Popular Drinks Quintuple THIS Deadly Risk
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 14, 2025
We all know that sugary drinks aren’t good for our teeth.
But new research reveals a far more sinister link between sweetened beverages and oral health.
Your soda habit could be putting you at risk for something far worse than cavities…
Research published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery has uncovered a shocking link between sugary beverages and oral cancer.
The study analyzed the diets of 162,602 women over a 30-year period. The results?
Women who drank one or more sugary drinks daily were nearly five times more likely to develop oral cancer compared to those who drank less than one per month.
That’s especially troubling because oral cavity cancer (OCC) rates are mysteriously rising in people without the traditional risk factors.
You see, typically oral cancer is associated with tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and HPV infection. But now we’re seeing far more cases in non-smokers and younger people—and sugary drinks might be a key piece of this puzzling trend.
Why would they increase cancer risk? Researchers believe several things could be behind the rise:
- High sugar content may trigger inflammation in the mouth that promotes cancer growth.
- Frequent exposure to sugar can damage the protective lining of the mouth, making it more vulnerable to cancerous changes.
- Acids in many sugary drinks could cause cellular damage setting the stage for cancer.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that eating sugar can harm your health in various ways beyond the well-known risks of obesity and diabetes.
The good news is that slashing your risk could be as simple as changing what you drink. Here are a few practical substitutions for your favorite sugary drink:
- Replace sugary beverages with water, coffee, or unsweetened tea.
- If you crave sweetness, try infusing water with fresh fruit for a natural flavor boost.
- Beware of hidden sugars in sports drinks, fruit juices, and flavored coffees.
While this research focused on women, there’s no reason to believe men are immune to these effects. These findings serve as yet another good reason for all of us to ditch the sugary drinks.
P.S. Sugary drinks fuel a global health crisis!
Source:
Gomez-Castillo L, Cushing-Haugen KL, Useche M, et al. High Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake and Oral Cavity Cancer in Smoking and Nonsmoking Women. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2025;151(5):450–457. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2024.5252
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
Mailbag: End Midnight Bathroom Runs with These 6 Natural Fixes
“Thank you for your Living Well Daily newsletter! Can you please share any thoughts on how to support prostate health? Especially getting up and going to the bathroom twice a night. The stream is not as strong as it once was; it takes longer to empty. Thanks!” —Night Shift Hi Shift, Thank you for being...
Build a “Memory Savings Account” with This Daily Habit
Remember when you used to make fun of your parents for not remembering things—like the name of an actor? Well, joke’s on us. Now we’re the ones googling names mid-conversation because we can’t remember if he was in that Christmas movie “where things blow up,” or the other one “where the ship sank.” But before...
The Brain Secret That DEFIES Aging
We’ve all heard the bad news when it comes to brain aging—shrinking volume, fading memory, slower reaction times. But new research from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) delivers an unexpected—and uplifting—twist. Parts of your brain don’t just resist the aging process… they can actually get stronger. Let’s take a closer look… In a...
The Simple Secret to Better Health (No Gym Membership Required)
Let’s be honest—fitness culture is downright exhausting. You’ve probably encountered those ultra-dedicated exercise enthusiasts who turn every conversation into a masterclass on extreme workouts. They’re the ones posting their 5 AM CrossFit sessions and talking about their latest “beast mode” routine. And hey, good for them! But here’s the thing—you don’t need to become a...
Could This Gut Bug Outperform Ozempic?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ve likely heard of Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs. They’ve been making headlines for their ability to help with blood sugar control—and, in many cases, weight loss. If you’re overweight or diabetic you may have even considered taking a GLP-1. But these drugs aren’t perfect. They can be...
Mailbag: 5 Tips to Dodge the Fall COVID Spike
“COVID is spreading through my family like wildfire. We’re thinking it’s the latest variant. Are there any new recommendations for protecting yourself against it? My spouse and I have tested negative so far, but we want do everything we can to dodge it this time around.” –Dodging Variants Hi Dodging, The “Nimbus” variant (NB.1.8.1) has...
Childhood Pastime “Rewires” the Parkinson’s Brain?
If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s disease, you know how relentless it can be. The stiffness. The tremors. The way even small, everyday tasks—buttoning a shirt, pouring a cup of coffee—can feel like a battle. It’s more than just the physical symptoms, too. Parkinson’s changes the way the brain communicates with...
The Sweet Deception Raising Your Diabetes Risk
You’ve probably seen the commercials… A trim person cracks open a can of diet soda and smiles about the healthy choice they’ve made. After all, no sugar, no calories—what’s not to like? But according to a new study, that seemingly “smart” swap might be quietly sabotaging your health. Researchers from Australia and the Netherlands have...
The Dirty Truth Lurking in Your Laundry Basket
If you’ve ever peeled off a pair of socks after a long summer day and caught a whiff of something foul… you’re not imagining things. That smell? It’s not just sweat. It’s the result of a full-blown microbial party happening between your toes. And for seniors—especially those with diabetes or compromised immune systems—this isn’t just...
STRANGE Sleep Fix Sitting in Your Fridge Right Now
It’s not the kind of advice you hear every day… “Sleeping poorly? Eat more fruits and veggies.” From counting sheep to weighted blankets, people have come up with countless ways to try to get a good night’s rest. But what if the solution to better sleep has been sitting in your produce drawer all along?...