Experts issue warning as 'liquid death' drink linked to common cancer
People who drink this 'liquid death' drink are more likely to develop a dangerous cancer, a new study has warned.
Scientists have now claimed that anyone who consumes at least one serving of a sugary drink a day carries twice the risk of stomach cancer than those who don't.
While previous research suggested that the drink was linked to colorectal, breast, and liver cancers, evidence now suggests it is linked to a higher risk of developing gastric cancer.
Andrew Chan, author of the study published in the journal Gastro Hep Advances, said: "This is the first study to demonstrate an association between sugar-sweetened beverage intake and gastric cancer in a US population.
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"Gastric cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death worldwide, but we’ve known very little about how diet might contribute to this cancer."
'Just don't drink them'
Health experts have previously warned that sugary drink consumption 'can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and fatty liver disease'.
In a social media post, Dr Jeremy London said: "Just don’t drink them, period, done."
He further described the beverage as a 'scourge in our society'.
The average American, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, drinks nearly 1.5 cans of soda daily, consuming around 53 gallons per year.
And the new research into the link between sugary drinks and gastric cancer risk revealed that women in particular need to be aware.
The study concluded that daily consumption of more than one drink was associated with an almost three-fold higher risk of gastric cancer, compared to those who did so rarely.
Interestingly, artificially sweetened beverages were not associated with a higher incidence of gastric cancer.
Dr. London noted that the severity is 'often overlooked', and that long-term risks are dependent on many factors, including 'lifestyle, age, overall diet and how often they are consumed'.
And there are some warning signs to be aware of.
Stomach cancer symptoms
According to Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of the cancer may include:
- Trouble swallowing
- Belly pain
- Feeling bloated after eating
- Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
- Not feeling hungry when you would expect to be hungry
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling very tired
- Stools that look black
Though the health outlet noted that the cancer doesn't always cause symptoms in its early stages.
The expert also warned that some sugary beverages are worse than others.
He noted: "Portions are also important, as bigger cans or bottles can contain enough sugar content to exceed daily limits in a single drink.
Topics: Health, Cancer, Food and Drink
Mia Williams