7 BETTER THAN Soda Alternatives
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 11, 2024
Some folks may be tired of hearing me say soda is the devil, but I’m going to repeat it anyway because it is.
After all, soda is stuffed with harmful, inflammatory sugar. And if there’s one change you can make that will have a HUGE impact on your health, it’s swearing off the sweet stuff.
But I get it. Sometimes, plain water just doesn’t cut it. You want something a bit more… well… exciting.
So, what can you drink instead of soda? Keep reading for some refreshing and delicious options…
Following are SEVEN soda alternatives that can help you kick your pop habit once and for all.
- Infused water: Transform plain water into a refreshing treat by adding slices of fruits, vegetables, or herbs. Try combinations like lemon and mint, cucumber and basil, or strawberry and orange. Not only does this make water more appealing, but it also provides subtle flavors and potential health benefits from the added ingredients.
- Unsweetened iced tea: Brew your favorite tea (black, green, or herbal) and chill it for a cool, sugar-free beverage. You can experiment with different tea blends to find your perfect flavor. Mint, pomegranate, and iced Earl Grey all pack a punch of flavor. If you need a touch of sweetness, consider adding a small amount of honey or stevia.
- Sparkling water with a splash of juice: Mix carbonated water with a small amount of 100 percent fruit juice for a fizzy treat. This gives you the satisfying bubbles of soda with a fraction of the sugar. Try different juice combinations like cranberry-lime or apple-pear for variety.
- Kombucha: This fermented tea drink offers probiotics and a tangy flavor. It’s slightly effervescent and comes in various flavors. While it does contain some sugar, it’s typically much less than soda. Be sure to check labels, as sugar content can vary between brands.
- Coconut water: Rich in electrolytes, coconut water is a natural way to hydrate, especially after exercise. Choose unsweetened varieties to avoid added sugars. Some people initially find the taste unusual, so start by mixing it with regular water.
- Green juice: Packed with vitamins and minerals, green juices are a great way to get your veggies. Make your own to control the ingredients, or look for low-sugar options if buying pre-made. Common ingredients include kale, spinach, cucumber, celery, and green apple.
- Flavored seltzer water: Enjoy the fizz without the sugar or artificial sweeteners. Many brands offer natural flavors like lime, grapefruit, or berry. This is an excellent option for those who crave the carbonation of soda.
Remember, the key to successfully replacing soda is finding alternatives that you genuinely enjoy.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Over time, your taste buds will adjust, and you’ll no longer crave the intense sweetness of soda.
P.S. Detox your drinking water with a microplastics purge.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
America’s Next Prescription Epidemic?
It started with a prescription to help you stay focused… But now, for millions of Americans, that little orange pill bottle could be a gateway to something much darker. According to a brand-new national study, one in four adults prescribed stimulants for ADHD is misusing them—and nearly one in 10 has developed a full-blown use...
Is Your Diet ACTUALLY Healthy? Here’s How to Tell
I’ve probably uttered the phrase “healthy diet” when talking to patients, family, and friends more times than I’ve had cups of coffee—and that’s saying something! But I’ll admit it’s not always entirely clear what a healthy diet looks like. What does healthy eating really mean? Let’s take a look… Good news—healthy eating doesn’t mean you...
7 Natural Ways to Tackle Pain Without Pills
On Tuesday, we explored a promising new frontier in pain relief: terpenes, natural compounds found in cannabis (and other plants) that may ease pain without the risks of opioids. That research is still developing. But what if you’re looking for help right now? Good news: You don’t have to wait for a pharmaceutical breakthrough to...
Mailbag: Pinched to Pain Free with Natural Sciatica Solutions
“I have been suffering from sciatic pain in my hip and groin. I try to do exercises to stretch it. But ever since I slipped on the ice and fell on my left hip it seems to be getting worse. Is there any help for this?” -Painfully Pinched Dear Pinched, I understand how frustrating sciatic...
New Cannabis Discovery Could Ease Pain—Without the High
A few years ago, everywhere you turned, someone was talking about CBD. The cannabis extract had exploded in popularity for everything from anxiety to inflammation to joint pain. And while the CBD conversation continues, another cannabis compound is quietly making headlines. One that could—believe it or not—provide relief from all kinds of pain. Without the...
"Sinful Trio" SLASHES Metabolic Syndrome Risk
Are you tired of hearing your doctor’s endless “don’t eat this, don’t drink that” lectures? Well, this Easter Sunday, I’ve got news that might just have you hopping happily to your pantry. Turns out, some of life’s tastiest pleasures could help protect you from one of today’s most common health threats—metabolic syndrome. Let’s dig into...
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....