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Meaghan is a freshman in high school who is also holding down a 20 hour-a-week job. She drinks diet cola several times a day to keep her energized...

First, let me address the calcium issue, which is caused by Meghan's lack of dairy products.  I am going to assume that Meaghan is young, probably fourteen or fifteen years old.  Studies have shown that calcium consumption while one is young can lead to increased bone density when one gets older.  This increased bone density can ward off osteoporosis, which is a disease that affects women more than men and is a leading cause of fractures in elderly women.  Meaghan is still growing and needs her calcium to make sure that the new growth is strong.  If she wants to maintain her vegan lifestyle, her doctor can suggest a calcium supplement (many of which can be eaten in flavorful gummy form now) or she can increase her consumption of spinach, broccoli, and almonds.  Almond milk can also be a good substitute for dairy.  


While I do applaud her for trying to stay away from the high fructose corn syrup found in many soft drinks, she needs to be wary of the amount of caffeine in them. Caffeine is a diuretic and can dehydrate the body. Younger bodies are especially sensitive to excessive caffeine consumption, as excessive amounts can cause irritability, insomnia, and rapid heart rate. Her doctor would probably suggest an increase in water consumption, as this is the best way to hydrate.  

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