If you're a person who enjoys diet soda, then a revelation by a doctor might come as a concern to you.
Sitting down with a sugary drink isn't something to be ashamed of - we're all allowed our little treats in life.
When drinking these drinks is more often than drinking water is probably when the alarm bells should start going off.
However, some people opt for diet versions of their favorite soda for reasons that are their own... but it could all come at a cost.
A prominent California-based gastroenterologist, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, has shared alarming insights about the potential health risks of diet soda.
With over two decades of clinical experience and training from both Harvard and Stanford, Dr. Sethi recently posted a video on TikTok outlining four key reasons to reconsider consuming diet soda.
In the video, Dr. Sethi raised the question of whether diet soda is truly a healthier alternative to regular soda.
He then revealed several lesser-known but concerning facts about the beverage.
Dr. Sethi's first point highlighted a stark finding regarding women's heart health.
"First, women who drink two or more diet sodas daily face a significantly higher risk of heart attack and stroke," he said.
This statement is backed by a 2019 study from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.
According to CNN, the study linked artificially sweetened drinks to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, particularly in women over 50.
Surprisingly, the risk was highest among women with no prior history of heart disease or diabetes.
The second risk Dr. Sethi discussed was related to kidney health.
"The high phosphorus content in diet sodas can contribute to chronic kidney disease," he explained.
Dr. Sethi also warned about diet soda's potential effect on gut health.
"Diet sodas can negatively impact insulin sensitivity and disrupt gut microbiome," he said.
Good gut health plays a critical role in digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.
Disruptions to the gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of beneficial bacteria, can make the body more susceptible to disease.
Lastly, Dr. Sethi explained how diet sodas may lead to overeating.
"Diet sodas can increase cravings for high-calorie foods, disrupting appetite control," he noted.
A 2021 study published in JAMA Open Network supports this claim.
Researchers found that sucralose - a common artificial sweetener in diet sodas such as Pepsi One and Diet Mountain Dew - can heighten appetite by triggering stronger neural reward responses in the brain.
This could lead to increased consumption of unhealthy, high-calorie foods.
Dr. Sethi concluded his warning by emphasizing the lack of health benefits in diet sodas: "Ultimately, diet sodas offer no nutritional benefits."
As always, enjoy things in moderation!
