
One Swap to Boost Gut Health and Cut Cancer Risk
Dietitians at a major nutrition conference urge people to ditch sugary drinks to improve gut health, boost energy, and lower cancer risk. Sugar-sweetened beverages are a leading source of added sugar, with a typical can containing about 40 grams, pushing many over the 25–50 gram daily limit and linked to risks like type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, liver and kidney damage, tooth decay, and certain cancers. While cutting sugar is beneficial, switching to diet sodas may reduce sugar intake but comes with uncertain long‑term effects from artificial sweeteners and potential gut microbiome disruption; current guidance favors mostly plain water, with seltzer or 100% fruit juice in moderation, and coffee/tea without added sugar or cream.













