The Dangers of Storing Soda for Emergency Preparations

For those of us who stock food and other supplies in case of emergencies (here, the main threat is hurricane), there is often talk about prepping morale-boosting supplies. In the event of a long-lasting crisis, like Katrina, it can be demoralizing to eat out of a can every day and drink stored water. Some preparedness experts suggest storing soda to brighten spirits and make people feel more "normal" during an emergency.

There are several reasons why soda should not play a part in your food preps:

1. Empty calories

In a long-term emergency or crisis, health and survival mean getting enough nutrition to last through the event and to do the strenuous work often needed in a crisis situation. Soda provides empty calories, derived solely from high fructose corn syrup or refined sugar. It will give a temporary boost in energy levels but provides no other nutritional value.

2. Caffeine

Most soda contains caffeine which can boost energy and alertness levels for a short time but then results in a "crash" as it wears off. Caffeine intake can also affect sleep cycles and cause fuzziness and lethargy from lack of sleep- neither of which are helpful in a crisis situation.

3. Aspartame

Diet sodas contain aspartame rather than sugar. Studies continue to discover new health issues related to aspartame intake and it should be avoided in an emergency situation.

4. Sugar

Non-diet sodas contain sugar, derived either from corn or from beets or sugarcane. Refined sugar spikes blood sugar levels for a short time, increasing energy, followed by
a sugar "hangover" which can sap energy. Refined sugar also spikes insulin levels in the body which have been connected to heart disease and high blood pressure. Insulin levels also affect how the body processes carbohydrates and determine whether food energy is burned or stored.

5. Phosphoric Acid

The phosphoric acid content in most sodas can prevent the body from storing calcium and cause osteoporosis over long periods of time. It also changes the acid composition of the stomach which can lead to digestive difficulties.

Soda is a product that should not be a part of anyone's emergency preparations. In an extended crisis, it is more important than ever to treat your body like a temple. It now has a vital job to do and, if you nourish it properly, it will perform adequately enough to keep you alive. If you wish to include morale-boosting preps, choose non-food comforts like novels or board games.

Sources:

The Dangers of Soda
The Dangers of Soda Pop: Are We Killing Our Children?