Well, in one word YES.

Not only does the high sugar content make you fat, it is shown that caffeine can cause many other ill effects on your body.

Many regular sodas contain caffeine which is a stimulant that can cause you to become jittery. Also, research has shown that drinking large amounts of caffeine is linked to problems like abnormal heart rhythms.

Sodas have a very high sugar content and have no nutritional value at all. For example, a can of soda can have anything from 9 – 12 teaspoons of sugar (yes, that’s right!). What’s worse is that adults and children will normally drink more than a can at once, especially if they’re pouring it out from a large 2-litre bottle or if they buy a super-sized soda from the convenience stores or movie theaters.

Not only that, the high levels of sugar (plus the low nutritional value) can cause tooth decay and negatively affect your blood sugar levels. The phosphorus found in sodas can also affect your body’s absorption of calcium, which as we know, is important for bone health. What is not so well known is that calcium does not just prevent weak bones (osteoporosis) but key bodily functions, like your heart and metabolism, also require calcium to be operating at their best.

If you’re trying to lose weight, the empty calories and sugar from soda is a sure recipe for weight and fat gain.

So what are the best alternatives to regular soda and soft drinks? Well, the best choice will be good old iced water with a splash of lemon or unsweetened iced teas. With so many types of teas available – red, black, green, oolong – you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Make a conscious effort to stop drinking soda and soft drinks – your body (and your waistline) will thank you for it.

When a part of your body gets swollen, red and pain, we say it is inflamed. Inflammation is your body’s natural response to anything that irritates it. Think of it as a small biological fire designed to “burn away” the irritation.

Often, we think inflammation is a result of sprains, strains, cuts, grazes, insect bites and stings, all of which produce localised pain, swelling, heat and redness. Though all this is true, inflammation can also be a result of simply a poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle AND stress!

No Smoke (Pain) Without Fire (Inflammation)

What is a sign of inflammation within your body? Simply put, those many aches and pains that you feel regularly may all be signs of inflammation. Almost all pain is the result of inflammation – Arthritis and other joint, back and muscle problems, digestive disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome or ulcerative colitis, as well as many types of headaches. Basically put, if there is pain, there is inflammation.

Good/ Bad news

Ever wake up in the morning with aches and pains and that you’re suffering signs of old age?

The good news is they might not be a sign of old age after all!

The bad news is that they may be assign that your body is inflamed and this inflammation may very well lead to many chronic illnesses.

Pain and inflammation are your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Are you heeding it’s call?

Related Article: Natural Solutions to Inflammation

We all know that there are tonnes of effective pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories. But we all know that some of them may cause adverse side affects.

Fortunately for us, nature has provided some excellent anti-inflammatory options. A combination of extracts from hops, olive leaf and rosemary has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. This combination has proven extremely effective in helping pain control, for example, in arthritis and period pain, as wellas in more acute cases of painful muscles and joints form over exercising and tension.

A combination of hops, turmeric, zinc and selenium can also provide good anti-inflammatory relief, especially for auto-immune conditions. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and has traditionally been used in herbal medication to reduce pain and swelling in arthritic and rheumatic conditions. Zinc and Selenium are important antioxidants, which help to limit oxidative damage and inflammation. Zinc is also an essential mineral that can support a healthy immune system.

These days, modern formulations like these can have very rapid results, possible reducing symptoms in just a few days. Consult your local Naturopath if you have any queries or requests.

Food Power

Food in our diet is one of the most inflammatory things we humans are exposed to.

The usual fruits and vegetables, as well as good fats from fish and nuts, all help inflammation reduction, while other foods can do the opposite. These include food with high sugar content, heavily processed foods high in colours, flavours and other artificial ingredients, as well as foods that are high in certain fats, like many processed and fast foods.

Seven simple steps to wellness

To help achieve wellness and reduce inflammation there are seven simple dietary targets you need to aim for.

1. Eat a protein rich food with each meal or snack.

2. Eat a minimum of three cups of vegetables daily.

3. Eat two servings of fruit daily.

4. Keep refined carbohydrates to a minimum (eg: white bread, pasta, white rice).

5. Include nuts, seeds and healthy oils in your diet.

6. Avoid excess alcohol, sugar and salt.

7. Drink a minimum of eight glasses of water daily.

Taking a safe, scientifically-proven, natural anti-inflammatory formula and following these simple dietary and lifestyle tips will help to reduce your inflammation and help you live life to its fullest potential. Don’t let inflammation slow you down any more!

Related Article: Is Your Body Inflammed?