lot of soda makers available today,” added Dr Krishnan.
Despite education and awareness on the same, not lacking, many choose to ignore the seriousness of the matter. “Unlike in the case of cigarettes, pictorial warnings cannot be carried (on the glass and the pet bottles of the drinks).”
“However, if increased awareness on what lead toxicity can do is created with a link stating that aerated drinks have it, the possibility of sales falling may be seen,” said Dr K. Murali, a nutritionist.
“There are much cheaper alternatives, such as the elixir of the common man — ‘Mohr’ or buttermilk — and other juices like those made from vegetables (commonly made from varying combinations of carrots, beets, pumpkin, and tomatoes) and fruits — citrus or not.
Parents must introduce such drinks into the family diet on a daily basis. Only then will the possibility of some change be seen among children,” said Malini, a nutritionist. The paneer soda — a traditional drink, which gives one the same tang as that of the aerated drink (with the benefit of containing rose water) — could also be a good alternative to soft drinks.
Go natural, shun soft drinks
R Vanmathi doesn’t have to convince her sons of the harms caused by cola and soft drinks. She says that they are aware of the harms, and thus, prefer fruit juices to those.
But not everyone sees a similar outlook towards consumption of such drinks, which are available cheaper and commoner than natural drinks. Studies carried out in the US show that routine consumption of diet sodas, even one per day, can be connected to higher likelihood of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and high blood pressure, in addition to adding to weight gain. Such impact on health and lives is not a deterrent when it comes to reducing the intake of soft drinks.
“Personally, I prefer juices, but most of my friends like Pepsi as it is sweeter than juice,” said R Neha, a student. But it is not just the young population that is hooked to the likes of Cola and Pepsi, adults like these as much.
“Chilled Pepsi helps me feel refreshed in no time. At times when I am sleepy and need to concentrate, it helps concentrate more. Also, when I am dizzy, it helps me regain strength in no time,” said R Alekya, a software professional.
Doctors, say that the popularity of these drinks is due to the massive advertising that goes on to promote them among the masses. “The government also plays a huge role in ensuring prices of fruits and tender coconuts don’t go as high by procuring them from the farmers. This would not only encourage farmers, but also discourage people from consuming harmful carbonated drinks,” said Dr Ravindranath, of Doctors Association for Social Equality.
