- WEDNESDAY, May 27 (HealthDay News) -- Drinking too much cola can increase the risk of a muscle problem called hypokalemia, experts warn.
In people with hypokalemia, a drop in blood potassium levels results in problems with vital muscle functions. Symptoms can range from mild weakness to serious paralysis, say Greek researchers who conducted a review of people who drank between two to nine liters of cola a day.
Two of the patients were pregnant women who were admitted to hospital with low potassium levels. One was a 21-year-old woman who drank up to three liters of cola a day and complained of fatigue, appetite loss and persistent vomiting. An electrocardiogram revealed she had a heart blockage, and blood tests showed she had low potassium levels, the researchers explained in a news release.
The second pregnant patient, who'd consumed up to seven liters of cola a day for 10 months, had low potassium levels and was suffering from increasing muscular weakness, the researchers noted.
Both patients made a rapid and full recovery after they stopped drinking cola and took oral or intravenous potassium. The case studies are described in the June issue of the International Journal of Clinical Practice.
"We are consuming more soft drinks than ever before, and a number of health issues have already been identified including tooth problems, bone demineralization and the development of metabolic syndrome and diabetes," and there's increasing evidence that excessive cola consumption leads to hypokalemia, Dr. Moses Elisaf, of the University of Ioannina, said in the news release.
Elisaf said the three most common ingredients in cola -- glucose, fructose and caffeine -- can contribute to hypokalemia.
"The individual role of each of these ingredients in the pathophysiology of cola-induced hypokalemia has not been determined and may vary in different patients," Elisaf said. "However, in most of the cases we looked at for our review, caffeine intoxication was thought to play the most important role. This has been borne out by case studies that focus on other products that contain high levels of caffeine but no glucose or fructose."
However, "caffeine-free cola products can also cause hypokalemia because the fructose they contain can cause diarrhea," Elisaf said.
I think soda in general isn't very healthy for you. What do you guys think? Do you think that we should be worried about the consequences of drinking too much soda?
I used to drink so much soda. After awhile my stomach would hurt after drinking some... so i stopped. As for the question I think poeple really don't consider the consequences on drinking too much soda they like what they like, unfortunately...
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I think that soda is unhealthy for you and i only drink soda every once in a while. My parents have a rule where there is no soda allowed in the house unless you bought it yourself, and the only exceptions is when we have a BBQ or get together. Either way it is really bad for you in even more ways than what this article states.
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"You never know how far you can fly until you spread your wings"
So delicious! The mango one is my favoritee! I would choose Naked over Soda anyday :]
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"Daily I stay silent, thinking thoughts at lightening speed Heightened by the feedback and forth reciprocation Believe I'm well connected Not a prophet who's been resurrected Trust and I expect it " - Zion I & The Grouch
I have to admit..I LOVE DR PEPPER! sometimes too much. my mom doesnt really buy soda ever so i only have it when i go out to eat. everyone knows too much soda is bad for you.
this is awful! i love coke and i could not imagine life without it i believe that it is good for the soul. i just idk but i love coke and that just sucks
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Jaquelynn Reuland
smile every minute of every day, you never know who may be falling in love with it. <3
this is awful! i love coke and i could not imagine life without it i believe that it is good for the soul. i just idk but i love coke and that just sucks
lol totally i agree. Dr. Pepper is good for you -doctor's orders
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"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't." -General George S. Patton