Teenagers in the US now drink twice as much soda as milk, a reverse of figures noted 20 years ago, according to a report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), the nonprofit consumer advocacy group based in Washington, DC.

According to the new report -- called "Liquid Candy" -- the average soda consumption among teenage males between ages 13 and 18 who drink soda is three or more cans a day, and 10% drink seven or more cans a day. Of 13- to 18-year-old girls who drink the beverages, the average intake is more than two cans a day, and 10% of those teenagers drink more than five cans a day. CSPI officials are calling for reforms to lower soda consumption, "including more water fountains, soda-free schools, and health-education campaigns funded by state taxes on soda, according to a statement.

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

This is national tragedy. As many of you already know, I believe sugar is one of the major contributors to ill health. In fact, I do not accept any new patients who are not willing to stop all soda, milk and juices and just drink water. I applaud CSPI for their research and efforts to publicize this information. They, however, are not a natural medicine group and are still not aware that commercially processed milk should also not be consumed.