What Happens to Our Body When We Drink Soda on A Daily Basis?

Soda, like anything else, may be consumed in moderation. And, although it's commonly known that soda is bad for your well-being, what happens to the body when you consume soda? You probably have seen videos online that demonstrate the way soda can be utilized and used to clean coins, make soda-bottle volcanoes if combined with Mentos mints, and even corrode metal.

Fortunately, the body has systems in place to protect your inside organs from the sweetened, fizzy liquid. However, consuming soda on a regular basis might still have an effect on many sections of the body. Based on a 2021 study, 63% of individuals in the United States consume soda at least once for each day.

Here's what you should know about the effects of soda for health, indicators of excessive consumption, and alternatives to explore.

The Effects of Soda for Health

Soda use is linked to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, kidney problems, non-alcoholic liver problems, tooth decay, cavities, as well as gout. Furthermore, adolescents and adults who consume soda regularly are more likely to engage in unhealthy habits such as smoking, failing to get enough sleep, and spending more time in front of a screen.

Could Have a Negative Impact on Your Oral Health

According to a 2022 study published in the journal Biomimetics, drinking soda is linked to tooth disease (dental caries), enamel erosion, and tooth loss. Anything that is extremely acidic or high in sugar might cause tooth decay. Soda is highly acidic and generally contains a lot of sugar, which is converted into lactic acid in the mouth by plaque and microorganisms and begins to destroy the teeth.

Soda, in addition to harming your teeth, can have a negative influence on the cleanliness of your mouth in a variety of ways, such as changes in saliva as well as gums. Saliva is important for dental health because it assists in neutralizing acid in the mouth and also wash away particles of food and microorganisms.

However, consuming soda reduces the production of saliva, making it more difficult for your mouth in fighting off hazardous bacteria. Soda's sugar as well as acid content can also cause inflammation and irritation to your gums, resulting in bleeding, swelling, and even recession of the gums. Gum disease, if ignored, can lead to tooth loss as well as other major health issues.

Can Cause a Gastric Irritation

While soda does not directly harm the stomach lining, it is extremely carbonated, which might irritate those who are experiencing digestive disorders. For people suffering from gastritis, acid reflux, ulcers, and various other similar conditions, carbonic acid may increase symptoms and create discomfort, particularly if you are already suffering from chronic inflammation.

Could Cause an Increase in Blood Sugar Levels and Raise the Risk of Resistance to Insulin

According to the USDA, a 12 oz. bottle of normal cola beverages has roughly 37 grams of sugar that has been added. To put that in context, American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that women consume a max of 100 calories daily (around 6 teaspoons or 25 g of sugar) and men consume a max of 150 calories daily (around 9 teaspoons or 36 g of sugar).

Whenever it comes to the impact on blood sugar, soda may carry a significant punch. For many individuals, the quickly absorbed additional sugar in a beverage can immediately increase blood sugar. In reaction, the body's insulin manufacturing may increase in an attempt to reduce the high blood sugar levels.

This pattern of irregular glucose spikes and decreases throughout the day may result in a trend of a high variability in glycemic index or extreme glucose swings as well as fluctuations. High variability in glycemic index can cause energy changes and weariness, as well as mood swings and an increased risk of prediabetes, diabetes, as well as cardiovascular disease. Microvascular injury may occur over time, which some experts believe might have a deleterious influence on cardiovascular health.

Triglycerides May Rise When HDL Cholesterol Falls

High levels of sugars that are added in the blood might raise triglycerides as well as diminish good cholesterol. Adults who consume soda often had a 98% greater possibility of having low amounts of HDL ("good" cholesterol) along with a 53% higher probability of acquiring high triglycerides, in accordance with 2020 research. If the glucose in soda isn't utilized for physical activity, the liver's system converts it to fat (triglycerides). Fatty liver is a typical diagnosis in people who have used soda on a daily basis for many years.

Changes of the Gut Microbiota May Occur

While sugar substitutes were formerly thought to be a "healthier" choice, new study suggests that this may not be real. According to one study, sugar substitutes, such as those used in diet sodas, might have a deleterious impact on the gut flora and glycemic management.

Other study suggests that artificial sweeteners are associated with a higher probability of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes type 2 or metabolic syndrome. Overall, most people would be wise to minimize their use of such drinks and instead choose less dangerous options.

May Increase the Risk of Health Problems

According to the CDC, consuming soda on a regular basis increases the risk of various medical issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, extra belly fat, metabolic syndrome, as well as kidney damage and illness.

Symptoms When You Drink Too Much Soda

Symptoms of excessive soda consumption may include:

Chest discomfort, heartburn, as well as regurgitation for people suffering from digestive problems.
Indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, inflammation, as well as bloating from excessive sugar or sugar substitutes.
Caffeine and sweets cause increased urine production and dehydration.
Mood swings, fatigue, and hunger as a result of blood sugar changes.
Increased sweet tolerance and appetites for sugary meals and drinks.