A doctor has issued a warning to those who drink diet sodas, emphasizing that they are not harmless despite lacking sugar. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterology specialist with over 20 years of experience in the U.S. and training from Harvard and Stanford, highlighted the risks these drinks pose to digestive health.
Although cutting sugar from soft drinks might seem like a positive change, Dr. Sethi argues that diet sodas present their own health concerns. In a TikTok post, where he has over 400,000 followers, he shared four key reasons why diet sodas are harmful.
“Are diet sodas really better than regular ones? Here are four facts you might not know,” he said. First, women who drink two or more diet sodas daily are at a much higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Second, the high phosphorus content in these drinks can contribute to chronic kidney disease.
He further explained that diet sodas can reduce insulin sensitivity and disturb the gut microbiome, harming gut health. Lastly, they can increase cravings for high-calorie foods, disrupting appetite control. Dr. Sethi concluded that diet sodas provide no nutritional value.
His concerns are backed by the National Kidney Foundation, which warns that drinking two or more diet sodas daily may damage the kidneys. Dr. Frankie Phillips of the British Dietetic Association also highlights the dangers, noting that even sugar-free sodas can harm teeth due to their acidity.
“The problem with fizzy and diet drinks is their high acidity,” Dr. Phillips told BBC Newsbeat. “This can erode dental enamel and potentially dissolve it.”
When choosing between regular and diet sodas, Dr. Phillips advises caution. “There’s still uncertainty around artificial sweeteners and their long-term health effects. Will they help with weight control? We’re not sure yet. If you’re worried about sugar and calories, diet options may be better, but limit fizzy drinks to mealtimes to reduce the risk to your teeth.”