Your daily soda fixation might be taking a toll on your health, disrupting your sleep, and leading to uncomfortable bloating and diarrhea. Here’s what you should know.
Though water offers numerous health benefits, it often lacks the excitement of other beverages, especially during social outings or when paired with gourmet meals. In those moments, you might instinctively opt for carbonated soft drinks, particularly if you’re avoiding alcohol like beer, wine, or whiskey.
However, experts suggest that your love for soda, or even diet soda, might be detrimental, with some health professionals referring to it as ‘liquid death’.
Why is soda called ‘liquid death’?
Dr. Jeremy London, a board-certified vascular thoracic and general surgeon, has labeled soda, particularly diet options, as ‘liquid death’.
A doctor has previously described diet soda as ‘liquid death’ (Getty Stock Image)
In a conversation with TODAY, the cardiologist stated, “I consider soft drinks as a significant risk to our society, and I aimed to draw attention to this issue.
“Clearly, high-calorie soft drinks that sneak in extra calories from sugars are a concern.”
Difference between soda and diet soda
Regular soda is filled with sugar, while diet soda replaces sugar with artificial or low-calorie sweeteners.
Common substitutes such as aspartame, stevia, and sucralose are often used to create the diet versions.
While you might think eliminating sugar is beneficial, experts from Zoe, a wellness initiative aimed at guiding individuals toward healthier food choices, are less certain.
Issues with drinking diet soda
Experts have detailed why reaching for a diet soda may not be as healthy as you think (Getty Stock Image)
A study published in the National Library of Medicine established a direct link between soft drink consumption and increased calorie intake and body weight.
Those who regularly consume diet sodas were found to be at risk of receiving less milk, calcium, and other essential nutrients, potentially heightening the risk of health issues such as diabetes.
Dr. Sammie Gill, a gastroenterology dietitian with expertise in nutritional immunology, mentioned in a Zoe guide that the effects of artificial sweeteners can vary significantly based on an individual’s microbiome composition.
Signs you are drinking too much ‘liquid death’
According to the Mayo Clinic, the long-term effects of daily diet soda consumption are still unclear.
However, experts at Zoe have warned that excessive consumption of ‘liquid death’ could lead to significant health concerns.
Here are several signs indicating it’s time to reconsider your diet soda habit:
Gut issues
Carbonated drinks can cause gas (Getty Stock Image)
Diet sodas can lead to gas being trapped in your digestive system, leading to bloating and discomfort if it doesn’t escape quickly.
Additionally, individuals with sensitive stomachs might find that the caffeine in these beverages causes digestive contractions, resulting in diarrhea.
Problems with sleep
Carbonated beverages can cause headaches, gut problems, and more issues (Getty Stock Image)
Caffeine, a common ingredient in diet sodas, is known to cause digestive discomfort and might interfere with your sleep.
It’s advisable to avoid caffeine for at least six to eight hours before bed. For instance, if you plan to sleep at 10 p.m., consider stopping your diet soda intake by 2 p.m.
Moreover, animal research published in the Nutrition Journal has suggested that artificial sweeteners may disrupt natural sleep-wake patterns, a concept still being studied in humans.
Headaches
Iced tea is
