Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

Cutting Back on Sugary Drinks Can Improve Teen Anxiety

Cutting Back on Sugary Drinks Can Improve Teen Mental Health

A new study suggests that drinking <span>sugary drinks</span> can increase <span>anxiety</span>, among other mental issues, in adolescents by 34 percent. 

Sugary drinks are known to be more harmful due to their low fiber, protein, or fat, which typically slow down digestion in solid foods. This means liquid sugar gets into your bloodstream very quickly, causing a sudden jump in blood sugar and insulin levels. 

Hyper-fast intake of such drinks can also make it hard for your liver to process the sugar, especially the fructose part. n large amounts, fructose turns into fat in your liver. This buildup of fat is linked to metabolic problems that lead to Type 2 diabetes. 

Apart from this, <span>a Bournemouth University</span>, UK literature review analyzed people aged between ten and 19 who drank fizzy drinks, colas, sweetened fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened tea or coffee and found multiple links between the beverages and anxiety diagnosis. 

The gut-brain axis — the connection between the brain and the gut — may help explain the link between sugary drinks and anxiety. But gut health is influenced by many factors, including diet, stress, and sleep, which are also linked to anxiety.

Overall, the study suggests that cutting back on sugary drinks could help support teenagers’ <span>mental health</span>. While many studies have looked at how reducing sugary drinks improves physical health, more research is needed to see if it also benefits mental health.

<strong>READ MORE:</strong> <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/smoking-cannabis-can-lead-to-mental-illnesses-in-teenagers-study-finds-article-153661988" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Smoking Cannabis Can Lead To Mental Illnesses In Teenagers, Study Finds</a>

<h2>WHO Asks Countries To Tax Sugary Drinks </h2>

The <span>World Health Organization</span> is asking countries across the world to increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol to reduce cases of chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and fatty liver.

In a January 13 virtual conference, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "Health taxes have been shown to reduce consumption of these harmful products, helping to prevent disease and reduce the burden on health systems.

"At the same time, they generate an income stream that governments can use to invest in health, education and social protection."

According to a recent report on sugar-sweetened beverages taxes, at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks, including <span>sodas</span> or carbonated canned drinks, but other high-sugar products, such as 100 per cent fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks and ready-to-drink coffees and teas, escape taxation.

Additionally, another report on alcohol taxes shows that even though 167 countries levy taxes on liquor, wine and beer, alcohol has become more affordable or remained unchanged in price in most countries since 2022, as taxes do not get adjusted for inflation and income growth.

<h2>How To Cut Back On Sugary Drinks?</h2>

Sugary drinks can feel addictive. If you find yourself hooked, try to slowly reduce how much you drink, just like you would with alcohol or tobacco. It helps to plan ahead for when you usually crave a soda.

You can start by mixing plain sparkling water with an equal amount of fruit juice or soda. Then, week by week, slowly reduce the amount of the sugary drink until you're mostly just drinking sparkling water. If it helps, add a little lemon or lime juice for flavor.

Health Conditions A-Z

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sugary drinks

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A new study suggests that drinking sugary drinks can increase anxiety, among other mental issues, in adolescents by 34 percent. Sugary drinks are known to be more harmful due to their low fiber, protein, or fat, which typically slow down digestion in solid foods. This means liquid sugar gets into your bloodstream very quickly, causing a sudden jump in blood sugar and insulin levels. Hyper-fast intake of such drinks can also make it hard for your liver to process the sugar, especially the fructose part. n large amounts, fructose turns into fat in your liver. This buildup of fat is linked to metabolic problems that lead to Type 2 diabetes. Apart from this, a Bournemouth University, UK literature review analyzed people aged between ten and 19 who drank fizzy drinks, colas, sweetened fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened tea or coffee and found multiple links between the beverages and anxiety diagnosis. The gut-brain axis — the connection between the brain and the gut — may help explain the link between sugary drinks and anxiety. But gut health is influenced by many factors, including diet, stress, and sleep, which are also linked to anxiety.Overall, the study suggests that cutting back on sugary drinks could help support teenagers’ mental health. While many studies have looked at how reducing sugary drinks improves physical health, more research is needed to see if it also benefits mental health.READ MORE: Smoking Cannabis Can Lead To Mental Illnesses In Teenagers, Study FindsWHO Asks Countries To Tax Sugary Drinks The World Health Organization is asking countries across the world to increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol to reduce cases of chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and fatty liver.In a January 13 virtual conference, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "Health taxes have been shown to reduce consumption of these harmful products, helping to prevent disease and reduce the burden on health systems."At the same time, they generate an income stream that governments can use to invest in health, education and social protection."According to a recent report on sugar-sweetened beverages taxes, at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks, including sodas or carbonated canned drinks, but other high-sugar products, such as 100 per cent fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks and ready-to-drink coffees and teas, escape taxation.Additionally, another report on alcohol taxes shows that even though 167 countries levy taxes on liquor, wine and beer, alcohol has become more affordable or remained unchanged in price in most countries since 2022, as taxes do not get adjusted for inflation and income growth.How To Cut Back On Sugary Drinks?Sugary drinks can feel addictive. If you find yourself hooked, try to slowly reduce how much you drink, just like you would with alcohol or tobacco. It helps to plan ahead for when you usually crave a soda.You can start by mixing plain sparkling water with an equal amount of fruit juice or soda. Then, week by week, slowly reduce the amount of the sugary drink until you're mostly just drinking sparkling water. If it helps, add a little lemon or lime juice for flavor.