You’ve probably noticed I mention diet soda quite often as something you need to eliminate from your diet as quickly as you can. It is a huge peeve of mine (along with a few others, like agave). I know many people enjoy diet soda and feel it is a “freebie” because it contains zero calories. What many people fail to realize is diet soda can be very detrimental to their health. It is also not beautifying at all- in fact it will diminish your beauty.
Why is diet soda unhealthy? Let me count the ways!
1. Neurotoxic
While artificial sweeteners may be a zero calorie alternative to sugar, they are in no way healthier. Diet sodas may use a variety of artificial sweeteners in place of sugar, including aspartame, which acts as a neurotoxin.
Also known as NutraSweet, aspartame originally received FDA approval for use in carbonated beverages in1983, and it still remains the most commonly used sweetener in diet soda. Annually, reactions to aspartame result for a majority of the adverse reaction reports made to the food and drug administration.
Made from L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanyl-methyl-ester, aspartame is 200 times as sweet as sugar and contains negligible calories. Once in the human body, aspartame breaks down into phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol. Methanol is a wood alcohol poison that, when heated above 86 degrees Fahrenheit (the human body temperature is 98.6 degrees), converts to formaldehyde. Aspartame is also an excitotoxin that builds up in the brain, and can excite brain neurons to the point of cell death.
2: Causes Headaches and Other Symptoms
Another artificial sweetener commonly used in diet sodas, sucralose, may cause a host of health problems including headaches.
Made from a modified sugar molecule, sucralose is supposed to pass through the body unabsorbed. Because sucralose is relatively new in the market still, its long-term effects have not been measured. Some evidence1 suggests sucralose may cause migraines, gastrointestinal issues, and thymus gland damage. Sucralose may also intensify sugar cravings, increase appetite, and trigger insulin release.
3: Acidifying
Soda is made up of a number of acidic chemicals. It is one of the most acidic substances humans ingest. The acids in diet soda demineralize the bones and teeth, and can lead to fractures and osteoporosis. Acid in the body also can lead to a number of health conditions such as inflammation and corrosion of body tissue. When your body is overly acidic your skin will not be as beautiful or youthful. It will contribute to looking older.
4: Caffeinated
Many diet sodas contain caffeine, which is an artificial stimulant and an addictive substance. Caffeine also excessively taxes the liver and can hamper its ability to cleanse and filter toxins from the body. Additionally, caffeine can trigger stress hormones, which can result in chronic stress and weight gain. Caffeine is also a diuretic, which dehydrates the body. It’s best to avoid caffeine in all its forms, particularly diet soda.
5: Increases Risk of Obesity
Studies show that although diet soda has no caloric value, it may have an impact on insulin similar to sugar ingestion. This is most likely due to the cephalic phase insulin response in the brain. When you taste the sweet in diet soda, your body perceives it as sugar and causes the pancreas to release insulin just as it would if you were consuming actual sugar.
Some studies show that drinking diet soda may increase the incidence of obesity and/or prevent you from losing weight. In fact, researchers at the University of Texas Health Center made some startling findings when testing the link between obesity and diet soda.
Obesity risk increased as followed:
26.5 percent for people drinking up to ½ can of diet soda per day, and 24 percent for regular soda drinkers consuming up to one can per day
54.5 percent for one to two cans of diet soda per day as opposed to 32.8 percent for those drinking the same amount of regular soda
57.1 percent for people drinking more than two cans of diet soda per day as opposed to 47.2 percent for people drinking the same amount of regular soda
In other words, diet soda consumption had a higher correlation with obesity rates than consumption of caloric soda containing sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.
6: Increases Toxic Load
There’s not a lot that’s natural in diet soda. Here are just a few of the ingredients you may find:
Carbonated water
Artificial coloring
Phosphoric acid
Potassium benzoate
Citric acid
Doesn’t sound so delicious and healthy, does it! It sounds nasty, and that is because it is indeed a nasty product. Diet soda places a significant toxic load on your liver and can contribute to toxic sludge in your intestines. You are much better off drinking pure, filtered, non-tap water.
7: Increases Risk of Heart Disease
A study at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine4 showed that people who drank diet soda daily had a 61 percent increased risk of a cardiovascular event. The study followed more than 2,500 participants for about nine years, during which 559 vascular events occurred. Even accounting for age and other risk factors, the risk with diet soda consumption appeared to be at least 48 percent higher. With that kind of risk, why take a chance on diet soda?
8: May Contribute to Metabolic Syndrome
A study at University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health in 2008 linked diet soda to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of metabolic disorders including obesity, high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides and hormone resistance. According to the study, consuming diet soda increased the risk of developing metabolic syndrome by 34 percent, which was higher than the elevated risk from consuming two other unhealthy types of foods – meat (26 percent increased risk), and fried foods (25 percent increased risk).
With all of these health risks, you have to ask yourself, is diet soda worth it? Avoiding soda may be one of the best things you can do for your health and beauty.
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A high fiber diet can have similar or better weight loss benefits without the
side effects of Alli. Consultation with an experienced physician is
highly recommended. Even the so called natural diet pills
and herbal diet pill products have effects on some people, bad
ones.
I like it whenever people get together and share opinions. Great blog, continue the good work!
Nice to be visiting your blog yet again, it has been months in my opinion. Well this article in which I’ve been waited for so very long. Great webpage brother I am gona inform this to any or all my friends and acquaintances.
Why do people drink diet Coke? Because they’re fat and thirsty.
Farnge
Caffeine – at least in the form of coffee – has significant health BENEFITS. You should be more responsible when posting things about health, because gullible people might actually believe you.
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Thanks for posting this Kim. I don’t drink any soda at all but my father drinks about 6 cans a day of diet coke. He is in terrible shape and already had a quadruple bypass performed about 10 years ago. In addition to all of his ailments, he recently started complaining that his “bones hurt” in his legs. I tried telling him its from drinking all the diet soda. I tried to explain to him that it eats away at his bone density. He dismissed everything I said and wouldn’t believe me. He is also a diabetic (Type 2). So many points you made here really hit the nail on the head with some of my fathers issues. I plan to share this with him and hopefully get some of it to sink in! Thanks again!!!!
I believe what you say about diet soda but I think some people want to blame all thier weight and health issues on it. I have given up drinking diet pepsi because i was addicted to it. I am 48 year old male who recently had a life insurance test. I ranked in the upper elite class for health and fitness. Which qualifies for thier most prefered rate. I exercise every day and watch what i eat. I am 5’9″ and weight 150lbs. Prior to quiting, i drank at least (7) 16oz bottles of diet pepsi every day for 25+ years. That is a gallon a day. I have perfect blood pressure, colesteral and have no health issues. I may get cancer from it
but I feel some people want to blame all thier issues on something or someone. Maybe it is just your lifesyle or genetics? I am glad I quit and feel better mentally and physically. But I think it is funny all of the things people want to blame on diet soda. It is definetly a bad substance to consume but i don’t think it is as bad as people say. The major issue is the fact that it is very addictive for some reason, and i think it is engineered to be that way.
Hi Kimberly,
Thank you so much for posting this! I believe every piece of information that you have supplied here is so true!
For the past two years, I have had major stomach problems. I have been to several doctors, taking tests, ultrasounds, upper endoscopy, etc. and they can’t find anything.
I have completely cut soda and fruit drinks out of my diet and am only drinking water now. I used to have a diet coke everyday with lunch. When lunchtime came, I found myself more excited to have a diet coke poured over ice then actually hungry for my food! I realized that I was addicted to soda, so I cut it out. They other day I was craving diet coke, so I had just a few sips and within 10 minutes my stomach was upset, bloated and gassy!
I am starting to believe that part of my stomach problems has been from the daily intake of 1 or 2 glasses of diet coke.
FYI: If you don’t mind, I posted this article on my blog for my readers to see too.
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it’s very nice demo templates
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So if you drink the enormous amount of diet pop that some are then yeah bad things could happen. But drinking it some is not for most. It has some salt which can be depleted from drinking water for one. It helps to get some salt. Many people dont eat all day or enough and this gives them a little electrolyte necessary. It does help to drink soda with some caffeine otherwise it will bloat you more. The bloating from pop isnt the pop as much as the amount a person drinks. If you drank as much water as some do pop???, well youd be bloated from the water too. So a couple glasses of it a day if you can do that is a pick me up and do it or dont but it is very satisfying and relaxing. It does help relieve some pain in the body too. And for the skin? It actually makes my skin a bit more toned and rosy. (Tyrosine effect) Drinking pop with corn syrup in moderation is okay too, but if you drink too much it will cause too much sugar for the body to process. So balance and relax.
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I have been a ridiculously heavy drinker of caffeine free diet coke for around 5 years now, getting through around 6L a week. Over this time I have gained extensive weight, particularly around my middle, and found myself craving carbohydrates in silly quantities too.
Yesterday I had an ultrasound scan which has shown me to have an enlarged fatty liver and I am convinced that the primary cause of this is the diet coke – it did not take much digging around to find the links between aspartame and several major health issues. How is this product not banned already? The 4L I have left in the house are currently draining away down the sink – I am never touching another drop of diet soda and will screen everything I eat and drink for aspartame from now on. This product needs to be completely eradicated.
Thank you for the info on this site.
ive also found that being a diet coke drinker now from the age of literally 5 years old (im now 25) ive gained a significant amount of weight around my midsection and legs.
I want to get rid of this addiction TODAY!
Show me the research. Aspertame does not break down in your body. The amount in each diet soda is fantastically small and it passes through rather quickly. Should note also that diet soda is mostly…WATER. A little coloring and a little known secret, nutmeg, and that’s about it. It’s a can of colored water with a delightful fizz. (The water is highly filtered and of better quality than the actual bottle water you pay too much for.)
Why would any person think the soft drink industry is in any was truthfull? They sell sugar fricking water and chemical water. It is a billion dollar industry and to think money does not corrupt means you are an idiot.
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iv bean drinking 6 or 7 cans of coke zero a day am i a adicket
Yes.
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I am addicted to diet coke! I easily have 2 – 4 a day. More sometimes. When I take breaks from it I find myself just itching for one so I substitute with Zevia cola. I really stopped in my tracks when I read “can excite brain neurons to the point of cell death.” Wow…oh wow! And the obesity stats! I’m sitting here with a diet coke by my side and I can’t touch it… well, I hesitate to. I’ll have to fight through this one! Arrrgh! Thanks for posting this very eye-opening article. For me – it’s a doozy!
Ok, here goes. My name is Margaret and I am addicted to Diet Coke. BUT… like any toxic substance, I know it’s bad for me. Look what ails me:
chronic diarrhea for 7 years
bloated stomach for 7 years
migraine if I miss my 3/day habit
heart palpitations
depression
Enough is enough. I’ve read countless articles about how bad D.C. is for me and I’m sick of the above symptoms. I am going to quit. Cold turkey, starting NOW!
I’ll touch base here periodically to let you know how it’s going.
Wish me luck and pass the water!
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Are you able to cite sources for this information? I have been trying to get my fiance to stop is 4L diet coke habit for the last two years- I’d love some RCT studies to show him!
Hi! What is your take on sparkling water like Perrier? Thank you!
I wonder about this too!
Oh Kim, I’m also wondering about Perrier… I folow your advice as much as I can, everyday a little more. I’m off dairy, I start everyday with hot water & lemon followd by a GGS and I eat green veggies before every meal. I’ve quit pasteurized drinks, like v8, I’ve never liked soda, always felt it was wrong to drink it and… but I love sparkling waters like San Pellegrino or Perrier, so tell me, are they good or evil.
Thanks so much for helping me make my life better
And to all the sceptics who bombard her with random “facts” about how diet soda is good… get real, how do you not know there is nothing good in there?
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Wouldn’t it make sense that diet soda drinkers are more likely to be obese, due to the fact that people trying to lose weight would be inclined to drink it?
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I have never been a big soda drinker but after reading your article three weeks ago I quit drinking it completely! Not a sip in three weeks! I do feel better and have noticed that my cravings for sweets is gone! I thank you for taking the time to inform us about the dangers of diet soda!
Hi Kim, I gave up diet soda around 5 months ago. It had been a life-long habit and I am really happy I was able to stop. I have frequently had a regular soda since then. At the most One 12oz can daily. However I would like to stop this too. My question is I find that if I dont have this or maybe a little coffee (don’t drink it regularly) I sometimes get a headache. As soon as i have a little caffeine my headache subsides. It may in fact be psychosomatic but I wonder if you have any suggestions to alleviate the discomfort. Thanks much for all you are doing! Its inspiring and I am really grateful for your sharing this with the world!
Thank you SO much for sharing this information! I see you are making a great impact and that brings a smile to my face! I too am trying to share this information!!! It is a pet peeve of mine as well
I recently wrote an article on aspartame and would love for you to read it. It is similar to this, since Diet Coke contains this nasty chemical. I also wrote an article on Water.. what are you drinking, water or…
I am hoping to help others make a change in their lifestyle as I see you are doing!
Again, thanks for the post!
http://younglivingoillady.com/home/aspartame-side-effects/
I drink about 6 or so diet soda a day… Whats this Glowing Green Smoothie?
Okay, I do agree with a lot of this. But hey, coffee is addicting too, and any stimulant increases your chance of heart disease – and aspartame changes the way you metabolize all those lovely ingredients so I’m sure that doesn’t help either, HOWEVER, I figure that diet soda is like the safe sex of soft drinks. People are going to drink soft drinks, either regularly or occasionally, whether you like it or not, but I would rather them drink a diet soft drink than a regular sugar filled obesity-causing syrup. When one of your casual readers that stumbles upon this article via Pinterest craves a soft drink now, they’re not going to be like “I’m just gonna abstain,” they’re gonna say, “Well, better drink the regular Mountain Dew.”
Jacee, did you read the article at all? Did you understand it? Cause if you did, then what you said makes no sense at all. Not trying to be mean, but that’s the problem with Americans. We’re so brainwashed into believing that “diet” anything is better for us than the regular calorie laden food and drinks that we consume that even when smacked in the face with an article such as this that scientifically lays out all the reasons “diet” is bad, we still justify our bad habits by resorting to excuses such as this, cause it’s easier to remain ignorant than to face the truth. Pure American ignorance and brainwashing.
Excellent article. Thank you! I will also be purchasing your book.
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I gave up diet coke 2 months ago after consuming 3 cases a week for as long as i can remember! I feel great!
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The #1 discovery that got me to quit diet pop (what we call soda in our part of Canada) – no more gas/flatulence! Eureka. I do not miss pop at all.
Fantastic! We CAN overcome habits!
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Great post. Thanks. I have been a follower for a while now and really love your site and all the valuable info. I just a bought your book.:) Time to read.
Hi Kimberley, this is a brilliant article, would you allow me to repost it on my blog? Thanks, Anna
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I’m the kind of diet coke drinker you can (normally) just not get to give you the time of day if you try and tell me how bad it is and that I need to get rid of it. HOWEVER, for some reason, I can now actually say I’m ready to be done with it after reading this article. I’m not sure what finally triggered this sudden moment but I’m ready. Problem is, I am 110% addicted. Are there any go-to ‘tricks’ to get through what I’m sure are about to be the worst headaches (and everything else that comes with getting off it) of my life? Or is it just a matter of getting over it and just dealing? Just a quick recap of where I’m at (you’re about to cringe at me so beware)…I was drinking anywhere from six to twelve (i’m sorry!!) diet cokes per day, I’m down to 3 or four but am stuck, the headaches that threaten are scary! Since your article is the reason I’ve even made the small improvement I have I’m assuming that even if your response is to just stop and get through them I’ll do it. I just need that confirmation I guess? But if there IS ANY kind of ease to getting through this I would be extreeemely appreciative! Also, (and finally I promise!) have you heard of a drink called Zevia? It claims to have the taste similar to soda but without all the “bad stuff”. Yay or nay. Thank you SO much, I wish I could describe my surprising excitement to finally make a move I know will be a life changer!
Hi Becky,
First of all, you are in control of your life and if you decide to do something, you are stronger than your habits.
You can overcome them.
You should wean down like you said to 3 or 4, knowing the headaches will one day pass. Drink lots of lemon water and Glowing Green Smoothie, so the chlorophyll and phytonutrients help detoxify you and give you a ton of energy to get through. That is really the best replacement.
stay strong and keep in touch with me on your progress! I send my love. xx
If the headaches get to be too much, Bayer aspirin has a small amount of caffeine and can help dissuade the monster headaches from the withdraw.
Why doesn’t stevia cause the same insulin reaction due to the sweet taste that other artificial sweeteners do?
It isn’t about the sweet taste it has to do with how various foods are metabolized in the body. Stevia has no glycemic reaction whatsoever, and since it is a natural root, it is metabolized effectively by the body, versus artificial, chemicalized sweeteners.
It’s not about the sweet taste? But, Kim, your article says it IS about the sweet taste (and the cephalic insulin reaction):
“When you taste the sweet in diet soda, your body perceives it as sugar and causes the pancreas to release insulin just as it would if you were consuming actual sugar.”
So by your same logic, shouldn’t the sweetness of stevia make your body perceive it as sugar thus causing your pancreas to secret insulin just as it would if you were consuming actual sugar?
Kim, I gave up a 40 year old diet soda habit about 5 years ago. It was very difficult, but so necessary. I still have inflammation issues and 4 years ago doctors thought I had RA. Thankfully, after a 2 year struggle and being given every test known to man, the pain stopped. I am convinced it was the accumulation of the terrible chemicals in my body. I have since gotten everyone in my family to be diet soda free.
That’s wonderful Jennifer! Keep up the good work in caring for your body.
We call all soda “the devil’s juice”…..
Yolanda, I too have connected soda with migraines. I actually fight everyday the thought of wanting a soda. But if I drink one I get a headache. So my body is telling me that there are things in the soda that my body knows is bad for me. I have been trying to live a healthier life. Both with eating, exercise, better rest. I also take a supplement called Protandim to work in my body on a cellular level.
Hi! Glad you have made the connection as well! Basically I have gotten to the point where if I want a pop/soda then I also ask myself if I want the migraine that will come with it. It use to be hard as I am sure you know, but now I can refuse the craving on the spot! Having suffered 15 + headaches/migraines per month for at least 10 years this was a huge breakthrough!
Kim, I noticed above, you said “work to increase your pure water/lemon intake” yet in your article you slam citric acid as a toxin. Since this is a component of lemon juice I’m a bit puzzled.
Also, forgot to ask above… but are you still accepting clients, and if so what is the best way to set something up?
Kim,
Thanks so much for everything! I wanted to know…. IF i skip the blossoming beauty phase and go straight to the radiant beauty phase, is it still safe and efficient? I have eliminated dairy and have become gluten free as well, i feel fine…I am and always have been a pretty healthy eater but i dont think i am willing to give up fruit… Is that ok?
Also, is this plan worth it if i still eat fish?
Thought i would send again since i didnt see a response…
Thanks! I am really enjoying all the info from the book and it has changed my thinking completely!
Hi Kim,
I know you have addressed the acne issue a lot but I had a question on what products you used when you had acne to help keep it under control. I have been doing the GGS and eating by your plan, but have had continuous acne problems. I would love to know if you have any other recommendations regarding which products help with acne and any other advice you can recommend. The increasing acne could be from detoxing too quickly, but having acne can definitely be debilitating.
Your book has done so much for my health and I appreciate all of your tips and insights!
Hi Mary,
Even though you have changed your eating, you need to eat the P & E Salad, take probiotics, get colonics/enemas and the other suggestions I recommend in Chapter 6. To be blunt, you need to poop more.
As blockages leave and more space in your body opens up, the acne goes away. If you change your diet and don’t eliminate the waste, the acne won’t clear up.
Also, try the Sally B’s facial powder, as many mineral and “natural” makeups can still irritate the skin, clogging pores and causing acne. When you cleanse your face, do so for 2 minutes then remove with a facecloth. xx
Kim,
Thanks so much for everything! I wanted to know…. IF i skip the blossoming beauty phase and go straight to the radiant beauty phase, is it still safe and efficient? I have eliminated dairy and have become gluten free as well, i feel fine…I am and always have been a pretty healthy eater but i dont think i am willing to give up fruit… Is that ok?
Also, is this plan worth it if i still eat fish?
PLEASE RESPOND!!
Britt
Hi Brittany,
You don’t have to start with the Blossoming Beauty Phase, as they are not incremental phases. You may want to be a Radiant beauty right away! Yes, you can still eat fish in moderation. Tailor the plan to you. I don’t suggest eating it every day though. You should limit it to 2-3 x /week.
xx
I gave up diet pop early this year and I noticed that my frequent headaches / migraines went away. When I did slip up and have a pop I would get a migraine the next day…all day. They were connected. Now I stay away from the stuff completely. I can’t believe that diet pop was one of the roots of my suffering all these years and I only just figured it out. I hope others read this post and realize how it can effect our bodies in such a negative way.
Yolanda, thank you so much for sharing. That truly is amazing, and I am so happy to hear that you are aware of the profound connection between what we eat and how we feel. Keep up the good work!
Hi Kim,
I bought a quinoa pasta and just noticed that is made out of not only quinoa flour but corn flour as well. Is this bad?
Is the quinoa listed first or the corn flour? Is the product listed as organic?
There’s nothing wrong with corn flour unless you are allergic or have some sensitivity to it. Quinoa pasta is made mostly from quinoa; the corn flour is most likely added for consistency.
My husband loves his diet soda. How do I get him to stop drinking the junk? I send him all these studies. Any tips?
I have found many, many people give up unfavorable habits, including drinking sodas and coffee, by starting to drink the Glowing Green Smoothie daily. They start to feel so good and energized, that it wakes up a consciousness in them and they start to make a strong connection between how they feel and the foods they are ingesting. Prior to that, studies can indeed be ignored.
Ok. Read the 8 reasons to stop the diet soda…going to try to quit (again). Longest I’ve gone is 3 months without in the last 5 years.
Jason
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Hi Kim, I gave up diet soda 2 weeks ago(very hard). Now I started drinking seltzer water (sodium free) There are no chemicals or ingredients but is the carbonated water bad as well?
Gloria, congrats! The most important thing is that you gave up the diet soda (poison). Over time, work to increase your pure water/lemon intake. Carbonated water is a good transition from the diet soda, but it isn’t as ideal as the pure water. But I am so happy you have taken that first and very important step for your health…giving up diet sodas!!
Hello Kimberly,
I have a question you may be asked frequently, but I can’t seem to find the best answer. I am 5’6”, and weigh 110lbs, which is an underweight BMI, and I cannot seem to put on weight. I know you’re a petite person, and I was wondering if you ever experience this as well, and if you have any weight gain recommendations? I am vegan, for both heath and moral reasons(and I have been for over four years and vegetarian for almost 9 years), but lately I wonder if I am putting myself at risk for problems arising now and latter in life.
I know this is a heavy question, but any feedback you can give me would be truly helpful.
(I may be hypersensitive about this issue also because I am having pain in my right hip–which is reminding me of the unit on Osteoporosis in a NTR class I am taking).
Healthy Regards,
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
Height/weight charts can be helpful for general recommendations, but they are not the final and most important determinant of superior health. Slightly thinner people tend to live longer and be in better health. If you eat a plant-based diet (rather than a refined starch diet, as many vegans do), with a wide range of greens, veggies, fruits, seeds, etc. you should be getting adequate nutrition. A liquid multi vitamin/mineral formula can be good insurance (including B12 and D3).
Feeling good, rarely getting sick, and having good energy are important components of good health, whether you may be a few pounds lower in weight than on a chart.
Also, if your diet is plant-based then your body will tend to be more alkaline rather than acidic, and osteoporosis is less of an issue. For more on this, I suggest ready The China Study.
xx
Kimberly,
Thank you for responding. With the exception of my hip feeling wonky, I feel great, and I do stray from refined starchy foods with the exception of occasions.
The China Study has been on my list of “must reads” for awhile, so I will most assuredly pick it up. I recently watched Food Matters, which if you haven’t seen it, I think you’d appreciate it. Also, Eating is another doc you may like.
I truly enjoy reading your blog and follow a similar philosophy to food and our bodies. Thank you for being a positive and encouraging outlet for those of us who don’t consume dairy and other animal products.
Additionally, I have been taking a supplement called O-Mega-Zen^3 by NuTru as a DHA source and wanted to know what your thoughts were on this product?
(Oh, and I know I am long-winded, but I have been drinking the ginger-lemon tea with cayenne and I LOVE it. I have even done some research about increasing cayenne levels over time for more affect.)
Thank you profusely!
Healthy Regards,
Rachel
Headache can be caused by food that contains MSG, Monosodium glutamate, sodium glutamate as sate sauce, Potato chip ,Doritos,. but headache can also caused by vasoconstriction, under left or right eye feel a pressure, than get a terrible headache!
I never believed in diet soda from day one! I loved how you quoted Emily Browning the poet(:
Kim,
Hello- my name is Isa. Just to let you know.. you have inspired me through your book and your blog, enough for me to want to pursue a profession as a CN in the future. I am currently in the military, stationed in Korea, and am trying to find the best academic path for this goal (schools, programs, etc). If you can give me any type of guidance, I would be eternally greatful! Thanks so much again, Kim. You are great :0)
Isa
Hi Sacha,
Agave nectar/syrup is highly processed and is a high-fructose product. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/03/30/beware-of-the-agave-nectar-health-food.aspx
Thank you for your write up on Diet Soda. It’s a pet peeve of mine as well! I am a Nutritionist and at least 1/2 my clients come in addicted to some form of Diet Soda and it’s always an interesting challenge to get them to stop…. Your Blog covers it very well! By the way, I’m a huge fan of your book. Love it!
Great, thank you!
Thanks for sharing Kim. 2 days ago, I started the Blossoming Beauty Phase. Today, I got a Diet Coke from the vending machine at work (yes, I almost gave in) but right at that moment my phone buzzed and I checked my email and saw this article/reminder. I instantly got rid of it and opted for herbal tea instead…thank you.
Great Michelle! Stay connected and remember you are not alone!! We are here to support you.
Dear Kimberly,
I was aware of the risks of diet soda, but you also mention agave. Do you mean agave-sirop? I recently discovered it in the Netherlands, where I live. And I thought that agave-sirop was a healthier sweetner made of aloe vera plants.
I’m curious what you can tell me about this.
Best regards,
Sacha
She answered this in another post. Basically, agave is almost 90% fructose, and fructose is converted to fat much quicker than glucose. So, agave is fattening.
Also, studies have shown that agave adversely affects the collagen in your skin.
x
Good girl
The major problem with having too much fructose is mainly that 1.) the liver has to metabolize fructose unlike glucose which any cell in your body can metabolize and 2.) the metabolization of fructose in your liver produces mostly fatty acids and triglyceride which tend to hang around the liver more.
This can lead to a higher risk of fatty liver disease which is something that alcoholics normally suffer from.
Kim mentions agave throughout her blog. Agave is high glycemic load. Whereas stevia or zylitol are sweeteners that don’t impact your glycemic load at all or minimally. Take a look through her blog, just enter “agave” in the search blog box
The big problem with agave is that it is high in fructose and highly processed. I strongly recommend eliminating it completely from your diet.