In the 2005 movie "Thank You for Smoking," Aaron Eckhart plays Nick Naylor, a spokesman for big tobacco whose job is to convince people that smoking is safe. When he goes to speak to his son's class, a child comments, "My mommy says smoking kills."
"Is your mommy a doctor?" Nick asks snidely.
"No."
"A scientific researcher of some kind?"
"No."
"Well, then she's hardly a credible expert, is she?" Nick concludes smugly.
In truth, even tobacco companies knew and know about the overwhelming evidence that links cigarettes to cancer. But there's another crop of cancer-promoting substances that's may be just as much of a threat to anyone who indulges in them: sugary drinks.
Sugar-bomb beverages already have been connected to an increased risk of obesity, and we know that obesity ups the risk for liver, kidney, colon, stomach, uterus, ovarian, prostate and stomach cancers. But now Australian researchers have published a study in Public Health Nutrition that found that the more sugary drinks people consume, the more likely they are to develop those cancers-and the link stuck regardless of a person's size and weight.
So, if you were rationalizing that your soda (or sweetened juice or energy drink) habit was OK because you weren't gaining weight, think again. We suggest that you make water, or sparkling water with a spritz of lime or lemon, along with coffee and tea, your beverage of choice. You'll likely reduce your cancer risk, while reducing your risk of Type 2 diabetes and boosting your heart health and brainpower. Cheers!
Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of "The Dr. Oz Show," and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into "The Dr. Oz Show" or visit sharecare.com.
(c) 2018 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.