A health expert is warning people to cut these common drinks from their diets, and some of the culprits might surprise you.
With countless beverage options available today, it’s easy to feel spoiled for choice. However, some of the most popular drinks in the U.S. may not be as healthy as they seem.
According to Fortune Business Insights, the non-alcoholic drinks market was valued at a staggering $149.62 billion in 2022. Meanwhile, Park Street reported that the alcoholic beverage market reached nearly $260 billion that same year.
But are these booming industries profiting from selling unhealthy products? Naturopathic doctor Janine Bowring believes so.
In a recent TikTok video, Bowring revealed the five ‘toxic’ drinks you should avoid for better health.
“Discover the five toxic beverages that can harm your health and learn how to make healthier choices,” Dr. Janine Bowring captioned her video.
While some of her warnings might be expected, others could catch you off guard.
Alcohol
Bowring highlights a hidden concern with alcoholic drinks: glyphosate, a herbicide that can potentially damage the gut lining, leading to what’s known as leaky gut syndrome, which has been linked to autoimmune disorders.
However, there’s no need for immediate alarm. While studies have found trace amounts of glyphosate in beer and wine, a spokesperson for the Beer Institute told USA Today that an adult would need to consume over 140 glasses of wine or beer per day for it to pose a health risk.
Sports Drinks
You might think grabbing a sports drink after a workout is a healthy choice, but Bowring advises against it.
“These drinks are often loaded with sugar,” she explained. “And if they’re marketed as low-sugar, they usually contain artificial sweeteners instead.”
Both high sugar content and artificial additives can negatively impact your health, making water or natural electrolyte sources a better post-workout choice.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are another beverage to approach with caution. The World Health Organization has even labeled them a “danger to public health.”
These drinks often contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants, which can lead to heart problems, anxiety, insomnia, and high blood pressure when consumed excessively.
Diet Sodas
Though they’re marketed as low-calorie alternatives, diet sodas aren’t always the healthier option.
Bowring highlights a major concern: the artificial sweetener aspartame, commonly found in these beverages.
Celebrity nutritionist Sarah Carolides also warns against phosphoric acid present in many diet sodas. According to Carolides, this acid “enters the bloodstream quickly and lowers the blood’s pH due to its acidic nature.”
She explains that the body then works to rebalance by making the blood more alkaline again. This process can interfere with calcium absorption, as calcium is a key alkaline molecule in the body.
@j9naturally 5 TOXIC Drinks You Should NEVER Consume❌🥤 Discover the 5 toxic beverages that can harm your health and learn how to make healthier choices. From sugary drinks to artificially sweetened beverages, we’re counting down the top drinks to avoid in order to protect your well-being. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, improve your energy levels, or simply feel better in your own skin, this video reveals the shocking truth about the drinks that are holding you back. Watch until the end to find out which drinks made the list and what you can replace them with for a healthier, happier you. #foodstoavoid #nutrition ♬ original sound – doctorjanine Bowring, ND
Coconut Water
This one might surprise many, after all, coconuts and water are both healthy, so why wouldn’t coconut water be good for you?
Bowring explains that out-of-season coconut water can pose a problem. “Not only does it contain some sugar, but it also has deuterium, which can drain your energy over time,” she says.
According to Osmio Water, deuterium is a naturally occurring form of hydrogen. Elevated levels in the body can lead to chronic fatigue, metabolic issues, and premature aging.
Fruit Juice
Another unexpected entry on Bowring’s list is fruit juice.
She points out that fruit juice is “very high in fructose,” a natural sugar that, when consumed in excess, can contribute to fatty liver disease.
While fructose naturally occurs in fruits, vegetables, and honey, Healthline notes that too much of it can increase the risk of conditions like diabetes, obesity, leptin resistance, and elevated uric acid levels.
