Dr. Keith Roach
In today’s discussion, we explore the health implications of various beverage choices, including alcoholic and sweetened drinks. Understanding the potential risks can help guide healthier decisions in our daily lives.
DEAR DR. ROACH: What’s better for your health: beer (light or full) or soft drinks (sugar or sugarless)? And why? — W.C.G.
ANSWER: Unfortunately, neither alcoholic drinks nor sweetened beverages appear on my list of recommended options. Alcohol carries various risks, both short-term and long-term, and is recognized as a carcinogen (a substance that can cause cancer). The Centers for Disease Control estimates that approximately 178,000 deaths occur annually in the United States due to alcohol consumption.
While “light” beer contains slightly fewer calories and less alcohol than regular beer, I still cannot endorse it as a health-conscious choice. Those who choose to drink should be aware of the health risks involved, however minimal, and consider if the experience is worth it for them.
Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soft drinks, are clearly detrimental to health. I liken them to liquid forms of candy, suggesting their consumption be limited to occasional treats. On the other hand, drinks made with non-sugar sweeteners show associations with less weight gain, lower liver fat, and reduced tooth decay. Despite this, studies indicate that “diet” sodas still correlate with higher risks of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and overall mortality.
The underlying reasons for these associations remain unclear. Some researchers believe that changes in the microbiome could be a contributing factor, although confounding variables may complicate data interpretation. Ultimately, water is your best beverage option, with unsweetened tea or coffee serving as other healthier alternatives.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m an 80-year-old male with moderate hearing loss. Due to my difficulties, I often struggle to understand people, particularly during phone conversations. Factors like low voice volume, lack of resonance, and foreign accents contribute to this, but I find that rapid speech is my greatest challenge.
My audiologist conducted a test where I had to repeat recorded sentences after hearing them. Initially, I succeeded, but as the speed increased, I struggled to retain the beginning of each sentence. This indicates a delay in processing spoken words in those with hearing loss, leading to confusion that sometimes prevents comprehension altogether.
I hope sharing this information encourages people to communicate more clearly and slowly with individuals experiencing hearing loss. — D.S.
ANSWER: I appreciate D.S. for sharing their experience. It is common for people to raise their voice when speaking to those who are hard of hearing. However, raising the pitch may not always help; clear enunciation is often more effective. Lowering the pitch of my own voice can aid in understanding, as higher frequencies are often more challenging for those with hearing loss. Speaking more deliberately is critical in these interactions.
Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters but will incorporate them into the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.
Key Takeaways
- Both alcoholic drinks and sugary beverages carry health risks.
- Light beer has fewer calories but is still not a recommended health choice.
- Sugary drinks should be viewed as occasional treats rather than regular consumption.
- Diet sodas may not be as healthy as presumed, potentially linking to obesity and other issues.
- Water remains the best option for hydration, with unsweetened tea and coffee as alternatives.
- Effective communication with those who have hearing loss involves speaking clearly and at a moderate pace.
FAQ
What is the main health concern with alcoholic beverages?
Alcohol can lead to various health issues, including increasing the risk of cancer and contributing to numerous deaths annually.
Are there healthier drink options than diet sodas?
Yes, water, unsweetened tea, and coffee are healthier alternatives compared to diet sodas and sugary beverages.
Why might diet sodas still be linked to obesity?
Researchers are still exploring this link, considering factors like changes in gut microbiomes and confounding variables.
How should I communicate with someone who has hearing loss?
Speak clearly, at a moderate pace, and lower your pitch if needed to facilitate better understanding.
