In "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," the prankster twins Fred and George Weasley drink an aging potion so they'll appear old enough to enter the Triwizard Tournament. But they're prevented from crossing the Age Line by the clever Dumbledore, and immediately grow long white beards!
No real harm done, save temporary humiliation.
But drinking today's aging potions — namely sugary sodas and beverages — will get you in bigger trouble.
You will damage your telomeres, those protective bits of DNA at the end of your chromosomes, speeding up the natural aging process and making it more likely that you'll develop inflammation and insulin resistance, and shorten your life! One more reason to let soda fizzle out of your diet.
Are you thinking, "I can't do that!" Well, Dr. Mike had a super soda habit and beat it (he gave up sugar and sugar substitutes in his coffee at the same time) thanks to the intervention of Dr. and Mrs. Oz.
Here are two tricks to help you kick the habit, too!
• Mix one-half gallon of water with lemons, limes, oranges, pomegranate, and grapefruit (any or all) every day! Refill your BPA-free water bottle throughout the day.
• Post a note on your refrigerator door that says: "ONE 20-ounce sweet soda equals about 250 calories; I can burn them off with a 5-mile walk or a 50-minute run." Better choice — just drink lemon/lime water.
And remember: No more soda or sugared beverages (unless you are doing more than two hours of continuous cardio). You'll lose weight, ease depression, and improve your love life.
© 2024 NewsmaxHealth. All rights reserved.