EXCESSIVE COLA DRIKNS CARRIES MUSCLE PROBLEMS

LOW POTASSIUM LEVELS BY DRINKING TOO MUCH COLA
A DAY INCREASE MUSCULAR WEAKNESS, WARN DOCTORS

NEW YORK (ScienceDaily) - Doctors have issued a warning about excessive cola consumption after noticing an increase in the number of patients suffering from muscle problems, according to the June issue of IJCP, the International Journal of Clinical Practice. “We are consuming more soft drinks than ever before and a number of health issues have already been identified including tooth problems, bone demineralisation and the development of metabolic syndrome and diabetes” says Dr Moses Elisaf from Greece. A research review carried out by Dr Elisaf and his colleagues has shown that symptoms can range from mild weakness to profound paralysis. “Evidence is increasing to suggest that excessive cola consumption can also lead to hypokalaemia, in which the blood potassium levels fall, causing an adverse effect on vital muscle functions.” It appears that hypokalaemia can be caused by excessive consumption of three of the most common ingredients in cola drinks – glucose, fructose and caffeine. On the other hand, caffeine free cola products can also cause hypokalaemia because the fructose they contain can cause diarrhoea.” In addition, excessive consumption of any kind of cola can lead to a range of health problems including fatigue, loss of productivity and muscular symptoms that vary from mild weakness to profound paralysis. Luckily all the patients studied made a rapid and full recovery after they stopped drinking cola and took oral or intravenous potassium.

In a commentary on the paper, Dr Clifford Packer from the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Centre in Ohio explains, “Cola drinks need to be added to the physician’s checklist of drugs and substances that can cause hypokalaemia.” “And the soft drink industry needs to promote safe and moderate use of its products for all age groups, reduce serving sizes and pay heed to the rising call for healthier drinks.”, says Dr Packer.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US?

“To improve the quality of your spiritual life, you should also avoid the use of intoxicants - drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes, as well as soft drinks, coffee, and tea if they contain caffeine. Using these substances unnecessarily clouds the mind, which is already clouded with all kinds of material concepts of life.”

LASSI: 3 parts youghurt to 1 part water; dry roasted cumin seed or sugar; black pepper; salt. Mix the yoghurt and water. For each 4 cups of yoghurt and water add ½ t. salt, ¼ t. black pepper and 1 t. roasted cumin seed. Mix well. Lassi can also be prepared by mixing yoghurt and water and adding 1/3 cup sugar for each 2 cups lassi.

“The Higher Taste” - “The Hare Krishna Cook Book”
The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International