9. Dehydration
It seems counter-intuitive that a beverage should work the opposite way you think it will. Many soft drinks (cola and other sodas, sweetened teas) contain caffeine, which is a diuretic. Increased urination without offsetting water and nutrient replenishment robs the body of necessary hydration and takes along important minerals like potassium in the process. (18, 19)
10. Diabetes
A meta-analysis of eleven studies on the effects of sugar-sweetened beverages and the risks for diabetes and metabolic syndrome found unequivocally that sugar-sweetened beverages (soda, energy drinks, fruit drinks, sports drinks, etc.) are associated with both (in addition to weight gain). (20)
11. Flame Retardant
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) has been added to many sports and energy drinks to prevent the other ingredients from separating. It’s been banned in many other countries as a food additive but is still used in the US. Among other things, bromine is a toxic sedative that can put you in a coma. (21) It is also used in flame retardants. (22) You may drink to quench thirst and cool down but you almost certainly won’t burst into flames…try this recipe for a homemade sports drink instead.