Three popular beverages with toxins and the swaps to avoid them,
A doctor has issued an urgent health warning for caffeine and sport drink lovers over secret toxins that may cause cancer and neurological problems.
Dr Alessia Roehnelt, a board-certified endocrinologist in New Jersey, revealed the three most common drinks that can cause significant damage to your body.
She noted that coffee, especially when made with disposable pods, could cause a buildup of hormone-disrupting microplastics in the body.
Meanwhile, sports drinks are also filled with tumors-causing food dyes that can pave the way for cancer.
Apart from this, the physician also said that drinking decaffeinated coffee or tea also pose a risk to your health due to the chemical solvents used to remove its stimulant effects.
The warnings comes as two in three American adults drink some form of coffee every day, according to the National Coffee Association.
Along with this, over 159 million Americans regularly drink tea while one in four adults consumes sports and energy at least one time per week in the US.
Below, DailyMail.com reveals the three popular beverages that can cause long-term damage to your body, as noted by Dr Roehnelt:
1. K-Cups
K-Cups, made with a Keurig machine, are coffee beans or tea leaves sealed in a disposable pod, usually made of plastic.
The cup has a plastic ring covered with a foil top, and the inside of the capsule is lined with a filter material to keep the coffee contained while brewing.
While more convenient than the traditional coffee-making process, Dr Roehnelt claims that this process can lead to a buildup of microplastics inside the liquid and increase the risk of chemical exposure with ‘each sip.’
Micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) are small plastic pieces less than five millimeters long that can damage DNA and accumulate inside vital organs.
Scientists believe that an increasing consumption of microplastics through foods and beverages can cause inflammation and lead to colon cancer.
Additionally, a March 2025 study also found that microplastics and their related toxins build up in human brain and cause inflammation and brain damage, which can lead to dementia.
It revealed that about a tablespoon worth of microplastics and nanoplastics were discovered in the brain and levels were three to five times higher in people diagnosed with dementia.
MNPs have also been linked to cell death, changes in the gut microbiome, blood clots and increased risk of heart attacks.
Instead of K-cups, Dr Roehnelt recommends using a French press or stovetop espresso machine, as neither require the use of any plastic cups to filter coffee beans into liquid.
2. Decaf coffee or tea
In recent years, decaf beverages have gained popularity due to health concerns and lifestyle preferences.
About 26 million Americans drink decaffeinated beverages every day as people’s desire for the taste of coffee without the stimulant effects of caffeine continues to rise.
However, Dr Roehnelt believes decaf may not be healthy, as many are processed using chemical solvents.
Chemical solvents are usually used in the processing of various items including soybeans, ice cream, instant noodles and palm oil to purify and enhance their flavor.
Typically, the decaffeination process for coffee beans involves using chemical solvents, primarily methylene chloride and ethyl acetate, to remove the beverage’s stimulant effects on the body.
But previous research has found that exposure to methylene chloride can increase the risk of liver cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, leukemia as well as neurotoxicity, liver harm and even death in some cases in humans.
In 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned most industrial uses of methylene chloride after noting that at least 88 people have died from acute exposure to the solvent since 1980.
But despite its well-known dangers, it continues to be used to decaffeinate coffee beans.
While ethyl acetate is not fatal to humans in small amounts, high levels of ingestions can cause gastrointestinal irritation and, potentially, central nervous system depression.
Central nervous system depression refers to a condition where brain and spinal cord activity slows down, impacting various bodily functions such as heart rate and breathing – eventually damaging vital organs.
Dr Roehnelt recommends instead opting for herbal teas such as mint or chamomile that naturally do not have any caffeine and therefore do not require any decaffeination processes.
3. Store-bought electrolyte drinks
Lastly, Dr Roehnelt warned against drinking electrolyte-filled energy drinks as they are ‘filled with artificial sweeteners, food dyes and other chemicals’ such as Blue 2.
Blue 2 is a modified version of the natural indigo dye and is used to give a blue color to a wide range of products including sports drinks, baked goods, cereals, snack foods, candies, maraschino cherries, sausages, ice cream and sherbet.
Previous studies have found that consuming excessive amounts of Blue 2 can raise the risk of tumors developing, particularly in the bladder and testes.
Additionally, animal studies have also shown links between Blue 2 and an increased risk of brain tumors.
It has also been associated with allergic reactions and hyperactivity in young children.
Since his appointment, Human and Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has been making several efforts to ban the use of Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 food dyes from all foods and beverages across the US.
The secretary also announced earlier this month that America’s ice cream giants – including Nestle, Kraft Heinz and General Mills – have pledged to remove artificial dyes from their products within the next three years.
As an alternative to energy drinks made of synthetic dyes, Dr Roehnelt suggested drinking a glass of water with a sprinkle of Celtic salt and a squirt of lemon juice.
