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
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....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...
Let It Go—The Unexpected Freedom of “Fart Walks”
Ever notice your walk sometimes comes with some, well… unexpected sound effects? One step, two step, POOT! There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this natural phenomenon. Passing gas on your daily stroll is totally normal—and it means your digestive system is working well. Here’s what’s happening… Walking and other physical activities stimulate your digestive tract,...
Common Antidepressants Linked to Silent Brain Damage
If you’re among the millions taking prescription antidepressants, I have some concerning news. A major study has uncovered a disturbing link between common antidepressants and a growing brain problem. And if you’re taking an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), you may find yourself in the crosshairs. Swedish researchers recently uncovered this troubling connection. They found...
Mailbag: Tinnitus Solutions Silence the Noise Naturally
“What do you recommend for getting rid of tinnitus? Does it lead to dementia?” -Annoyed By Noise Tinnitus—the maddening ringing, buzzing, or whooshing in your ears—can drive anyone up the wall. This common condition affects an estimated 749 million people worldwide, producing phantom sounds that aren’t caused by external sources. Tinnitus strikes seniors more than...