DIET SODA???

freckles_cmj

Never thought I would be able to break the coke zero habit..it was like crack, and I could EASILY drink 6 cans a day at one point...

but I am over 6 weeks soda free...I switched to flavored seltzer, it takes care of the craving for bubbles and since it is 0 cal 0 sodium counts as water. Was easier than I thought it would be once i set my mind to it. I had a sip of a diet coke on thanksgiving, and it tasted like chemicals...no desire to ever return to drinking it again

TheWinman

I might have to go try that Lipton diet green tea I hate tea but maybe it has a different taste....

I was never a tea lover, hardly ever drank tea. Then my daughter had me try this, now I'm hooked.

Akimajuktuq

James Krieger has done a pretty thorough research review on weightology.net but it's part of his payed content so pasting it here would be quite wrong.

Having seen a reasonable amount of research on aspartame (I would never claim to have read it all-- but I've seen a handful) I would conclude the following about diet soda:

1) If you have PKU, avoid it entirely.
2) If you get migraines from it, avoid it.
3) If you don't have either of the above, enjoy it in moderation. A few cans per day? Not an issue. A case per day? Probably should start cutting back.
4) My dentist tells me that it's not good for tooth enamel, I'm inclined to believe him, but this has nothing to do with weight loss.

To my knowledge (I should review though) there are mixed studies showing effects of non nutritive sweeteners on gut hormones. Thankfully most of you are tracking intake, and if you believe that diet sodas are causing you to overconsume calories due to hunger signaling, then obviously you should monitor this.


Beyond that though, enjoy your diet soda. If it helps you with dietary adherence and you enjoy one or two now and again, go for it.

Lastly, I'm ALWAYS happy to see research that conflicts with the above. Those of you who are vehemently against diet soda, please feel free to share any peer reviewed studies (not mercola blogs please) that show harmful effects of diet soda in humans, at relatively "human" levels of consumption.

I agree with the above very much. However, my own personal research and experience has convinced me that it is more harmful than is widely believed. Unfortunately, the dissemination of credible info that challenges certain agencies is especially slow to be publicly revealed. Of course when new info is released, the first cycle of response is ridicule; that pattern can be seen throughout our progress in history. It's not just this substance on it's own but the synergistic effects of substances that concerns me most. As you are likely aware, research on synergistic effects of man-made substances is seriously lacking and thousands more chemicals are designed every year with many making their way into our products. To trust that all this is safe with no negative effects because we have not been informed of any seems either naive or apathetic.

However, as I initially said, if one wants to drink diet soda, power to them. I only have issue when it comes to the innocents that suffer the consequences of the decisions of others.

SideSteel

However, my own personal research and experience has convinced me that it is more harmful than is widely believed

Do you mind sharing some of that research? I'm always up for having my beliefs challenged.

Thanks!

Akimajuktuq

Hi can anybody point out to some study or equivalent that says diet sodas are bad.

Coke has been around for ages and other than making us fat (which is bad enough) Ive never heard of anybody dieing of soda overdose (incredibly there is an article of water overdose)

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=strange-but-true-drinking-too-much-water-can-kill

Everybody says sodas are bad, basically because they have heard they are bad (at least in my case) So is there study or peer reviewed article that confirms it, or do we just keep on saying it because we heard somewhere or know someone who told is it was bad.

i don't care either way, but it would be cool to hear the science behind it being bad or ehhh.. just not as healthy as water.

Obviously you have access to a computer. There's lots of research on the subject. Like all research, it is heavily influenced by who is conducting the research and/or who is funding it. Often, corporations are conducting their own research. Also, nutritional research is extremely hard to get a clear answer due to the complexity of factors involved. Basically, a skilled statician can often argue both sides of an argument using the same data. Regardless, there is lots of research in regards to artificial sweeteners. You probably don't agree with it, so you have discounted it. Fine, but don't come on here and pretend there is no information that contradicts the "it's perfectly safe" dogma.

Wow you are an angry one...
I asked for a real peer reviewed article because I'd like to formulate my own opinion as opposed to repeating what everyone else just mindlessly repeat. Again I ask for the information, maybe one that cannot be answered both ways. Otherwise I will use my own, which is that no one Ive ever known has died of soft drink/splenda aspartame poisoning,

Relax girl, we are all friends here.

LOL I think it's my writing style. I am frustrated but not angry. I have a type A personality too.

So how would one prove that aspartame (I think Splenda is as bad or worse actually) directly caused a death? You are asking for the impossible since factors cannot be isolated. So that means it's a perfectly safe substance just because corporations put it in everything and the government tells us it's "safe"? Quit being silly. Actually I'm most concerned with the syntergistic effects of every contaminant in our lives and what is happening to our health in modern society. We are longer lived but not healthier (remember, I live in a community where I can compare modern society to Paleolithic socities). Perhaps our experts could focus on prevention of illness instead of treatment? They could, but won't, especially when most of us haven't a clue that there's a problem.

friends now.:drinker:
Actually my original inquiry was not directed at diet sodas per se, more at sodas in general. I remember my grandparents appalled by the fact that a greased up bike chain left in coke would clear up overnight... and how they said... that stuff is going to kill you... sort of argument. That was more my interest.
I agree with you in the "denergystic" (hopefully the opposite of synergystic) effect contamination/chemicals on our lives. At the rate we are polluting our oceans and waterways we might end up having to drink diet coke as a safer alternative to water and juice...:sad:

The topic is "Diet Soda" and I was responding to the oh-so-annoying (annoying to me, no offense intended) request to do the work for someone else: "Hi can anybody point out to some study or equivalent that says diet sodas are bad". There are studies that lend support to a myriad of hypotheses. Like I mentioned before, data itself is malleable; it can portray a different picture depending on how it is processed and reported. The assumption that something is always safe until proven otherwise is just ridiculous to me; remember the Precautionary Principle? It's an issue of isolating factors and bias in research. Of course if one completely trusts the research put out by for-profit agencies that are policing themselves and our government agencies that have their interests firmly entrenched in food politics, then all is well. No need for concern. Well, I don't live in that camp anymore.

I'll share a drink with you! I'll have mine with vodka (no, not necessarily healthy) and water with a piece of lemon or lime. Yum. I should have a drink more often, it mellows me out, but it sure doesn't help with my weight loss or other aspects of my existence. :drinker:

katelion22

Unless you're drinking 6 a day, I wouldn't worry too much about your diet soda intake. Diet soda isn't inherently "bad," but as with anything, moderation is key. Too much of anything isn't good for you. Hell, drinking too much water can KILL you.

Akimajuktuq

However, my own personal research and experience has convinced me that it is more harmful than is widely believed

Do you mind sharing some of that research? I'm always up for having my beliefs challenged.

Thanks!

I've seen enough of your posts to know that you are a pretty smart guy. If you had cared to, you would have already seen the same information that I have. It's just a google away, looking at article sources, not just articles. I don't mind that you aren't convinced that artificial sweeteners may be harmful, but you seem to know enough that it can cause problems for some people. So, if someone doesn't recognize any negative symptoms because they come to believe it is normal (I used to think that many of my illnesses were "normal" until they disappeared!), or they just don't have any (some people are more sensitive than others), or can't make the link that diet could influence health, does that mean that these substances are safe for almost everyone? Especially the young and pregnant of a population?

When I first joined MFP I started to go out of my way to provide sources. (Of course, I also speak from personal experience, which is far more relevant IMO. FYI I work in a scientific field.) However, I soon discovered that it was a colossal waste of my time (I know, so are the forums) when no matter what info was offered, the attitude that dominated all was "I don't agree, so that is false". When I encounter that attitude then, yes, I do get angry. In my opinion, it's great to be passionate and have strong opinions, but we should always keep our mind open and consider new information especially from others who have had far different experiences than our own.

red_road

anonymousKel

Green tea with Lemon is nice, loads of water every day ...the odd soda wont do you much harm. Don't deprive yourself or you mind indulge in something worse. x

SideSteel

However, my own personal research and experience has convinced me that it is more harmful than is widely believed

Do you mind sharing some of that research? I'm always up for having my beliefs challenged.

Thanks!

I've seen enough of your posts to know that you are a pretty smart guy. If you had cared to, you would have already seen the same information that I have. It's just a google away, looking at article sources, not just articles. I don't mind that you aren't convinced that artificial sweeteners may be harmful, but you seem to know enough that it can cause problems for some people. So, if someone doesn't recognize any negative symptoms because they come to believe it is normal (I used to think that many of my illnesses were "normal" until they disappeared!), or they just don't have any (some people are more sensitive than others), or can't make the link that diet could influence health, does that mean that these substances are safe for almost everyone? Especially the young and pregnant of a population?

When I first joined MFP I started to go out of my way to provide sources. (Of course, I also speak from personal experience, which is far more relevant IMO. FYI I work in a scientific field.) However, I soon discovered that it was a colossal waste of my time (I know, so are the forums) when no matter what info was offered, the attitude that dominated all was "I don't agree, so that is false". When I encounter that attitude then, yes, I do get angry. In my opinion, it's great to be passionate and have strong opinions, but we should always keep our mind open and consider new information especially from others who have had far different experiences than our own.

I do google and I do read studies. That doesn't mean that I've read or found the same ones that everyone else has. Hence, if someone has research that they are using to draw a different conclusion than I have, I'd like to see it.

hcchope

Soda is one of the first things you should try to give up when dieting, avoid it at all costs, an accasional glass here or there wont change much but try your best

kokoforskinny

Does the diet soda impact your weight loss? Does it make you crave other foods? Does it stop you from drinking water otherwise? If not, then don't worry about it. It does all 3 to me so I gave it up (plus I think sweeteners used in them trigger my migraines judging by my food diary compared to my migraine diary). I actually switched back to regular soda and then gave that up (it took me another year because, unfortunately, a can helps me when I have a migraine and I had to give that up since even 1 can starts me back down the soda trail right away).

I like lemon juice or lime juice in my water.

Georgia

Thanks!!! Maybe that is why I get headaches I will have to cut back on diet soda I've been drinking it forever :9 I need to start drinking water a whole lot more than I do now

You get your migraines cause you are going through a withdrawel and you have cut back too much. I used to drink easy a 2 lt a day. What I did is actually made up my mind to wanting to quit. I first cut back to 1 liter a day if that gives you headaches then only drink 1 1/2 lts. I did that for a few days and then I cut it back again. Before I knew it I was down to only a sip in the morning and that is it. I worked for me. Try it it don't hurt.

LollipopPsyco

I have been Strongly Urged by osteoporosis specialists to not drink carbonated beverages of any kind because it leeches calcium from your bones, making them break easily. I've had a lifelong diet coke habit and have have 5 fractures in the last 4 years. I promise you, this is no way to live.

HMMMMM since it happened to you it MUST be true for EVERYONE!
oh wait im lifetime soda drinker and have never broken anything.....

LollipopPsyco

How bad is it to drink diet soda? I am trying to stop but it is so HARD!!!! I drink water but not like I should....What can I do to intake more water and less diet coke/pepsi?????

Thanks!

Easy stop buying diet soda. Or plan to wear diapers ooops Depends when you are 40ish or 50yrs. My sister only drank diet Pepsi in her younger years now her body is racked with digestive diseases. If it can help clean rust off a car engine well that is a clue. <hug>

the acid in your stomach will eat through carpet in seconds,and lemon juice can get the tarnish off metals

albinogorilla

zero calories = good for weight loss

since weight loss is a product of caloric deficit

astrampe

How bad is it to drink diet soda? I am trying to stop but it is so HARD!!!! I drink water but not like I should....What can I do to intake more water and less diet coke/pepsi?????

Thanks!

Easy stop buying diet soda. Or plan to wear diapers ooops Depends when you are 40ish or 50yrs. My sister only drank diet Pepsi in her younger years now her body is racked with digestive diseases. If it can help clean rust off a car engine well that is a clue. <hug>

Sorry about yout sister, but has it been medically proven that it was the diet pepsi's fault? I don't wear depends and I drank tons of diet pepsi....still do...And regular soda can clean rust of a car's engine too......

Michellelmt

I am 8 weeks free from Diet Coke! I was a complete addict. It was like CRACK for me...I couldn't break free. I went cold turkey & made my mind up that water is going to be my best friend. I was just discussing this with my kids tonight about how dehydrated I was...& for years! I can tell a huge difference... more energy, better skin & I sleep much better with out all the caffeine. I've decided to RESPECT water & it's amazing benefits. Good luck on your journey :drinker:

aliez

darker sodas are worse for you so it's better to drink diet sprite or diet ginger ale then regular diet coke or pepsi

1lexisva

darker sodas are worse for you so it's better to drink diet sprite or diet ginger ale then regular diet coke or pepsi

I don't like sprite or ginger ale ;p

Dauntlessness

I have 1-2 diet sodas a week when I go out to eat. Mostly because I don't trust how much sugar restaurants put in sweetened tea. I have seen the calories as high as 250 calories for a 16oz glass. I cant drink water during a meal but I drink it all day.