A new study finds that diet soda may reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. Of course experts aren’t suggesting to trade water for diet soda, but these same experts, in all of the articles I’ve read so far, do not bother to mention the other harmful effects of drinking diet soda. So let’s trade kidney stones for some of the side effects that have been shown to occur from drinking diet soda.
Diet Soda Causes Enamel Erosion
Ask any dentist and they will tell you that soda and diet soda are so acidic that both will cause tooth enamel to breakdown, leading to cavities, tooth pain and sensitivity, and in some cases, requiring root canals. For examples of what one dentist dubs “Mountain Dew” mouth prevalent in children in Appalachia, check this out: Mobile Clinic Treats Mountain Dew Mouth.
Diet Soda Contains Artificial Sweeteners
There have been numerous studies showing that the use of artificial sweeteners causes an increase in appetite, and we have no idea of the safety of artificial sweeteners at this point. Yes, the FDA approves some artificial sweeteners and say they are safe, but the FDA also approved diet pills that resulted in death. Safety issues aside, the evidence is clear that artificial sweeteners cause an increase in appetite and cravings of sugary foods. This obviously has a negative impact on weight control and may be a contributing factor to obesity.
Other Health Risks Associated with Drinking Diet Soda
For further reading on the health risks associated with drinking diet soda, see: Zero Calories, Same Great Taste (and Heart Risks).
Safest Way to Reduce the Risk of Kidney Stones
Drink lots of water – wow, what a concept! Here are a few other tips to preventing kidney stones (and none involve drinking diet soda!): Kidney Stones in Adults
WOW, I always thought I was doing something healthy by drinking diet soda and I am aware that I drink way too much of it a day. I’m going to try to quite and see what happens. I have most of my excess weight on my waistline. I am glad I came across this site.