Fizzy soft drinks have become a staple in our lives with their sweet, refreshing taste. But, for the sake of our health, many of us are taking the pledge to cut down on fizzy drinks as part of an initiative called Fizz-Free February. The movement has gained widespread popularity across the country and aims to cut out the habit of consuming fizzy drinks and reduce sugar intake. Essentially, this month-long challenge makes it easier to ditch fizzy drinks for the rest of the year.

Firstly, why do we love fizzy drinks?

Fizzy drinks have become a significant part of our culture, and many people struggle to imagine life without them. Some people can easily go without soda, while others find they can’t do without their daily fix. For many, their fizzy drink ritual starts at lunch and continues through dinner to bedtime, which can have a detrimental impact on our sleep. The addictive appeal of fizzy drinks leads us to question what makes them so alluring.

It starts with sugar, which rushes through our brain, releasing dopamine, a chemical that leads to feelings of euphoria. The dopamine surge quickly stops, leaving our brain craving more. With a 355ml can of soda containing the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar, it’s easy to see why people get caught in this cycle. The desire for more sugar leads to increased cravings, ultimately resulting in a fizzy drink addiction.

Cutting out fizzy drinks for… weight

Fizzy drinks contain high amounts of sugar, which leads to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity. Research shows that one fizzy drink a day can add up to 30% to body fat, primarily in the form of visceral fat in the abdomen, which is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Moreover, consuming high amounts of sugar and caffeine can lead to hormonal imbalances, making it harder to control hunger and cravings. This, in turn, can lead to overeating and weight gain.

Cutting out fizzy drinks for… sleep

Fizz-Free February isn’t just about cutting down on the bad stuff for our health, but also for a better night's sleep. Fizzy drinks, especially those high in caffeine, can impact the quality of our sleep. Why? Because of the stimulating effect of caffeine, which affects the normal sleep-wake cycle.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, it’s recommended to avoid caffeine within six hours of bedtime. This is because caffeine takes approximately six hours to leave the body. So, the longer we drink fizzy soda, the more we’ll struggle to fall (and stay) asleep.

Cutting out fizzy drinks for… children

Fizzy drinks are the primary source of sugar for children and the cause of several health problems. That’s why iPRO launched their specially-formulated healthy juice range for kids, iPRO Student Edition. A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that overconsumption of fizzy drinks in children was associated with aggression, withdrawal behaviour, and attention problems. Children who drank four or more fizzy drinks per day were more than twice as likely to destroy others' belongings and get into physical altercations.

While there's no clear reason why fizzy drink consumption may be linked to behavioural health in children, researchers suspect that high caffeine content could be a factor. Other underlying health conditions like low blood glucose levels could also be triggers. Regardless of the cause, children must reduce their consumption of fizzy drinks to protect their health.

Replacing Fizzy Drinks with Healthy Hydration

As we cut out fizzy drinks, many of us are searching for healthier options without the high sugar and unregulated caffeine content. One such option is iPRO Hydrate, a low-sugar and caffeine-free hydration drink enriched for wellbeing with a nutritious blend of essential vitamins and minerals. Ahead of the new plastic directive, the range has tethered sports caps and packaged in 30% rPET.

Check out the delicious fruity flavour’s at iPRO.Run, with an exclusive 25% off.