HEALTH: SIDE EFFECTS OF CARBONATED DRINKS

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 the Journal 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.

May Cause Changes in Your Gut Microbiota

While artificial sweeteners were originally used as a "healthier" alternative, some research has shown that 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 in Cell.

May Increase Your Risk of Health Conditions

As noted by the CDC, drinking soda frequently is associated with an increased risk of several medical problems, including obesity, diabetes, increased blood pressure, excess abdominal fat, metabolic syndrome and kidney damage and disease.

Symptoms of Too Much Soda

Symptoms that you may be drinking too much soda may include:

Chest pain, heartburn and regurgitation for those with digestive issues
Indigestion, inflammation, nausea, diarrhea and bloating caused by high amounts of sugar or artificial sweeteners
Increased urine output and dehydration due to caffeine and sugar
Mood swings, feeling weak, shakey and hungry due to blood sugar fluctuations