how does diet coke dehydrate? talk me into...

Sandytoes71
Sandytoes71 Posts: 463 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Does anyone here know why they say diet coke is dehydrating?? I mean it is made mostly of water so I dont understand. And can you gage hydration by how many times you urinate? Im just hoping someone can give me a diet soda vs. water experience you have had. I want to believe water vs. diet soda really makes a difference in our bodies. Thanks :-) :-)

Replies

  • skylark94
    skylark94 Posts: 2,036 Member
    Caffeine has a slight diuretic effect, but a Coke is not going to dry you out. Water is of course the best choice, but any source of hydration is better than none.

    You want your urine to be a very pale yellow. If it is dark or has a strong odor, you need to drink more.
  • adlace
    adlace Posts: 375 Member
    caffeine in the Coke? It's a diuretic. Other than that I don't know. But sometimes only a tall glass of ice water will do even though god knows i love pop.
  • GingerLolita
    GingerLolita Posts: 738 Member
    I'm not an expert because I never drank soda (luckily, I never liked it), but it may have sodium in it. Drinks with a high amount of sodium will make you thirsty rather than quenching your thirst. Also, the artificial sweeteners in diet coke, besides being tied to health problems, will make you crave more sweet drinks and foods. This is because your body expects to obtain energy (calories) from the "sugar", but because this isn't sugar and provides no calories/energy, your body will be searching for and craving real sugar.
  • stillnot2late
    stillnot2late Posts: 385 Member
    I'm not an expert because I never drank soda (luckily, I never liked it), but it may have sodium in it. Drinks with a high amount of sodium will make you thirsty rather than quenching your thirst. Also, the artificial sweeteners in diet coke, besides being tied to health problems, will make you crave more sweet drinks and foods. This is because your body expects to obtain energy (calories) from the "sugar", but because this isn't sugar and provides no calories/energy, your body will be searching for and craving real sugar.

    wow.
  • issyfit
    issyfit Posts: 1,077 Member
    I did a quick search and came up with this: http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/5-important-reasons-to-cut-diet-soda.html

    2. Dehydration

    Diet soda does not cause dehydration, but studies show that those who reach for diet sodas tend to use that as replacement for water. Water is the best hydrator, especially for those who have a strict workout regimen. So even if you’ve taken on a fit and healthy lifestyle, but your diet is composed of a lot of diet soda, chances are your weight-loss might come to a standstill. Without proper hydration your fitness goal may remain unattainable.

    The other 4 reasons not to drink are well summarized too.
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    It doesn't
  • Sandytoes71
    Sandytoes71 Posts: 463 Member
    Thx guys!
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    It doesn't

    This.

    As someone mentioned caffeine is a diuretic (so is straight water), but in order to have a negative effect you need to drink large quantities.

    "Although it's a great idea to keep water within reach at all times, you don't need to rely only on what you drink to meet your fluid needs. What you eat also provides a significant portion of your fluid needs. On average, food provides about 20 percent of total water intake. For example, many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and tomatoes, are 90 percent or more water by weight.

    In addition, beverages such as milk and juice are composed mostly of water. Even beer, wine and caffeinated beverages — such as coffee, tea or soda — can contribute, but these should not be a major portion of your daily total fluid intake. Water is still your best bet because it's calorie-free, inexpensive and readily available."

    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283/NSECTIONGROUP=2
  • Sandytoes71
    Sandytoes71 Posts: 463 Member
    It doesn't

    This.

    As someone mentioned caffeine is a diuretic (so is straight water), but in order to have a negative effect you need to drink large quantities.

    "Although it's a great idea to keep water within reach at all times, you don't need to rely only on what you drink to meet your fluid needs. What you eat also provides a significant portion of your fluid needs. On average, food provides about 20 percent of total water intake. For example, many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and tomatoes, are 90 percent or more water by weight.

    In addition, beverages such as milk and juice are composed mostly of water. Even beer, wine and caffeinated beverages — such as coffee, tea or soda — can contribute, but these should not be a major portion of your daily total fluid intake. Water is still your best bet because it's calorie-free, inexpensive and readily available."

    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283/NSECTIONGROUP=2

    Thank you. I always wondered why I urinate more when I drink water than when I drink diet soda :-),

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