Kicking the diet soda habit - how long?
Clawsal
Posts: 255 Member
I have been drinking coke zero every day for 5 years and it has taken a toll on my teeth (I had cavities!) and I am worried about my bones in the future too.
I quit cold turkey and two weeks later I still want to drink coke.
So for those of you who have quit: how long until the "cravings" stopped?
What was helpful?
And for motivation, what were some benefits of quitting?
I quit cold turkey and two weeks later I still want to drink coke.
So for those of you who have quit: how long until the "cravings" stopped?
What was helpful?
And for motivation, what were some benefits of quitting?
1
Replies
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No idea. I have never tried to quit.
5 -
I'm no dentist, but I'm pretty sure diet soda had little to no impact on your cavities. Cavities are caused by bacteria which live off the sugar residue of what you eat in your mouth. Diet soda has no sugar, or any other nutrient for bacteria to live on. Granted, sodas can contribute to the wearing away of tooth enamel (or so I've read) but this can be avoided by brushing teeth after every meal (like everyone's supposed) and practicing good dental hygiene.
If you are staying hydrated, and getting in all the nutrients you need to fit your activity levels, there are no real and concrete health benefits for stopping a moderate intake of diet soda.4 -
AllOutof_Bubblegum wrote: »I'm no dentist, but I'm pretty sure diet soda had little to no impact on your cavities. Cavities are caused by bacteria which live off the sugar residue of what you eat in your mouth. Diet soda has no sugar, or any other nutrient for bacteria to live on. Granted, sodas can contribute to the wearing away of tooth enamel (or so I've read) but this can be avoided by brushing teeth after every meal (like everyone's supposed) and practicing good dental hygiene.
If you are staying hydrated, and getting in all the nutrients you need to fit your activity levels, there are no real and concrete health benefits for stopping a moderate intake of diet soda.
Yeah.... no. Coke zero did contribute to the demineralization of my teeth which lead to increased sensitivity and a higher susceptibility to cavities. I now have very thin enamel. Also I was drinking coke all day long (1.5 liters a day) and it was not possible to brush my teeth each time I drank it.
I did not ask for reasons not to quit, please don't try and discourage me.6 -
AllOutof_Bubblegum wrote: »I'm no dentist, but I'm pretty sure diet soda had little to no impact on your cavities. Cavities are caused by bacteria which live off the sugar residue of what you eat in your mouth. Diet soda has no sugar, or any other nutrient for bacteria to live on. Granted, sodas can contribute to the wearing away of tooth enamel (or so I've read) but this can be avoided by brushing teeth after every meal (like everyone's supposed) and practicing good dental hygiene.
If you are staying hydrated, and getting in all the nutrients you need to fit your activity levels, there are no real and concrete health benefits for stopping a moderate intake of diet soda.
Yeah.... no. Coke zero did contribute to the demineralization of my teeth which lead to increased sensitivity and a higher susceptibility to cavities. I now have very thin enamel. Also I was drinking coke all day long (1.5 liters a day) and it was not possible to brush my teeth each time I drank it.
I did not ask for reasons not to quit, please don't try and discourage me.
There's your problem. Moderation in all things.
You are free to feel as encouraged or discouraged as you please, it won't change facts.
Have a great day, and good luck with your goals.6 -
I believe you that soda contributed to your cavities and enamel erosion. There's a big poster in my dentists office listing the side effects from regular soda AND diet.
I cant speak from experience because I've never even tried diet soda, I'll have a glass of regular every few months or so.
You'll have to stay strong until the habit becomes a distant memory. It's the same for every substance, smoking, booze etc etc That ingrained habit sticks around a lot longer than the physical "withdrawl".
I've seen many posts here from people who have managed to kick their soda havit, hopefully they'll be along soon.
Good luck and keep it up, every day will be easier than the last.5 -
AllOutof_Bubblegum wrote: »AllOutof_Bubblegum wrote: »I'm no dentist, but I'm pretty sure diet soda had little to no impact on your cavities. Cavities are caused by bacteria which live off the sugar residue of what you eat in your mouth. Diet soda has no sugar, or any other nutrient for bacteria to live on. Granted, sodas can contribute to the wearing away of tooth enamel (or so I've read) but this can be avoided by brushing teeth after every meal (like everyone's supposed) and practicing good dental hygiene.
If you are staying hydrated, and getting in all the nutrients you need to fit your activity levels, there are no real and concrete health benefits for stopping a moderate intake of diet soda.
Yeah.... no. Coke zero did contribute to the demineralization of my teeth which lead to increased sensitivity and a higher susceptibility to cavities. I now have very thin enamel. Also I was drinking coke all day long (1.5 liters a day) and it was not possible to brush my teeth each time I drank it.
I did not ask for reasons not to quit, please don't try and discourage me.
There's your problem. Moderation in all things.
You are free to feel as encouraged or discouraged as you please, it won't change facts.
Have a great day, and good luck with your goals.
I agree a can of coke a day probably would have a significant effect, unfortunately I am not able to restrain myself to just one if I do have it. I creep back to drinking large quantities.
And in this case, your facts are wrong, as diet soda does contribute to tooth decay.
1 -
Christine_72 wrote: »I believe you that soda contributed to your cavities and enamel erosion. There's a big poster in my dentists office listing the side effects from regular soda AND diet.
I cant speak from experience because I've never even tried diet soda, I'll have a glass of regular every few months or so.
You'll have to stay strong until the habit becomes a distant memory. It's the same for every substance, smoking, booze etc etc That ingrained habit sticks around a lot longer than the physical "withdrawl".
I've seen many posts here from people who have managed to kick their soda havit, hopefully they'll be along soon.
Good luck and keep it up, every day will be easier than the last.
Thank you for your input! Actually it is not the sugar but the acidity that is the most problematic in soda. So it makes sense that diet would have just the same impact as regular. I see a lot of people are drinking vinegar these days for weight loss
. I wonder if doing this long term also has an effect on their teeth.
Right now I am just dealing with the habit - tired, thirsty? - I want to reach for a coke. Surprisingly I had no withdrawal symptoms such as headaches.
ETA: My dentist also warned me against my diet soda drinking habits. My mum is at risk for osteoporosis and her doctor also warned her about drinking soda.1 -
What is it that you're missing without it?
If it's the flavor - water enhancers like Mio and Crystal Light might help.
If it's the fizz, what about sparkling water? If you need more flavor, add a shot from a water enhancer or infuse some fruit.
I'm not a huge fan of plain water other than when I'm running. At work, I usually flavor with Mio, though I am planning to try some store brand ones in the future.
~Lyssa3 -
macgurlnet wrote: »What is it that you're missing without it?
If it's the flavor - water enhancers like Mio and Crystal Light might help.
If it's the fizz, what about sparkling water? If you need more flavor, add a shot from a water enhancer or infuse some fruit.
I'm not a huge fan of plain water other than when I'm running. At work, I usually flavor with Mio, though I am planning to try some store brand ones in the future.
~Lyssa
I guess I miss the caffeine effects. But also, when I am thirsty I automatically want to drink coke and not water. In those moments, if I had a bottle of coke with me I would drink it. This is why I can't drink it "in moderation".
I replaced the soda with a double espresso in the morning, and sparkling water and tea during the day. I don't really like to drink plain water.
I will look into Mio and Crystal Light but I am not in the US and am guessing we don't have those here.
Thanks!0 -
Christine_72 wrote: »I believe you that soda contributed to your cavities and enamel erosion. There's a big poster in my dentists office listing the side effects from regular soda AND diet.
I cant speak from experience because I've never even tried diet soda, I'll have a glass of regular every few months or so.
You'll have to stay strong until the habit becomes a distant memory. It's the same for every substance, smoking, booze etc etc That ingrained habit sticks around a lot longer than the physical "withdrawl".
I've seen many posts here from people who have managed to kick their soda havit, hopefully they'll be along soon.
Good luck and keep it up, every day will be easier than the last.
Thank you for your input! Actually it is not the sugar but the acidity that is the most problematic in soda. So it makes sense that diet would have just the same impact as regular. I see a lot of people are drinking vinegar these days for weight loss. I wonder if doing this long term also has an effect on their teeth.
Right now I am just dealing with the habit - tired, thirsty? - I want to reach for a coke. Surprisingly I had no withdrawal symptoms such as headaches.
ETA: My dentist also warned me against my diet soda drinking habits. My mum is at risk for osteoporosis and her doctor also warned her about drinking soda.
My mum has osteoporosis, and one of the first things her doctor asked her was if she had a soda habit, and yes she did
. Other than my dentist, most of the info i have on it has come from her doctor, You're doing the right thing by quitting it.
I liken it to "liquid handcuffs", where people can not function with out drinking soda everyday, F that! I've had a couple of addictions in my lifetime, i do not want to be adding another one, i just hate the thought of being dependent on anything..
0 -
macgurlnet wrote: »What is it that you're missing without it?
If it's the flavor - water enhancers like Mio and Crystal Light might help.
If it's the fizz, what about sparkling water? If you need more flavor, add a shot from a water enhancer or infuse some fruit.
I'm not a huge fan of plain water other than when I'm running. At work, I usually flavor with Mio, though I am planning to try some store brand ones in the future.
~Lyssa
I guess I miss the caffeine effects. But also, when I am thirsty I automatically want to drink coke and not water. In those moments, if I had a bottle of coke with me I would drink it. This is why I can't drink it "in moderation".
I replaced the soda with a double espresso in the morning, and sparkling water and tea during the day. I don't really like to drink plain water.
I will look into Mio and Crystal Light but I am not in the US and am guessing we don't have those here.
Thanks!
What about a soda stream where you can make it at home? But this is really swapping one habit for another, and you'll never be truly free of the fizzy dependance.0 -
No tea no shade but you didn't think to drink through a straw? I never drink diet soda with out a straw it never touches your teeth goes straight back into your throat2
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Christine_72 wrote: »What about a soda stream where you can make it at home? But this is really swapping one habit for another, and you'll never be truly free of the fizzy dependance.
Keep in mind carbonating your water is making it acidic, so you are not solving the problem entirely.
http://www.today.com/health/sparkling-water-bad-your-teeth-dentists-weigh-t707611 -
My dentist told me to cut back so I did. After about a month I was used to only really drinking water, with maybe a can once a week.0
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I stopped drinking pop about 3 weeks ago. I realized i liked the CO2 so i swapped my pop out for carbinated flavoured water. After a week of that, i swapped to just normal flavoured water. I try to drink 8-10 glasses of water in some form now and i have to say, i dont miss it.1
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For motivation: I've read that diet drinks devastate your gut's microbiome, leading to all kinds of problems.
I've also read that the artificial sweetener can spike your blood sugar. That makes no scientific sense initially, but evidently there's something to it.
I quit last Fall, and it took at least a month to get over it and begin to really like the taste of water. Now I enjoy drinking water with my meals, and even after my meal, while I'm waiting for the family to stop eating.
Buy yourself a variety of nice glasses to drink from. For me, it really makes a difference if I like my glass.1 -
...Actually it is not the sugar but the acidity that is the most problematic in soda...
ETA: My dentist also warned me against my diet soda drinking habits. My mum is at risk for osteoporosis and her doctor also warned her about drinking soda.
Yes. It is harmful to both teeth and bones. The phosphoric acid in cola-type soda leaches calcium from your bones. Sodas without phosphoric acid, like lemon-lime types, aren't associated with this leaching effect. It's still acidic and not good for the tooth enamel, though.1 -
Michaelxo444 wrote: »No tea no shade but you didn't think to drink through a straw? I never drink diet soda with out a straw it never touches your teeth goes straight back into your throat
That is actually something I have tried. It did not work out as it diminished my enjoyment of the drink and it was not practical carrying a straw around. Right now I would rather just kick the habit.1 -
awinner_au wrote: »Christine_72 wrote: »What about a soda stream where you can make it at home? But this is really swapping one habit for another, and you'll never be truly free of the fizzy dependance.
Keep in mind carbonating your water is making it acidic, so you are not solving the problem entirely.
http://www.today.com/health/sparkling-water-bad-your-teeth-dentists-weigh-t70761
Yep that is true and I hope to slowly get back to drinking plain tap water. I just checked and the sparkling water I drink (henniez verte) has a ph of 7.38! I am very surprised by this.0 -
I stopped drinking pop about 3 weeks ago. I realized i liked the CO2 so i swapped my pop out for carbinated flavoured water. After a week of that, i swapped to just normal flavoured water. I try to drink 8-10 glasses of water in some form now and i have to say, i dont miss it.
A week? That was fast! I am two weeks in and am not ready to give up sparkling water yet
Demenseotf wrote: »My dentist told me to cut back so I did. After about a month I was used to only really drinking water, with maybe a can once a week.CynthiasChoice wrote: »For motivation: I've read that diet drinks devastate your gut's microbiome, leading to all kinds of problems.
I've also read that the artificial sweetener can spike your blood sugar. That makes no scientific sense initially, but evidently there's something to it.
I quit last Fall, and it took at least a month to get over it and begin to really like the taste of water. Now I enjoy drinking water with my meals, and even after my meal, while I'm waiting for the family to stop eating.
Buy yourself a variety of nice glasses to drink from. For me, it really makes a difference if I like my glass.
So one month it is. I can make it
. I do like drinking from nice glaces actually, or a nice water bottle. Good advice TheRealSlim_Shelly wrote: »Try drinking from a straw to save your teeth from staining if that's the problem. I drink everything from a straw that isn't water. I feel for you. No matter how many times I quit drinking coffee, I always went right back to it. I think I am even addicted just to *holding* the cup in my hand like a smoker craves a cigarette between their fingers. I guess the addiction is also in the repetition of experience. Anyway, the best I could ever get it down to is about 20oz a day.
Why are you quitting? Is because of caffeine or fake sugar affects or because of the teeth issues. Staining can be prevented with a straw and brushing, and caffeine withdrawal can take about 2 days to a week to get over, at least for me it did. Overall, you can make yourself simply "less thirsty" by drinking more water to stay hydrated. Like a gallon throughout the entire day. Doesn't leave much room to want to drink an additional Coke Zero. I'm sure the Coke Zero was dehydrating you anyway because of the caffeine.
I am not quitting because of the teeth stains, I have no staining from drinking all that coke. Is it normal or was I lucky?
I have no problem with caffeine. Caffeine is helpful to me!
However, as mentioned above I had cavities that were facilitated by my having very thin enamel due to sipping coke all day long. The acidity helps bacteria proliferate and drinking coke is apparently bad for your bones.
I am also worried than thin enamel will result in yellowing teeth and sensitive teeth (which I already have).0 -
I quit soda/fizzy drinks in April 2015 when I started suffering acid reflux n blotting, I did it cold turkey I also stopped coffee0
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...Actually it is not the sugar but the acidity that is the most problematic in soda...
ETA: My dentist also warned me against my diet soda drinking habits. My mum is at risk for osteoporosis and her doctor also warned her about drinking soda.
Yes. It is harmful to both teeth and bones. The phosphoric acid in cola-type soda leaches calcium from your bones. Sodas without phosphoric acid, like lemon-lime types, aren't associated with this leaching effect. It's still acidic and not good for the tooth enamel, though.
For the longest time I actually couldn't believe that soda had an effect on bones, since there is no contact between the teeth and the coke. I thought this was an hoax - such as aspartam causes cancer - until my mum came back from the doctor with an explanation and a smug face.0 -
Y does this only post a tiny part of ur reply!!!! It's so annoying (sorry there was a lot more to my reply)0
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The long n short of it is I only drink water now and I don't miss soda any more (and I hated naked water before) I've amazed myself1
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I got my acid reflux under control in December 2015 and weaned myself of the meds but I would never go back to drinking soda1
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I used to drink a lot of coke zero, pepsi max, diet coke if I had to. I just wanted to wean myself off of craving "sweet". it wasn't the diet drinks, it was the other sweet and "carby" foods that went with the diet drinks - pizza, fried, salty carbs, etc.
I don't know, a week or two?
For motivation: more $$$
I'll have one from time to time - but I'll consciously reach for a water vs. diet drink now. They're A LOT cheaper - go to a restaurant, and a diet drink is $2. Family of four - $10 in drinks (including tip). Whereas, the server does the same work for water, which is FREE. Family eating out can save $100 in a month, if you can convince/dictate them to drink water vs. Sweet Tea/Sodas. Don't even get me started on beer. Or buying them at the grocery store, I was looking for deals, like buy 2 12 packs, get 3 free so it "only" costs $.25/12 oz. If you "only" drink 4/day @ .25 (pretty cheap) your habit is costing you $365/year or more.
Im including my drink tracking chart. It's an eye test - but green is zero, red is >0.
As the Water Boy said ... "You Can Do It!!!"
https://youtu.be/VZ2HcRl4wSk
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Ps. Black Coffee is my "allowed" vice.1
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If it's the caffeine you're after, how about treating yourself to a coffee every so often? I'm not aware of that affecting teeth or bones although, as with anything, moderation is key.0
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I entirely stopped drinking soda when I decided to eat healthy. I completely forgot about it in about a month or 2. Replaced it with loads of water or milk with occasional coffee. I can't even drink the stuff if I want to now, tastes too sugary for my liking3
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Why are you worried about your bones? And people get cavities usually because of poor oral hygiene.I have been drinking coke zero every day for 5 years and it has taken a toll on my teeth (I had cavities!) and I am worried about my bones in the future too.
I quit cold turkey and two weeks later I still want to drink coke.
So for those of you who have quit: how long until the "cravings" stopped?
What was helpful?
And for motivation, what were some benefits of quitting?
Personally I've drank diet soda for over 25+ years and neither cavities or weak bones have been an issue due to good oral hygiene and good stress on my bones so they stay strong.
However if you want a good benefit from quitting it, you save money on buying it and................well that's about all I can think of.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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