2023-12-07 18:59:25
New Study Reveals Potential Dangers of Diet Soda
With the tempting promise of zero calories and no sugar, diet soda has established itself as a seemingly healthy alternative to traditional sodas. But a new report shows that excessive consumption of diet sodas may increase the risk of metabolic liver disease.
A recent study published in BMC Public Health reveals that excessive consumption of seemingly harmless diet sodas could increase the risk of metabolic liver diseases such as fatty liver disease (MASLD). The study is based on data from over 2300 participants, and the researchers note that further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm their results.
According to current estimates, up to 46 percent of the world’s population is affected by MASLD. This can have serious consequences, from hardening to scarring of the connective tissue in the liver (cirrhosis).
Health experts have long warned that drinking soda could increase the risk of MASLD through insulin resistance and inflammation in the liver. This latest study shows that the risk of type 2 diabetes could be increased by increased use of sweeteners.
The World Health Organization (WHO) even advised against the use of non-sugar sweeteners in May 2023 and classified the sweetener aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” in July 2023.
Furthermore, body mass index (BMI) also plays a central role in the connection between diet soda consumption and MASLD. Dr. Menka Gupta of Nutranourish, a functional medicine provider, tells Medical News Today that artificial sweeteners may affect the liver through the gut-brain axis. Communication between the digestive tract and the brain can affect metabolism and lead to liver disease.
In light of these findings, health experts are advising individuals to perhaps drink water more often instead of light drinks as a healthier alternative. As more research continues on the potential harms of diet soda, it is clear that more transparency and awareness around the potential health risks associated with consuming these seemingly harmless beverages is needed.]
#Diet #Coke #increase #risk #liver #disease #Life #Knowledge