In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Does Soda Do to Your Stomach and Your Body?Symptoms of Too Much SodaAlternatives to ConsiderFAQs
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
What Does Soda Do to Your Stomach and Your Body?
Symptoms of Too Much Soda
Alternatives to Consider
FAQs
Soda, like all things, can be enjoyed in moderation. And while it’s pretty common knowledge that soda isn’t the greatest for your health, whatreallyhappens to your body when you drink soda? You may have seen various videos online showing how soda can be used to clean pennies, create soda-bottle volcanoes when paired with Mentos mints or even corrode metal. Luckily, the body does have mechanisms that protect your insides from the sweetened, carbonated beverage. However, drinking soda too often can still impact different parts of the body. And according to a 2021 article published inPreventing Chronic Disease, 63% of adults in the U.S. drink soda at least once per day. Here’s what to know about the effect of soda on your body, symptoms of drinking too much and alternatives to consider.
What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Seltzer Every Day, According to Dietitians
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According to theCDC, drinking soda frequently is associated with weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, non-alcoholic liver disease, tooth decay, cavities and gout. Additionally, adults and adolescents who drink soda frequently are more likely to have less healthy behaviors, including smoking, not getting enough sleep and more screen time.
May Negatively Impact Your Oral Health
In addition to damaging your teeth, soda can also impact your oral hygiene in several ways, including changes to saliva and gums. “Saliva plays a crucial role in oral health, as it helps to neutralize the acid in your mouth and wash away food particles and bacteria. However, drinking soda can decrease your saliva production, making it harder for your mouth to fight off harmful bacteria,” saysAnkit Patel, D.M.D., M.S.D.at 24/7 Dental, “Also, the sugar and acid in soda can irritate and inflame your gums, leading to swelling, bleeding, and even gum recession. If left untreated, gum disease can result in tooth loss and other serious health problems.”
May Cause Gastric Irritation
While soda may not directly cause damage to the stomach’s lining, soda is highly carbonated, which can cause irritation for people who already have digestive issues. “For those with gastritis, ulcers, acid reflux, and the like - the carbonic acid may aggravate symptoms and cause discomfort, especially if you’re already experiencing chronic inflammation,” saysNancy Mitchell, RN, a registered nurse and a contributing writer at Assisted Living Center.
Could Spike Your Blood Sugar and Increase Your Risk of Insulin Resistance
A 12 oz. can of regular cola soft drink has about 37 grams of added sugar, per theUSDA. To put this in perspective, theAmerican Heart Associationrecommends no more than 100 calories per day (about 6 teaspoons or 25 grams) for women and no more than 150 calories per day (about 9 teaspoons or 36 grams of sugar) for men.
“Soda can pack a powerful punch when it comes to its effect on blood sugar. Rapidly absorbed, added sugar from a soda can quickly spike blood sugar for many people. The body’s insulin production may surge in response, attempting to bring the high blood glucose level back down. This pattern of erratic spikes and drops in glucose levels through the day may lead to a trend of high glycemic variability or dramatic glucose swings and fluctuations,” saysHeather Davis, M.S., RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist with Nutrisense. “High glycemic variability can contribute to energy fluctuations and fatigue, mood swings, and even increase the risk for prediabetes, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Over time, microvascular damage may take place, which some researchers [such as a 2020 article inCardiovascular Diabetology] believe can negatively impact cardiovascular health,” adds Davis.
May Increase Your Triglycerides and Lower Your HDL Cholesterol
High amounts of added sugar can increase triglycerides and lower good cholesterol in the blood. According to a 2020 study in theJournal of the American Heart Association, adults who drink soda frequently have a 98% higher risk of having low HDL levels (“good” cholesterol) and a 53% higher chance of developing high triglycerides. “If the sugar from the soda is not used for physical activity, the liver will turn sugar into fat (triglycerides),” saysCesar Sauza, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Healthcanal.com, “It is common to see fatty liver diagnosis in patients with years of regularly drinking soda.”
May Cause Changes in Your Gut Microbiota
While artificial sweeteners were originally used as a “healthier” alternative, some research has shownthat might not be the case. “A study published last year found that artificial sweeteners, such as the ones found in diet sodas, may negatively affect the gut microbiome and glycemic control,” says Davis, which was published in 2022 inCell. “Other research shows a link between artificial sweeteners and an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. All things considered, it might be a good idea for most people to limit their consumption of such beverages and opt for less risky alternatives.”
May Increase Your Risk of Health Conditions
Symptoms that you may be drinking too much soda may include:
5 Signs You’re Drinking Too Much Seltzer Water, According to a Dietitian
The Bottom Line
Soda is refreshing and tastes good, and is a commonly enjoyed beverage among Americans. However, drinking it frequently is associated with adverse health effects, from oral health to cardiovascular health. Drinking too much at once can also cause immediate discomfort or stomach irritation. If you’re craving soda but worried about the impact on your health, consider a healthier, less-risky alternative, such as flavored seltzer, kombucha or sparkling tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Studies show that drinking large amounts of soda, or at least 10 fl oz., may irritate your stomach due to its high acidity. However, there is no evidence that it damages or causes changes in your stomach.
Drinking soda does not change the size of your stomach, so it mostly likely will not change or shrink if you stop drinking it.
It is a popular home remedy to consume flat soda, usually cola, ginger ale or clear sodas, to ease an upset stomach. However, there’s no evidence that soda is good for your stomach.
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