Last year a study from Harvard University was presented at a prestigious medical conference proposing a link between soft drinks and knee arthritis. Researcher is concluded that the consumption of 5 or more non-diet soft drinks per week results in "significant progression of osteoarthritis." Interestingly this was true for men who were not obese. The researcher did not find this correlation between soft drinks and osteoarthritis in the obese men. They were not sure why this was true. It might be related to other factors that correlate with a number of soft drinks consumed. It might be for example that men who consumed this number of soft drinks have a less good diet and a less healthy lifestyle in other ways.
I think this is a great illustration of the risk of assuming that a study finding proves cause and effect. In discussion of their findings the authors recognize this concern. They propose the reasons that it might have occurred but of course they do not know for sure. Nonetheless headlines proclaimed a link and imply doom for those who consume these drinks. “Easy Way to Stop Knee Arthritis from Progressing” was one headline http://inhealth.healthgrades.com/knocking-out-knee-arthritis/easy-way-to-stop-knee-arthritis-from-progressing?did=t9_summ1&redirect=beme How misleading. It would have to be a totally different study to prove that stopping consumption of the strengths prevents arthritis from progressing. The study simply found a correlation between those to drink more than 5 nondiet soft drinks and those who have arthritis that progresses. The headline assumes that this study has proven that the soft drinks cause the arthritis.
Eat healthy foods. Exercise regularly in moderation. Maintain strength and flexibility. View unlikely headlines with a healthy skepticism.
