Sugary Drinks Fuel a Global Health Crisis
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted February 1, 2025
I don’t need to tell you that sugary drinks are the opposite of a health food.
However, new research reveals just how harmful they really are.
In fact, millions are being affected in disturbing ways that might shock you…
A disturbing new study published in Nature Medicine has uncovered the devastating toll of sugar-sweetened beverages. The research found they were linked to 2.2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million cases of heart disease in 2020 alone.
Researchers analyzed sugary drink consumption across 184 countries, comparing data from 1990 to 2020. What they found paints a troubling picture of who’s most affected…
- Men consume more than women.
- Younger adults drink more than older adults.
- City dwellers outpace rural residents.
- Those with higher education levels surprisingly drink more.
But why are these drinks so dangerous? Well, it comes down to how our bodies process liquid sugar.
When you drink a sugary beverage…
- The calories are absorbed
- You feel less satisfied than if you’d eaten solid food.
- Your body struggles to regulate blood sugar.
- Fat begins accumulating in your
- Your cardiovascular system takes a hit.
However, the impact isn’t felt equally across the globe. And there’s a reason for that—beverage manufacturers (Big Soda) actively target specific regions with aggressive marketing campaigns and fight against health-protective legislation.
Think about it for a moment… these aren’t just numbers. Each case represents a real person whose life has been forever changed by something seemingly innocent, such as a daily soft drink habit.
The good news is that the solution isn’t complicated, and you CAN avoid the same fate as those millions of other folks…
- Switch to water or unsweetened beverages.
- Read labels carefully—added sugars are hidden in many drinks.
- Keep in mind that “natural” juices can be just as sugary, so limit them.
- Know that diet sodas aren’t the answer (click here for more on why)
Remember, every time you reach for a drink, you’re making a choice about your health. Make it count.
P.S. The TRUTH about “natural” sugars revealed!
Source:
Cudhea, F., Miller, V., Shi, P., Zhang, J., Sharib, J. R., Cash, S. B., Barquera, S., Micha, R., & Mozaffarian, D. (2025). Burdens of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease attributable to sugar-sweetened beverages in 184 countries. Nature Medicine, 1-13.
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: Two Mineral Trick Banishes Nighttime Leg Pain?!
“I’m 81 years old and haven’t had joint pains before. However, my legs are hurting me—but only during the night. (My husband is 91 and doesn’t know what pain means.) I stopped taking any Big Pharma type stuff about 40 years ago and I have been so much healthier ever since. What do you recommend?”...
"Red Remedy" Could REWIRE Depressed Brains
Let’s talk about depression. If you’ve ever battled this invisible enemy (or watched a loved one struggle), you know how frustrating Big Pharma’s depression treatments can be. First, there’s the trial-and-error approach. Next comes the waiting game to see if a drug works (and they frequently fail). And finally, you live in fear of getting...
The $1000 Weight-Loss Secret Your Body Makes for FREE
Weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have become household names. These injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs have captured widespread attention, with celebrity endorsements and social media success stories highlighting their dramatic results. But here’s what those glossy headlines aren’t telling you… GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone released by your gut. It acts as...
Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit
Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring. So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it. But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be...
Nature's Powerful COVID-19 Defense REVEALED
While Big Pharma scrambles to cash in on new COVID-19 treatments, Mother Nature already has powerful allies waiting in the wings. A groundbreaking review in the journal Nutrients revealed a secret that Big Pharma won’t advertise—common herbs and supplements could ease mild COVID-19 symptoms. And the best part? You won’t need a prescription or to...
Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!
I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs. But that strength can also be their biggest health risk. Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things! Short of breath? It...
5 Warning Signs Men Should NEVER Ignore!
Men—listen up. I know you pride yourself on being tough. You insist on pushing through and refuse to make a fuss about “every little ache and pain.” But here’s the cold, hard truth… That tough guy act? It could KILL you. As a doctor I get an unwanted first-row seat to some hard-learned lessons. Hardly...
Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?
“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea. Are these symptoms connected in some way?” -Leaky and Lost Hi Lost, When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s...
“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan. There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week. But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea. Now, new research suggests it was a...
Nature's New Mood Booster? (It's Already in Your Kitchen!)
Scientists uncovered something surprising hiding in plain sight in our kitchens. And it might turn out to be nature’s answer to fighting depression. The best part? You’re probably already eating it… Let’s find out. An exciting new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that naturally occurring spermidine could help keep the blues...