Why Phosphate-Loaded Sodas Hammer Your Metabolism Harder Than Sugar

"A single can of cola delivers more than just refined sugar - it delivers a metabolic ambush that your body absorbs within minutes. While most people know to worry about the high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) lurking in soft drinks, few realize that the real damage comes from the phosphate hidden in plain sight. Phosphoric acid is added to cola for flavor and shelf life, but what it delivers is a rapid spike in inorganic phosphate, a form your body absorbs almost entirely."

"Your bloodstream reacts fast. Within just 30 to 60 minutes, phosphate levels surge - and with them, a hormone called fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). That one surge sets off a hormonal chain reaction that disrupts calcium absorption, suppresses vitamin D, stresses your kidneys, and begins laying the groundwork for hardening of your arteries. Unlike the sugar in soda, phosphate acts more like a stealth hormone disruptor. It hijacks your endocrine system with every sip."

"And it doesn't matter how healthy you think you are. Even young adults with no chronic conditions have shown elevated FGF23 levels within hours of a single phosphate load. What's worse, this phosphate exposure is virtually unregulated by your body. While natural food sources contain phosphate bound in protein or phytate, which slows absorption, sodas deliver inorganic phosphates that enter your system quickly. This largely bypasses your digestive safeguards and leaves your organs to clean up the mess."

Cola delivers inorganic phosphate that is absorbed rapidly, causing a swift rise in blood phosphate and triggering a surge in fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Elevated FGF23 disrupts calcium absorption, suppresses vitamin D, stresses the kidneys, and initiates processes that contribute to arterial hardening. Inorganic phosphate from sodas bypasses digestive safeguards that slow absorption of phosphate in natural foods, producing a greater acute hormonal and metabolic impact than sugar alone. Even healthy young adults can show elevated FGF23 within hours of a single phosphate load. The combined effects of fructose and phosphate increase long-term burden on kidneys and arteries.

Read at Natural Health News