Mens Health and Supplements

How to Grow Taller with Supplements

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You’ve probably thought about this more than once. Is there a way for you to gain height even after your growing age has passed? Everyone considers it at some point: extra inches can’t hurt, right? But you’ve probably been discouraged because you’ve heard that once you pass puberty, there’s no more growth. Right? Wrong. And you’ll find out how. Just keep reading!

How Height Works

Here’s how height works: once you exit your puberty phase, your growth plates fuse together, thereby ‘sealing’ your height. Usually, you stop growing in your late teens or early 20’s. This is bad news.

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. While it’s true that your growth plates lock once you’re older, there is one part of your body that still has the potential to be flexible. This is your spine. Your spine is made up of several discs that are connected by malleable soft tissue called cartilage. The secret to more height lies here and if you unlock it, you can gain the inches you want!

Your cartilage can still stretch and expand, provided you know certain tips and tricks. So don’t worry, there is still a way you can get those precious few inches you want.

There are many ways that can help make you taller. Some of these are lifestyle changes, some are natural remedies and some involve growth hormones and supplements. Let’s go through these and you can decide which one you want to opt for, for maximum results.

Ways to Make Yourself Grow Taller

#1: Align Your Spine!

Did you know that when you sleep, your spine stretches itself out? This is because it’s in resting mode/position. While in rest mode, the disks in your spine can stretch out and this gives some length to the cartilage between them. Therefore, you almost always wake up taller than when you sleep. Think of it as unlocking your maximum height potential.

The insight here is that you need to consistently fix your posture and align your spine. If you have persistent back problems, you should visit your local chiropractor who will help you with realignment. A good way to do this in everyday life is to make sure you sit and stand absolutely straight. When you sit in a chair, don’t cross your legs or hunch forward. If you do, you will unknowingly compress your spine, leading to you looking shorter than usual. Always try to look your full height by standing up straight and holding your chin high.

#2: Sleep Deep!

Everyone says this and it is absolutely true: you need your beauty sleep. In this case, you need these essential 8 hours to ensure that your spine gets time to rest and expand. What’s more, sleeping and waking up on time ensures that your body stays healthy and can produce more useful hormones that contribute to good growth. So if you’re trying to get taller, don’t compromise on the nightly z’s.

#3: Eat Clean and Lean!

This is a significant lifestyle change that might take you some time but it can deliver results if you do it right. Switch up your diet and start eating clean to ensure your body can grow. You need to incorporate foods that contain amino acids as these are essential components for the Human Growth Hormone (HGH). HGH will be discussed further on in more detail when we talk about how to use hormones to increase height.

In terms of food, you should eat plenty of green vegetables, fresh fruits, and lean meats. You should consume lean proteins as these will help your muscles grow in a healthy way. Plus, they will encourage the production of amino acids in your body, which we will discuss in detail below.

#4: Grow with Growth Supplements!

The above-mentioned methods will get you some results but these will likely be much slower than tackling the problem with growth supplements. You might be hesitant because you might think these supplements are dangerous. Well, this article will address your concerns and hopefully answer your questions about how and why growth supplements work to increase your inches!

The Secret Ingredient: HGH

What is Human Growth Hormone and where do you get it from? Essentially, your body cannot function or survive without this important hormone. It regulates and controls vital functions in your body such as:

  • Cell regeneration and accelerated growth
  • Healthy tissue generation and maintenance
  • Some weight loss
  • Improved sleep processes
  • Sharper cognitive function and mood improvement
  • …and much more

What’s important for you to understand is how HGH works to grow the cartilage and soft tissue present in your body. The hormone actively repairs this cartilage and makes it able to expand and stretch even more. Therefore, by consuming high levels of HGH producing foods/supplements, you will be able to increase your height to some extent.

Get Your HGH On with Growth Factor Plus

Now that you understand what HGH is and how important it is, you should know where to find it. There are 5 essential amino acids that can help elevate your HGH levels successfully. These are:

  • L-Ornithine
  • L-Arginine
  • L-Lysine
  • L-Glutamine
  • L-Glycine

Growth Factor Plus is a miracle pill that contains all of these amino acids, plus a useful mixture of other vitamins and minerals that aid growth hormones. Not only that, but these ingredients will help to nourish your bones and take care of joint health as well!

How Does Growth Factor Plus Work?

The best thing about Growth Factor Plus is that it works in a simple yet effective way. And this is while you sleep. You read that right: this supplement works to grow your cartilage while you’re peacefully snoozing away through the night!

As your spine stretches and relaxes during the night, the supplement provides useful expansion and growth to the cartilages between your spine. This means that not only do you reach your full height potential, but you also gain extra height. However, this will happen over a period of time so you shouldn’t expect to wake up extraordinarily taller the next morning.

This is a good transition into the various pros and cons of this supplement. Once you read and understand these, you will know whether or not you want to commit to taking this supplement for a longer period of time.

Growth Factor Plus: The Pros

  1. One of the best things about this supplement is that it consists of odorless, easy to swallow tablets that contain all the ingredients in one. All you have to do is take 2 tablets per day and you’re good to go (dosage may vary based on your physician’s recommendation). There is no extra step nor tedious move you need to make. Just remember to stay consistent and on top of your pill routine.
  2. Growth Factor Plus will elevate your HGH levels and this goes beyond the height additions. You will find that higher HGH levels give you a lot of functional benefits asides from just adding inches. For example, HGH works to increase cartilage, bone, and joint strength and also provides essential antioxidants to help with anti-aging processes.
  3. Safety is always a high priority with Growth Factor Plus since it’s made in a GMP Approved Facility. GMP Approved Facilities are regulated and governed by the FDA to make sure that all the ingredients used are of the highest quality and are legal. So you should rest assured that the supplement contains only safe ingredients that are fit for consumption.

Growth Factor Plus: The Cons

  1. Different folks will have different results with Growth Factor Plus. This is because everyone has various factors that determine how they will be affected. For example, age, lifestyle, and diet are important factors. A person who is younger, fitter and healthier, will experience better results than someone who isn’t in good shape. But don’t let this hold you back!
  2. Results take time. As with any supplement, you can’t expect Growth Factor Plus to give you added inches overnight. That would be asking too much of any sort of vitamin you were to take. You will have to be patient if you invest in this supplement because your body needs time to start producing higher levels of HGH. All you have to do is be patient and understand that great results take time!

The Bottom line

So when everything is said and done, should you invest in Growth Factor Plus? The short answer is that it depends on your goals. If you want a supplement that has it all in one and produces results over a period of time, this is the right choice for you. However, if you’re looking for a quick fix or shortcut to growing taller, then this won’t make the cut. Growth Factor Plus will work in combination with a variety of factors such as lifestyle, good diet, and a positive attitude. You need to ensure that these things are in place before you start the supplement. Moreover, you should always check with your local physician before you start taking any new supplements. As long as you have all these checks in place, you’re good to go!

List of the Best Estrogen Rich Foods You Should Be Eating

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Whether you are a man, or a woman, your hormones, and body, will be affected by estrogen levels.  While estrogen may play a larger role with females, it will impact men as well, mainly in the tissues of the breasts.  (If you have ever taken Doctor-administered testosterone injections, you are usually prescribed estrogen blockers.)  Today we’ll talk about the best foods for producing estrogen.

Poor nutrition, as well as genetic issues, can lead to lower estrogen levels.  However, the biggest contributor for this decline, in women at least, is age.  When this happens, disease can occur and the risk of diseases, sexual issues, and obesity, become very real.  So does osteoporosis.

For this reason, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep it going by eating well, so today we’ll document the best foods for increasing estrogen levels.

Estrogen Rich Foods

#1:  Flax Seeds

Among the richest sources you can buy, there is a reason this is the number one pick.  You will not only get fiber, the all important omega 3 fatty acids, but also you can help lower cholesterol levels when consuming flax seeds.  Best of all, they are easy to eat and put on top of your cereal, in your smoothie, or on your oatmeal.

flax seeds

#2:  Soy

Containing isoflavones, you can get the many benefits of soy in yogurt, milk, or flat out regular soy. The most popular way to get soy is in tofu, however.

soy

#3:  Fruits

Among the best fruits to boost estrogen include strawberries and peaches.  While not every fruit will help you build estrogen, these two are superstars.  They also reduce cancer risks, heart attack odds, and other heart diseases that could surface.  Eat them raw, blended, or as a topping – it really doesn’t matter.

fruits

#4:  Nuts

Easy to snack on, grab and go, and add to just about anything you eat, stuff like peanuts, pistachios, and walnuts, are all great sources of estrogen.  You can also get them in spreads, like almond and peanut butter, making it easy to top on a pre workout bagel.

walnuts

#5:  Red Wine

Ladies and gentlemen, rejoice!  Wine is healthy for you – again!  You’ll find high amounts of phytoestrogen in wine, and this will help female hormones.  (Guys, you can get the additional benefit of it reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.)  Of course, try not to day drink and find yourself having a wine at dinner along with some peanuts, but watch out for having too much of it, because the sugar content can sneak up on you.  Then again, you may not want to totally stop consuming sugar.

flax seeds

In closing, when the estrogen levels are in check and healthy, your main things will be improved.  Things such as sexual function, metabolism, and cholesterol.  So please, if you have a problem with estrogen, consult a medical expert.

 

 

The Benefits of Probiotics

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WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?

If you’re not familiar with probiotics or how they can benefit your health, this article may be of some interest to you. In essence, probiotics are live microorganisms that work to increase the “good” bacteria in your gut while lowering the “bad” bacteria.

Probiotics can be found in a wide range of fermented foods, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, pickles, and kimchi. They can also be consumed as supplements as well. Several studies have shown that the bacteria in our gut plays a significant role when it comes to our digestive health, ability to lose weight, and immune function.

BAD BACTERIA VERSUS GOOD BACTERIA

When most people hear the term bacteria, they often equate it with diseases or other problems that can adversely impact their health. And in most cases, they would be right. However, when it comes to the good bacteria associated with probiotics, the opposite is true. Probiotics work to restore the natural balance bacteria in the gut, making you less susceptible to inflammation, digestive problems, allergies, obesity, and even mental illnesses.

WHY SHOULD YOU TAKE PROBIOTICS?

Having answered the question of what are probiotics, let’s take a closer look at how they can benefit your health:

HIGH CHOLESTEROL

In addition to improving gut health, lactic acid-producing bacteria in certain strains of probiotics have been shown to lower LDL (low-density lipoproteins), commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol. And the heart health benefits do not stop there as the same lactic acid-producing bacteria has also been shown to lower high blood pressure as well.

According to a study published by the National Institute of Health, this specific strain of probiotics helps break down bile, a naturally occurring fluid that contains cholesterol, in the gut. Bile plays a critical role when it comes to digestion; however, if too much of it makes its way into the bloodstream, it can lead to high cholesterol.

To further illustrate this point, in 5 separate studies where participants consumed probiotic-containing foods for 2 to 8 weeks, many saw a 5 percent decrease in their LDL cholesterol. And those who did not experience a decrease in LDL saw an increase in HDL, which is the good cholesterol that protects against heart disease.

As far as blood pressure is concerned, lactic acid-producing bacteria in probiotics have been shown to only modestly lower high blood pressure. Nonetheless, adding probiotics to your diet while taking diuretics or other blood pressure-lowering medications is a great way to get high blood pressure under control.

AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS

One of the most common autoimmune disorders that affect skin health is eczema, a condition characterized by patches of inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and rough skin. Adding probiotics to your diet not only helps to alleviate these symptoms but also lowers your chances of developing eczema in the first place.

It is important to note that most of the studies detailing the effectiveness of probiotics in treating eczema were conducted on children; however, researchers and scientists involved in these studies are optimistic that adults with the same skin condition could benefit from taking probiotics as well. In addition to skin problems caused by autoimmune disorders, probiotics have also been shown to be effective in reducing the inflammatory response in those who are allergic to the allergens found in many dairy products.

DIARRHEA

Although antibiotics are effective in resolving bacterial infections, these medications are also known to cause diarrhea. According to some studies, this happens because antibiotics disrupt the gut’s balance of good and bad bacteria. These same studies show that consuming probiotics, either from whole foods or supplements, can reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea by as much as 42 percent.

While probiotics may be a godsend to those struggling with antibiotic-associated diarrhea, these live microorganisms also benefit those with other forms of diarrhea as well. Several studies have revealed that specific strains of probiotics can reduce the risk of experiencing traveler’s diarrhea, for example, by as much as 8 percent.

Furthermore, these same strains of probiotics can reduce diarrhea duration by as much as 25 hours, providing those who are already struggling with the condition some much-needed relief. Lastly, probiotics have been shown to reduce the risk of all forms of diarrhea by 26 percent in adults. It can also reduce all forms of diarrhea in children by as much as 57 percent.

If you’re still not sold on why you should take probiotics, you’re encouraged to continue reading as there are more health benefits to be had.

DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

Not surprisingly, probiotics can also help minimize the symptoms associated with certain digestive disorders, especially those that contain Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains. Studies show that probiotics that contain either of these strains are effective in reducing symptoms synonymous with Crohn’s disease as well as colitis, two of the most common inflammatory bowel diseases in America.

Also worth mentioning, probiotics that contain a particular strain known as E. coli Nissle is reportedly just as effective as prescription-based medication in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Probiotics that contain these specific strains may also be beneficial to infants, insomuch that they minimize the risk for developing necrotizing enterocolitis, a fatal bowel condition that occurs in premature infants, by as much as 50 percent.

STRONGER IMMUNE SYSTEM

Probiotics can improve the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful bacteria that would otherwise start to grow in the gut. And the benefits do not stop there as probiotics can also trigger an uptick in the production of antibodies, which can help fend off a variety of infections and illnesses.

What’s more, probiotics also strengthen the immune cells associated with mucosal surfaces, which act as the body’s first line of defense when it comes to protecting against infections and diseases. Some of these immune cells include T lymphocytes, IgA-producing cells and, lastly, natural killer cells.

To further put this into context, a large scale study, which consisted of more than 500 children, found that probiotics not only reduced how often children developed respiratory infections but also the severity of those infections as well, typically by 17 percent or more. Also noteworthy, probiotics that contain a specific strain known as Lactobacillus crispatus may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in women by an astounding 50 percent, according to a study published by the National Institute of Health.

WHY SHOULD YOU TAKE PROBIOTICS FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

Studies show that certain strains of probiotics can prevent the body from absorbing dietary fat in the intestines, which keeps you from packing on more fat while you work toward losing the fat that you already have. In short, probiotics make it possible for dietary fat to be excreted through waste as opposed to staying in the body. Beyond that, the live microorganisms that makeup probiotics also keep you satiated, which means you are less likely to overeat.

BEST PROBIOTIC BRANDS

Having answered the question “what are probiotics” and detailing the many benefits that come with them, let’s take a moment to highlight some of the best probiotic supplement brands currently on the market:

GNC PROBIOTICS ULTRA 25 PROBIOTIC COMPLEX

From of the most trusted names in health and fitness, GNC Probiotics Ultra is a great probiotic supplement for general health and provides the following pros:

  • 25 billion live and active cultures
  • Relieves constipation, gas, and bloating
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Increases production of short-chain fatty acids
  • Balances gut flora
  • Supports better overall health

CONS

While GNC Probiotics Ultra is a great all-around probiotic supplement, there are a few downsides worth noting:

  • Can be harmful if taken while already ill
  • Can be harmful to those with a compromised immune system
  • Not regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
  • May cause stomach pain
  • May cause bloating
  • May cause dehydration

CULTURELLE DAILY PROBIOTIC

Considered by many as the best-selling probiotic supplement in America, Culturelle Daily Probiotic can improve the health of men and women alike and offers the following pros:

  • Contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus to improve digestive health
  • Has been shown to boost the immune system
  • Protects against gingivitis and gum infections
  • Restores a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut
  • Soothes urinary tract infection symptoms
  • Helps reduce inflammation

CONS

Culturelle Daily Probiotic supplements have been linked to the following:

  • Gas or bloating
  • Breathing problems
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Swelling of the tongue, face, or throat
  • Fevers
  • Chronic coughing

DR. NATURA FLORA PROTECT PROBIOTIC

Natura Flora Protect probiotic contains various strains of probiotics that can benefit your overall health, some of which include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. And best of all, they cause little to no stomach upset. Additional pros include

  • Can help relieve irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis symptoms
  • Can soothe irritated skin
  • Can strengthen the immune system
  • Improve digestive health
  • Safe for those who are lactose intolerant
  • Vegetarian-friendly

CONS

Despite the many benefits associated with Dr. Natura Flora Protect probiotic, there are some drawbacks worth noting, some of which include

  • More expensive than other probiotics
  • Allergic reactions in those sensitive to soy
  • Bloating
  • Cramps
  • Gas

BOTTOM LINE

Although there are some side effects associated with probiotics, most would argue that they are strongly outweighed by the many health benefits that they provide. It is also worth noting that, depending on your health and dietary needs, some probiotics may be better than others. If you would like to learn more about probiotics or need help choosing from some of the best probiotic brands on the market, you’re encouraged to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable associates today.

15 Foods for People Who Have Kidney Disease

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Kidney disease is a real threat to men and women across the world.  If you are one of the unlucky people suffering from any type of kidney disease, do know that diet can play a large role into your long term health and care of your kidneys.  Foods that are antioxidant rich can help protect the body and neutralize free radicals, and many of these foods are part of kidney diets and also are recommended for people on dialysis or anyone with chronic kidney disease (CKD.) When you eat properly, and follow the advice of a renal dietitian, you can consume foods that are kidney friendly, you actually help your situation greatly, mostly because of the correlated risk of cardiovascular disease.

Also read:  Types of Kidney Diseases

Which Foods are the Best for Kidney Disease Patients?

​According to Davita Kidney Care, this is is the list of the best foods you can eat to protect your kidneys.

​#1:  Red Bell Peppers​​​​

Red Bell Peppers

These are low in potassium, which is important if you have kidney disease, and also taste amazing. Packed full of vitamins C and A, they also have a solid amount of fiber.  Fiber is of uber importance for people with CKD.  They also contain lycopene, which will help against many forms of cancers.

Red bell peppers can be used as a snack, paired with dip, (I like spicy hummus), or they can be used as a grilled side or addition to a salad or sandwich.  Don’t forget to add them to your favorite omelet recipe or even stuff them for a tasty meal filled with your favorite fillings.

​#2:  Cabbage

Cabbage

Low in sodium, protects against cancer, and high in vitamins K and C.  Also very high in fiber.  Use as a topping on tacos or add to a salad.

​#3:  Cauliflower

​Cauliflower

Another cruciferous vegetable loaded with vitamin C and fiber, you can eat these raw with your favorite dip.  Also add it to salad or make pasta out of it.  This is a solid diet replacement for mashed potatoes.

​#4:  Garlic

Garlic

What an easy addition to just about any meal, and there are many other side benefits to using garlic, like lowering your blood pressure.  Garlic will help reduce inflammation, and it’s so versatile you can use it in meat dishes, on toast, in pasta, or even simply on bread.  It’s delicious, and nutritious. Just remember to keep some gum around for afterwards to clean your breath!

​#5:  Onions

Onions

Rich in flavinoids, onions protect against many forms of cancer and are an easy to incorporate food into dishes like burgers, salads, or even raw.  They also help with metabolism, and we all want to burn fat, am I right?

​#6:  Apples

Apples

My nutritionist has me on a low sugar diet, and while I am limited to one apple per day, I must say, I look forward to it on a daily basis!  Very high in fiber, which is crucial for kidney disease patients, you’ll also get the bonus of the anti-inflammatory compounds, and as they say, “an apple a day will keep the doctor away.”  Since us kidney disease sufferers see our doctors enough as is, this is a good thing.

I eat apples raw after rinsing them.  You can also use them in salads, eat with dip, or even hummus.

​#7:  Cranberries

Cranberries

Normally known to help with UTI or bladder issues, cranberries protect your stomach from bacteria that can cause ulcers, so in short, they are great for gastrointestinal health.  They also show signs of helping protect against cancer and heart disease, which is important for CBK sufferers.  It’s super easy to consume via juice, or even raw.

​#8:  Blueberries

Blueberries

Perhaps my favorite on this list because I love the taste, these are high in vitamin C, and also antioxidants.  Reducing inflammation is the common theme here, and blueberries do just that.  They also have fiber, and if I haven’t harped on the importance of fiber enough, well, you’ll continue seeing it in subsequent recommended foods so get used to it! 

​#9:  Raspberries

Raspberries

Benefits include vitamin c, fiber, vitamin b, and antioxidants.  I personally sprinkle them on oatmeal and eat them raw.

#10:  Strawberries​

Pretty much the same as raspberries, with the added bonus that they provide heart protection.  I eat them raw and top oatmeal with them, but they can also be added to salads and desserts.

#11:  Cherries

Cherries

Is there any fruit better than a cherry? As a kid I used to order cherry coke by the dozens in bars that my parents would hang out at.

When consumed daily, these can reduce inflammation and also protect the heart.  Use them raw, or consume as cherry juice.

#12:  Red Grapes

Red Grapes

Grapes, which of course, make wine, are high in resveratrol, which has no shortage of press behind it showing it’s anti-aging qualities.  Read this WebMD entry and you’ll see why it’s one of the best things you can put in your body.  Buy red or green grapes for the best health benefits.

Also Read:  A kidney diet for IgA

#13:  Egg Whites

Egg Whites

These are one of the best sources of pure protein, and you’ll find a lot of other benefits like essential amino acids when you consume egg whites.  The protein is solid because it comes with less phosphorus when compared to meats or even egg yolks.  Eggs are very versatile and can be paired with just about anything.

#14:  Fish

Fish

High in protein, low in calories and fat, fish also has a lot of anti-inflammatory fats that are called omega-3s.  Omega 3s assist in fighting cancer and heart disease, which are things kidney disease patients have to look out for.  Fish are easy to prepare, and pair well with vegetables.

#15:  Olive Oil

Olive Oil

Using olive oil versus other oils can lower rates of cancer and heart disease, and if you are picking up that these foods follow a common theme, kudos to you, it’s important.

Also featuring an anti-inflammatory fatty acid, the fats in olive oil protect against oxidation.

There you have 15 foods you can safely eat while dealing with kidney issues.  Any renal dietitian will agree that these foods are not only kidney friendly, but also very healthy.

Why Diet Soda is Bad for You

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Many people who are trying to think they are living healthy by consuming diet soda need to wake up and smell the coffee.  Diet soda is bad for you, and today I’ll share with you a few reasons why this is the case.

Diet Soda is Bad for Your Body

There is no shortage of brands out there that tout a “diet” version of their bubbly soda that lacks the calories and sugar content that the regular version contains.  This comes with serious health risks, as there have been links between consuming too much diet soda and having health conditions that I listed below:

  • diabetes
  • fatty liver
  • dementia
  • heart disease
  • stroke

I’ll address all of these links in today’s blog entry, as well as tackle the issue of is diet soda better for you than regular soda?

What Exactly is Diet Soda?

Marketed as a soda that mirrors the taste of a classic soda, but with less or zero sugar, diet soda uses artificial sweeteners to achieve the taste appeal of the regular version.  These artificial ingredients include aspartame and saccharin.  There are many soda makers that claim these versions are more healthy for people trying to lose weight, so they in turn switch to the diet version of soda thinking they will naturally lose some unwanted pounds.

The Medical Research Behind Why Diet Soda is Bad

There’s a lot of published evidence out there that links diet soda consumption to the health problems I’ve mentioned above.  Everything from the heart, to metabolism, to brain function, to liver problems, are all linked to diet sodas.

This research dates back many years, yet people continue to consume diet soda.

There are many reasons these links can happen, which is an entirely different article and debate, but many people who choose to do the diet route with soda also have a higher chance of living a lifestyle that includes eating various types of food which may not always be good for you.  Therefore, there are health risks involved with that link.

Diabetes

It’s highly debated, and quite undecided, why diet soda raises the risk of these diseases and conditions. Some researchers feel like the diet soda can damage blood vessels or cause chronic inflammation.  (I have that in my kidney, which is called IgA Nephropothy, and I was a huge consumer of diet soda.  It’s not known if that was linked, but it’s worth mentioning.)

There’s also this study that suggests that the brain can respond differently to flavors by having an affect on dopamine, which plays a role in motivation and pleasure, and is a neurotransmitter.  Also, having more diet soda can lead to consuming more sweets, which would include more soda as well as snacks like ice cream and dessert.

A 2017 study had data that suggested diet soda was linked to a higher risk of having a stroke as well as Alzheimer’s disease.  This study included almost 3,000 people that were all over the age of 45.

In specific, having just one diet soda on a daily basis made the person’s risk of stroke and Alzheimer’s disease TRIPLE that of the average person who did not consume diet soda.  (This was the same study.)

In another study of Japanese factory workers done in 2014, just over 2,000 of these workers were found more likely to get diabetes versus those who didn’t consume diet soda.  Even after taking into account family history, BMI, age, and lifestyle, the study held firm in it’s results!

My take, which is suggested in many studies, is that the artificial sweeteners play a major role.

I have sworn off diet soda’s, mostly because of a chronic kidney disease, but also, because there are many better options out there that won’t lead to a crash.  I’ve found seltzer water to be my new drink of choice. It hydrates me as well as tastes great.