Chemicals: Killers in your bathroom

Before picking up a shampoo, face-wash or hand soap, have you ever looked at what ingredients it contains? If you haven’t, then it is strongly advised that you do so. And while you are skimming, be on the lookout for a chemical called ‘Sodium Lauryl Sulphate’ (SLS). If you spot it, or its cousin ‘Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate’ (ALS) then proceed to use the product at your own risk.

Here’s why. 

SLS and ALS are cleaning agents which are found in products which we expect to ‘foam up’. This includes, in addition to the products listed above, bubble-baths, tooth pastes, washing-up liquids/dish soaps, laundry detergents, children’s soaps/shampoos, stain removers, carpet cleaners, body washes, shaving creams, mascaras, mouthwashes, skin cleansers or make up removers, moisturisers and sun screens. In short, if you want to stay clean using an off the counter product, the chances are that you will be bringing an SLS-rich item into your home. 

The problem arises when we read what many scientists and researchers are saying about this ester. The American College of Toxicology published a report in 1983 which deemed this substance as a skin irritant and recommended that products containing this cleansing agent be used only for a brief, discontinuous time followed by a thorough rinse. For products which were meant for daily use, SLS and ALS were proclaimed unsafe and even carcinogenic in the long run.

Now here lies the problem. Shampoos are used at least thrice a week. We brush our teeth every day, multiple times a day. We use soap all the time. Our clothes are washed with detergents that contain SLS on a daily basis. We are walking, talking infusions of this substance that is meant to be used very sparingly. 

Skin specialists are the first to note the increased instance of skin problems in men and women. The main reason for this increase might not just be the polluted times we live in. Take, for example, the shampoo that you use. The SLS in that shampoo acts as a de-greasing agent, binding to the dirt on the hair and scalp and removing it when you rinse your hair. Yet, even after a thorough wash, SLS residue remains lodged in your scalp. Over a course of time, more and more of this residue is absorbed by your skin and acts as a drying agent, which causes hair loss and fall. It also causes acne as your hair comes in contact with your face, as does the foam of the shampoo. 

Most shampoos and cleansers contain 20 per cent of SLS and ALS, while research has indicated that a mere five per cent concentration of the substance used over a period of time can do significant damage.

However, the damage is not just limited to skin conditions. Baby shampoos contain SLS and the foam goes into your child’s eyes. Animal studies showed that 10 per cent SLS was enough to cause acute corneal damage. Moreover, many researchers have theorised, but not proved, that gradual absorption of this substance through the skin causes hormonal imbalances. SLS is also a mutagen i.e. it contains the ability to corrode genetic material in every cell in our body and therefore has been accused of being a carcinogenic substance.

Armed with this knowledge, what do we do? Do we stop washing ourselves and throw away all soaps? Well, no. One can keep clean and toxin free. Ever since big supermarkets have started mushrooming all over the country, it is not difficult getting your hands on a variety of herbal products, but the trick is that you have to search for the right one, for they are not all that easily available and are quite expensive.

However, if you’re not up for herb searching, you can go back and see what your elders used when all these ‘fancy products’ were not in vogue: gram flour was used with milk and lemon as a face wash. Miswak was used to clean one’s teeth. Many people still make their own shampoos from herbs. In a nutshell, if ever there was a time to go natural and replace chemicals with home ingredients, it is now.

But that is not all. The availability of safe products is determined by the demand you create for them. If you as a consumer can raise your voice and ask for a safe, toxin free product, the store catering to your needs will be made aware for the demand for this product. If enough consumers raise their voice against unsafe products and refrain from buying them, manufacturers and suppliers will be forced to cater to a more informed and conscious market and provide SLS and other toxin free goods. It all comes down to simple economics. 

So go ahead and make a more informed choice. It will pay off in the long run.

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Secrets your dentist doesn't want you to know

Going to the dentist may seem like a mundane chore, but it can quickly become an expensive one. Here's what you need to know to get the most for your money when shopping for dental care.

Recently, I addressed the annual convention of the International Association of Comprehensive Aesthetics (IACA), an organization of dentists dedicated to continuing education. It was quite an eye-opener.

I realized I knew very little about my dentist. Even worse, I didn't know how to determine if my dentist had the right qualifications and equipment to provide first-class dental care.

There are approximately 165,000 dentists in the U.S., and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the yearly earnings of dentists averaged $147,010 in 2007. There is no doubt we are spending a lot of money on dental care and most people do not have dental insurance. But are we spending our money wisely? This is an area of particular interest to retirees and those planning to retire, because dental health issues tend to become more pressing as we age.

Here are the secrets your dentist may not want you to know -- but you need to know to get the best care possible:




Secret #1: Your dentist may not be as educated as you think.

Dentistry has changed a lot since your dentist graduated from dental school. One practitioner told me changes come "almost daily." There have been major advances in most materials used in fillings, bonding and root canals.

The world of neuromuscular dentistry has evolved at a particularly rapid rate. This branch of dentistry treats misalignment of the jaw which can cause headaches, sleep apnea, worn or cracked teeth and severe jaw pain, among many other symptoms.

Dental techniques have also changed. Laser systems can regenerate bone lost to gum disease and improve smiles with gum contouring. Lasers and air abrasion systems can be used to remove some decay without numbing the patient and to achieve superior dental cleaning.

If your dentist is not actively engaged in continuing education, it is unlikely that he or she is keeping up with these developments. Here are some specific questions to ask:

How many hours of continuing dental education a year do you do? The top dentists I interviewed do 100 hours or more.

Where do you go for your dental education? Some of the top places for continuing dental education are LVI Global, the Pankey Institute and the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry.

Secret #2: Your dentist may not have the latest technology.

Technology is an important part of today's dentistry. Is your dentist current? Here are some questions to ask:

Digital x-ray: Dentists who do not have digital x-ray equipment are practicing in the dark ages. Digital x-rays use less radiation than film. They are easier to read and the ability to manipulate contrast makes diagnosis more accurate. This equipment is expensive. It costs $30,000-$50,000. You are worth it.

Ultrasonic Cleaning: Ultrasonic instruments vibrate plaque and calculus off your teeth, even in areas below your gums. It is much more comfortable than old-fashioned hand scraping. They can remove heavy stains (like tobacco and coffee) from the tooth and even treat periodontal disease.

Total cost to your dentist: Around $2000. There is no excuse for not having it.

CEREC: For many dentists, this is the information they don't want you to have. The CEREC system lets your dentist provide a ceramic crown, onlay or veneer in only one visit. Use of CEREC can conserve the tooth structure and permit the dentist to seal the tooth in one appointment. No gagging impressions. CEREC means fewer injections, less drilling and no annoying temporaries.

The big rub is cost. A CEREC system will cost around $120,000. Personally, I don't care. If I have a choice between a dentist who has it and one that doesn't, the availability of CEREC will be the deciding factor.

Diagnodent: This is a laser which the dentist shines on the tooth and it tells whether there is a cavity and how deep it is. What's more, the laser can even tell your dentist that a root canal may be required. With the use of this technology, the dentist can detect cavities, and find them at an earlier stage, than traditional poking around the tooth (and no one likes that!). The initial investment is $4000.

Secret #3: Your dentist may be using mercury.

I know the American Dental Association and the FDA have no problem with mercury fillings. However, none of the top dentists I spoke to would put mercury in the mouths of their families or their patients. They use a composite filling instead.

Mercury is toxic. As one dentist told me, "the only place I can legally put mercury is in your mouth or in a hazardous waste container." Norway and Sweden have banned the use of mercury fillings.

Even without the toxicity controversy, the use of mercury fillings is still questionable. Mercury expands and contracts with temperature changes, just like in an old fashioned thermometer. This can lead to cracked teeth.

Composite fillings look better. They bond to the teeth and make them stronger (mercury fillings weaken the tooth). Teeth with composite fillings are less sensitive to hot and cold. They require less removal of tooth structure.

Mercury fillings are less expensive and easier for the dentist to use. No continuing education is necessary.

To me this is a no-brainer. If your dentist does not use composite fillings, don't use him.

Secret #4: The lab may be more important than your dentist.

If you are like most dental patients, you have no idea which lab your dentist is using. This lack of information could cost you dearly.

Dental labs create dentures, crowns, bridges, orthodontic appliances, and other dental restorations like implant crowns. There is a huge difference in the quality of these labs.

In order to increase profit, some dentists use foreign labs or cut-rate domestic ones. These labs may include tin, aluminum or even lead in their restorations. A reputable, first class lab will certify its restorations contain none of those metals and provide the dentist and patient a warranty on their craftsmanship.

You should be particularly wary if your dentist is using a lab in China or Mexico, where the practice of using those metals is very common. Some of the top labs in the U.S. are Aurum Ceramics, MicroDental Laboratories, da Vinci Dental Studio, and Williams Dental Lab. I am sure there are many others.

If you don't know where or which lab your dentist is using, you need to find out... now!

Secret #5: There's more to good dentistry than filling cavities.

A competent dentist screens for more than tooth decay. He or she should be concerned about sleep apnea, jaw-related pain known as TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder, periodontal disease, oral cancer, diabetes and hypertension.

Sleep Apnea: Asking simple questions about snoring, weight gain, or medications such as blood pressure or acid reflux drugs can give your dentist clues about sleep apnea. Find a dentist that takes a thorough medical history.

TMJ: Did you know migraines and neck problems can be related to the position of your jaw? Your dentist should feel your joint and ask about any pain or discomfort you may be having.

Periodontal disease: By carefully checking the condition of your gums for periodontal disease, your dentist can detect early indications of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Hypertension: Most Novocain used by dentists contains epinephrine, which can increase your blood pressure. If you already have dangerously high blood pressure, the addition of epinephrine could cause a stroke. Your dentist should be aware of your medications and take your blood pressure before giving an injection or doing any dental work.

Advancements in oral cancer screening allow your dentist to find it sooner. A Vizilite exam is a detection tool used by dentists to see tissue changes in their earliest form. The dentist has you rinse with a solution and then shines a specially designed light in your mouth which will indicate the presence of oral cancer. A similar system by Velascope is also very effective at early detection.

If your dentist is not doing these health screenings, find one who does.

Secret #6: You are probably using the wrong specialist for dental implants.

Since dental implants involve the removal of a tooth and replacing it with an artificial tooth, many patients assume that an oral surgeon is best qualified to do it. This can be a flawed assumption.

Periodontists, who specialize in gum disease, may be a better option. Periodontists have special training in gum tissue and underlying bone in the mouth, which are significant issues in dental implants.

Whether you use your general dentist, a periodontist or an oral surgeon, you should ask these questions:

What is your success rate with implants? It should be at least 94 percent.

How long is the procedure? It should be no more than thirty minutes.

Do you use a surgical guide? A surgical guide directs the implant drilling system and provides for accurate placement according to the digital surgical treatment plan. It is important to confirm that the dentist doing your implant uses a surgical guide.

Do you use a CT scan and 3-D imaging software? This technology assesses bone structure and identifies the best sites for dental implant placement while avoiding vital structures like nerves.

Many dentists hold themselves out as implant specialists. You need to screen them very carefully before entrusting them with this surgical procedure.

Secret #7: Bad dental advice about dentures can be fatal!

Dentures are no joke to the millions of senior citizens who use them. While patients often pride themselves on keeping the same dentures for many years, this can be a big mistake. Your dentist should examine your dentures for evidence of wear. Wearing down the teeth on your dentures can result in distorted facial characteristics, collapse of the bite and closure of the airway.

Dentures need to be replaced at least once every seven years. Poor fit or worn dentures can cause sleep apnea, stroke or even death.

Yearly cancer screening exams of denture users are extremely important.

Contrary to common perception, dentures should be worn at night in order to insure that the airway passage is kept open. Your dentist should instruct you on proper denture cleansing and should check you regularly for signs of infection.

Secret #8: Your dentist may not know enough about sleep apnea.

The most common form of sleep apnea is caused by a blockage of the airway during sleep. It is a pretty scary condition. The patient can stop breathing hundreds of times during the night.

A common treatment for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). CPAP involves blowing pressurized room air through the airway at high enough pressure to keep the airway open. Many patients find it difficult to adjust to this device and want to avoid surgery, which is another treatment option. As an alternative, your dentist, working with your physician, can custom make a device that guides the lower jaw forward, called a mandibular advancement device or MAD. MAD devices are more comfortable to wear and the compliance rates are much higher than using CPAP.

If you have (or suspect you have) sleep apnea, here are some questions to ask your dentist:

Are you a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine?

Do you regularly attend the annual meeting of the Academy?

Do you work with Ear, Nose and Throat physicians and sleep physicians, where appropriate?

You can also call sleep centers and ask them what dentists they refer to in your area.

Sleep Apnea is potentially a very serious medical condition. It is important to do careful due diligence before you select a dentist to treat it.

Secret #9: Not all cosmetic dentists have the skills to really improve your smile.

A beautiful smile is a big part of our appearance. Cosmetic dentists promise us beautiful smiles (a "smile makeover"). But how do we know if they can deliver?

Any dentist can call herself a "cosmetic dentist." Here are some questions that will help you select one that is qualified:

1. Have you had post-graduate training? If so,where? The cosmetic dentistry field has changed rapidly over the years. A dentist with no post-graduate training is not likely to be current with these advancements. Look for post graduate training in porcelain veneers from well known schools like LVI Global, the Pankey Institute and the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry.

2. What kind of veneers do you use? The best veneers are either felspathic (super thin) veneers, or CAD/CAM veneers, which can be milled and made by a computer. There are pluses and minuses of both. Your dentist should explain the differences to you.

3. Show me the... veneers! Your dentist should be able to show you ten or more before and after photographs or videos. She should be willing to give you the names of patients who have consented to be used as references. Be cautious. Some dentists use before and after pictures of models they did not work on. Verify that what you are seeing is work done on actual patients!

Secret #10: How to avoid the root canal your dentist says you need.

Your dentist has just conveyed the dreaded news: "You need a root canal. Here's the name of the endodontist I recommend."

Now what?

Endodontists receive at least two years of additional training after dental school. They are root canal specialists. Start by checking to be sure the endodontist is licensed in your state. Some endodontists become Diplomats of the American Board of Endodontics and are "board certified." You can check to see if your endodontist is board certified by going to the American Board of Endondontics Web site.

Ask your endodontist if he uses a surgical microscope during treatment. These microscopes magnify the tooth approximately 20 times and greatly increase success rates. If your endodontist does not use a surgical microscope, find one who does.

Once you go an endodontist, it is almost a foregone conclusion that he will perform a root canal. That is his business and it is very lucrative. But is it always necessary?

Ask your endodontist if he has considered the "ferrule effect". Technically, this means that a root canal is unlikely to be successful if there is not enough tooth structure above the gum line to protect the tooth from coming loose or fracturing after it has been prepared for a crown.

If your tooth fails the "ferrule effect" test, you might be better off with an extraction and an implant, which will likely outlive you.

Still not a walk in the park, but far better than enduring an unnecessary root canal.

via dailyfinance.com

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Top ten worst foods of 2009

From an astonishing amount of calories to several days’ worth of fat in one meal to over the top levels of sodium, this is one place you don’t want to see any of your favorite foods. Every year, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) comes up with its list of the Top Ten Worst Foods and I always look forward to it. Once in awhile I find out I’ve enjoyed one of the “worsts” (and stop immediately!). But this year, I’m happy to report I have not indulged in anything on CSPI’s list for 2009.1. Pepperidge Farm Roasted White Meat Chicken Premium Pot Pie – There are 510 calories and 9 grams of saturated fat in this baby. Oh wait – that’s just for half a pie. The whole thing has 1020 calories and 18 grams of saturated fat.

2. Romano’s Macaroni Grill Spaghetti and Meatballs with Meat Sauce – This dish will set you back a staggering 2,430 calories and nearly three days’ worth of saturated fat (57 grams) plus 5,290 milligrams of sodium – more calories and saturated fat than two Macaroni Grill Tuscan Rib-Eye steak dinners.

3. Progresso Traditional, Vegetable Classics, and Rich & Hearty soups – Half a can averages more than half of a person’s daily quota of salt. Instead, CSPI says try Progresso’s Health Favorites reduced-sodium soups with up to 50 percent less salt. Also, see: Hidden sodium in foods you wouldn’t think to check.

4. Dove Ice Cream – A half cup has about 300 calories and an average of 11 grams of saturated fat – that’s half-a-day’s worth of the bad stuff. You may be better off with these 5 frozen treats under 100 calories.

5. The Cheesecake Factory Chris’ Outrageous Chocolate Cake – It’s layers of chocolate cake, brownie, toasted coconut pecan filling, and chocolate chip coconut cheesecake. CSPI found each five-inch-high slice weighs three-fourths of a pound and has 1,380 calories, 32 teaspoons of sugar, 33 grams of saturated fat and 5 grams of trans fat. Yikes!

6. Smoothie King’s Grape Expectations II – It’s one of Smoothie King’s “Snack Rights” with 550 calories in the 20-ounce size and 1,100 calories in the 40-ouncer. Proof that not all smoothies are good for you (but these are).

7. Pop Secret Movie Theater Butter Popcorn Snack Size Bags – Just one snack-size bag has 11 grams of bad fat, 7 of which are trans fats. Instead, CSPI says choose Orville Redenbacher’s Smart Pop or Smart Balance Smart ’N Healthy – both are made with no partially hydrogenated oils. Also, see this review of microwave popcorns from Consumer Reports.

8. The Starbucks Venti (20 oz.) Caffè Mocha with whole milk and whipped cream has 450 calories and 13 grams of bad fat – more like a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in a cup. But you can lose all the bad fat and all but 170 calories if you order a tall (12 oz.) with nonfat milk and no whipped cream.

9. Chipotle Chicken Burrito – With rice, pinto beans, cheese, chicken, sour cream, and salsa, you get 1,040 calories and 16-1/2 grams of saturated fat – the same as three Subway Steak and Cheese 6-inch Subs. Plus the burrito comes with 2,500 milligrams of sodium! Ordering it without cheese or sour cream cuts the saturated fat to 3-1/2 grams, but you still end up with 810 calories and 2,300 milligrams of sodium. Ay Caramba! Here’s another burrito that will shock you.

10. Cold Stone Creamery’s Gotta Have It Founder’s Favorite – 12-ounces of ice cream, pecans, brownie pieces, fudge, and caramel adds up to a whopping 1,600 calories and 42 grams of saturated fat. That’s about the same as five single-scoop ice cream cones. And watch out before you have this frozen concoction.

Any surprises? And tell me… have you had any of these

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Swine flu vaccines found safe in early trials

WASHINGTON: Early indications are a new swine flu vaccine is safe and is on track to be made available to the public by mid-October, US health officials said Friday. “There are no red flags regarding safety,” said Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, noting that a series of clinical trials were being conducted on the vaccine with results due out between mid September and late October. Adult volunteers participated in the first of five trials starting on August 7, and only reported arm swelling or redness where they received the injection.

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Coffee, tea may prevent strokes: Study

ISLAMABAD: Coffee and tea may help smokers to reduce the risk of getting strokes caused by blockage. Coffee and tea beverages have antioxidant properties and thus their consumption could potentially reduce the risk of stroke.

Coffee is also believed to improve insulin sensitivity.

To examine the associations of coffee and tea consumption with risk of stroke subtypes, researchers in Finland studied 26,556 adult male smokers, aged between 50 and 69 years, who participated in a large cancer prevention study.

The researchers analysed the participants’ diet, including coffee and tea drinking, at the start of the study. None of the men had a history of stroke at the outset.

During 13.6 years of follow-up, there were 2702 cerebral infarctions, 383 intracerebral hemorrhages, 196 subarachnoid hemorrhages, and 84 unspecified strokes.

After taking into account age and the presence of stroke risk factors, the researchers discovered that men who drank 8 or more cups of coffee daily had a 23 percent lower risk of cerebral infarction than those who drank less than 2 cups of coffee daily.

Men who drank 2 or more cups of tea daily had a 21 percent lower risk of this type of stroke relative to men who did not drink tea. No association was found between coffee and tea consumption and intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage.

The findings suggest that high consumption of coffee and tea may reduce the risk of cerebral infarction among men, independent of known cardiovascular risk factors.

These findings were attributed to the fact that coffee and tea contain phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties that may prevent atherosclerosis.

More studies examining the effects of coffee and tea consumptions and possibility of stroke prevention are expected to be done on women and non-smokers.

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Milk more filling than juice: Study

Having a glass of skimmed milk instead of fruit juice at breakfast may helppeople feel fuller all the way up to lunch. People often avoid dairy products when they are trying to cut calories and lose weight. Some previous studies have suggested that proteins in general are more satisfying and act as stronger appetite suppressants than carbohydrates, Health News reported.

To investigate the effects of drinking skimmed milk in comparison with a fruit juice at breakfast post-meal satiety and energy intake at lunch, researchers identified 34 overweight adults (21 women and 13 men).

The participants attended two sessions one week apart and at each session, they consumed toast and jam with 600 ml skimmed milk or 600 ml fruit juice as breakfast.

On both days, participants were later given lunch and asked to eat until they felt comfortably full. They also rated their hunger before breakfast, at several points throughout the morning, and again after lunch.

It was found that the participants tended to feel more satisfied after their milk breakfast. What’s more, they ate an average of 8.5 percent fewer calories at lunch. The calories consumed at lunch were higher among the fruit juice drinkers than in the milk drinkers, and the difference was statistically significant.

Though reasons for the findings are not completely clear, one possibility is that the proteins in milk are more effective in satisfying people’s appetites than are the sugars in fruit juice.

The above findings indicate that a low-fat dairy product like skim milk may help keep a person’s appetite under better control when used in place of a more sugary item with similar calories.

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15 Truly Shocking Facts about Soft Drinks

Who really thinks that much about ordering a Coca Cola or Pepsi with lunch? It’s delicious and brings a slight tear to your eye if you gulp the cold bubbles too fast. What’s not to love? The calorie count for one, but drinking soda can also lead to more health problems than a larger pant size. Inside that can or bottle, a host of harmful stuff is waiting. Read on for 15 soda shockers that may make you want to put that soft drink you’re sipping on now.

1. Sodium benzoate, a preservative commonly found in high-acidic sodas like Fanta and Dr. Pepper, can screw with your DNA. The additive can cause health concerns like Parkinson’s disease, cancer, cirrhosis and hyperactivity in children. In 2008, Coca-Cola removed sodium benzoate from Diet Coke, and plans to remove it in other soda drinks as well.
2. Sodas have a massive amount of sugar stored in that little can or bottle – as much as 10 teaspoons. A human liver can’t handle that much sugar at once and processes it into fat.
3. Soda has been known to cause serious gastrointestinal problems from increased stomach acid levels from caffeine. Not only that, but caffeine is addictive.
4. In 1994, the Journal of Adolescent Health published a study correlating sodas with bone fractures in young girls. The study concluded that there was “strong association between cola beverage consumption and bone fractures in girls.”
5. Let’s talk about diabetes and soda. The spike of energy you feel after downing a soft drink is a result of insulin being released to control the sugar levels in your body. Eventually with diabetes, you must deliver your own sources of insulin to control the levels of sugar in your body because your pancreas is tired.
6. The acids in soft drinks can wear away tooth enamel leaving your teeth to fend for themselves against other lesser, natural acids.
7. Diet soft drinks that contain saccharine can actually make you gain weight by tricking your body into eating more because sodas sweetened with saccharine actually have no calories to metabolize according to a study by Purdue University. There seems to be nothing diet about diet soft drinks when they add to your waistline.
8. Carbonated drinks can lead to cancer. When you drink a soft drink and it results in acid reflux problems or heartburn, you are actually increasing your chances in developing esophageal cancer, especially if the condition goes untreated.
9. Liquid calories are the enemy, and sodas have a lot of them. According to an article on the “liquid candy,” a 32 ounce Coca Cola contains nearly 400 calories. That’s certainly something to think about before you supersize that value meal.
10. A 2007 laboratory study led by food science professor, Chi-Tang Ho, Ph.D, of Rutgers University concluded that out of 11 different carbonated sodas containing high fructose corn syrup also had alarmingly high levels of carbonyls, a reactive compound believed to cause tissue damage. Carbonyls can be harmful to people with diabetes that already have elevated levels of reactive carbonyls. Ho estimated that a can of soda can have up to five times the amount of carbonyls than blood tested from a diabetic individual. Therefore, high fructose corn syrup may not be so good for you.
11. Caffeine withdrawal may make you cranky. It can give you nasty headaches and possibly cause you to chase your husband around the living room, frying pan in hand ready to strike. Just a friendly warning.
12. It’s an old tale, but Coca Cola used to contain small amounts of cocaine as its special ingredient until 1929. How much was actually in the soft drink is uncertain, but in 1885 when the product was developed there must have been more than a few people walking around with a cocaine buzz.
13. Experts have found that drinking between two and nine liters of cola a day can cause a condition called hypokalemia that inhibits muscle function from a loss in potassium. Two patients studied suffered from symptoms like fatigue, appetite loss, muscle weakness and persistent vomiting from drinking several liters of soda a day according to the International Journal of Clinical Practice. Both patients were weaned off the cola and symptoms disappeared.
14. Drinking too much coke can cause metabolic syndrome. The American Heart Association characterizes metabolic syndrome as multiple metabolic risk factors found in one individual. Some of these risk factors include elevated blood pressure, abdominal obesity, low HDL cholesterol and high LDL cholesterol and insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome can lead to diabetes and heart problems.
15. Chronic cola drinkers can also expect a host of other health problems to follow the above mentioned and possibly others that have not been identified by health experts. Some other diseases linked to excessive soft drink consumption include gout, chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis, kidney stones and tooth decay.

The refreshing crack of a can or bottle of soda may sound good, but the health risks outweigh a few moments of sugary pleasure. Researchers are finding new links to health problems and soda every year, but you have to die from something.

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