Consuming sugary drinks has previously been linked to developing cardiovascular and heart diseases. However, it’s critical to be aware that the threat has expanded to yet another hardworking organ.
The health risks of consuming sugary drinks are well known — and for some people, avoiding these may not be very easy. Who can say no to a refreshing, sweet, fizzy drink to cool off in the summer heat? But new research enlightens us about precautions that we all must take to ensure that we — women in particular — do not consume sugary drinks, regularly. A multi-center study has found that drinking just one sugary drink a day can increase a woman’s chance of developing liver cancer.
The study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in June 2022, was conducted by a team of researchers from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and the University of South Carolina. They collected data from participants of the Women’s Health Initiative observational study, which is a continuing national health study on women’s health sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Long-term survey data from 90,504 postmenopausal women, ages 50-79, were analyzed for the frequency of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) SSB intake, which was defined as the sum of soft drinks and fruit drinks. Participants were also given a questionnaire about the presence of liver cancer, which was also confirmed by reviewing their medical records.
The study found that women who had one sugary drink a day were 73% more likely to develop liver cancer than women who had three or fewer such drinks in a month. Those who had one or more SSBs a day had a 78% higher risk.
“If our findings are confirmed, reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption might serve as a public health strategy to reduce liver cancer burden,” said Longgang Zhao, the lead author of the study and doctoral candidate at the University of South Carolina, in a press release. “Replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with water, and non-sugar-sweetened coffee, or tea could significantly lower liver cancer risk.”
Liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. In the United States as of early 2022, the American Cancer Society reports that the incidence rates of liver cancer have more than tripled and the death rates have more than doubled since 1980. U.S. consumption of sugary drinks such as soft drinks remains high — estimated at 38.87 gallons per person in 2018.
So this summer, think twice when reaching for that refreshing sugary drink and consider healthier options with natural sugars such as fresh fruit concoctions, low-sugar drinks, and that classic tall cold glass of water, instead. And to fully enjoy the summer season without stressing about your liver, be sure to Screen. Vaccinate. Don’t hesitate!
Check out these healthy summer smoothie ideas
For other liver-healthy summer wellness and diet tips, check out our top 10 suggestions
To learn more about liver health, visit our blog
