Leena Watts
There is growing evidence that diet drinks are linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues. Research has found that heavy consumers of both sugary and diet drinks have a higher risk of first incident cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart attack, compared to participants who drank neither. One study found that drinking two liters or more per week of artificially sweetened beverages increased the risk of an irregular heartbeat by 20% compared to non-drinkers. Other studies have shown that women who consumed two or more diet drinks per day had a 31% increased risk of ischemic stroke and were 23% more likely to have a stroke overall.
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What You'll Learn
Diet drinks and weight gain
While there is no direct evidence that diet drinks cause weight gain, some studies have found a link between the consumption of artificially sweetened beverages and weight gain. One theory is that artificially sweetened diet sodas may create a craving for sweet, high-calorie foods. In other words, even if the soda itself contains zero calories, the consumption of other foods and drinks might add back even more calories. This theory is supported by rodent studies, which found that at least one artificial sweetener (aspartame) damaged a part of the brain that tells the animal when to stop eating.
Some studies have found a tendency toward weight gain among people drinking artificially sweetened beverages. For example, a study of 9,000 middle-aged men and women over four years found that those who drank diet soda were more likely to become obese and that the more diet sodas they drank, the greater their weight gain. Another study found that individuals who consumed a specific artificial sweetener (sucralose) had increases in both insulin and blood glucose levels, which have been linked to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.
However, other studies have found that artificially sweetened low-calorie beverages can help with weight loss. One factor complicating the study of zero-calorie beverages and weight loss is "reverse causation". People at risk for obesity may be more likely to choose these beverages, making it appear that the drinks are to blame for weight gain. Obesity researcher Barry Popkin, PhD, says that none of the studies makes a convincing case that no-calorie sodas contribute to weight gain. He argues that the bloggers of the world have latched onto the notion that diet sodas cause obesity, but the science just isn't there to back it up.
In addition to concerns about weight gain, diet drinks have also been linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and other health issues. For example, a study of more than 80,000 women aged 50 to 79 found that drinking two or more diet drinks per day was associated with a higher risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, and death. Another study found that drinking two liters or more per week of artificially sweetened beverages raised the risk of an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation by 20% compared to people who drank none.
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Diet drinks and diabetes
While diet drinks do not directly contribute to an increased risk of diabetes, they have been linked to weight gain and metabolic syndrome, which can worsen diabetes or increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A 2018 study found that consuming more than four cans of diet soda per week was associated with a more than twofold risk of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in people with diabetes. PDR is an advanced form of diabetic eye disease caused by the growth of new blood vessels in the retina.
Additionally, the artificial sweeteners in diet drinks may promote health risks. For example, a 2013 study showed that sucralose, a common sweetener in diet soda, can lead to higher blood sugar levels when carbohydrates are consumed later. This can be concerning for individuals with diabetes who need to carefully manage their blood sugar levels.
Some studies have also suggested that drinking diet sodas may lead to low blood sugar due to an imbalance in insulin secretion. When a sweet taste is present without a corresponding rise in blood sugar levels, the pancreas secretes insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels. However, the results of research on this topic have been inconclusive, and more randomized controlled trials are needed to make definitive conclusions.
It is worth noting that the relationship between diet drinks and health is complex. While diet drinks are often viewed as a healthier alternative to sugary drinks, they may still contribute to health problems. For individuals with diabetes, it is generally recommended to consume diet soda in moderation while staying in close contact with a healthcare provider to monitor any potential impact on blood sugar control.
In summary, while diet drinks themselves may not directly cause diabetes, their consumption has been linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and complications related to existing diabetes. Therefore, it is important for individuals, especially those with diabetes or at risk of developing it, to be mindful of their diet drink consumption and to prioritize alternative beverage options such as water, unsweetened tea, or infused water.
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Diet drinks and kidney disease
While there is no direct causal link established between diet drinks and heart attacks, studies have shown that they may be associated with an increased risk of heart disease. For instance, a study of over 80,000 women aged 50 to 79 found that drinking two or more diet drinks per day was linked to a higher risk of coronary artery disease and stroke. Another study found that consuming two litres or more per week of artificially sweetened beverages increased the risk of atrial fibrillation by 20% compared to non-consumers. Atrial fibrillation can lead to blood clots, heart failure, and an increased risk of heart attack.
Several studies have also investigated the potential link between diet drinks and kidney disease. One study analysed over 15,000 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort and found no association between higher consumption of sugar-sweetened soda and incident chronic kidney disease. However, the same study did not find a link between diet soda and chronic kidney disease, but the different definitions of soda intake and change in kidney function make it challenging to compare these results directly.
Another study examined the association between sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened soda consumption and kidney function decline in over 3000 female participants from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS). This study reported a novel finding that consuming two or more servings per day of artificially sweetened soda was associated with a faster kidney function decline. The results were consistent even after adjusting for other nutrients or diet quality, indicating a potential link between high consumption of artificially sweetened beverages and kidney health issues.
Additionally, a 20-year study found that nurses who drank two or more servings per day of artificially sweetened soda experienced a 30% greater decline in kidney function compared to those who did not consume diet soda. This suggests that long-term consumption of diet drinks may have detrimental effects on kidney health.
In summary, while the exact mechanisms are still being investigated, current research indicates a potential association between high consumption of diet drinks and an increased risk of kidney function decline. More studies are needed to establish a definitive causal relationship between diet drinks and kidney disease, but the existing evidence suggests that excessive consumption of artificially sweetened beverages may negatively impact kidney health.
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Diet drinks and atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart condition that occurs when there is a disruption in the normal rhythmic pumping of the upper chambers of the heart or atria. During an AFib episode, the atria pulse or fibrillates at a fast or irregular rate. This can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications.
Several studies have found a link between the consumption of diet drinks and an increased risk of AFib. One study, in particular, found that drinking two liters or more per week of artificially sweetened beverages raised the risk of AFib by 20% compared to those who drank none. This amount is equivalent to consuming a medium-sized fast-food diet soda daily.
The exact mechanism by which diet drinks contribute to AFib is not yet fully understood, but experts suggest that replacing both diet and sugary sodas with water is the best way to reduce the chances of developing AFib.
It is important to note that while there is an association between sweetened drinks and AFib, other factors also influence heart health. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Additionally, the impact of diet drinks on AFib risk may vary across different demographics. One study focused on women aged 50 to 79 found that consuming two or more diet drinks per day was associated with an increased risk of certain kinds of strokes, coronary artery disease, and death.
In summary, while the exact causal relationship between diet drinks and AFib requires further investigation, current evidence suggests a notable link. To maintain good heart health, it is advisable to limit the consumption of artificially sweetened beverages and prioritize healthier alternatives, such as water.
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Diet drinks and vascular disease
Several studies have found a link between diet drink consumption and an increased risk of vascular disease, including stroke and heart attack. One study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that heavy consumers of both sugary and diet drinks had a higher risk of "first incident cardiovascular disease" compared to those who drank neither. This included an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
The exact mechanism behind this link is not yet fully understood. However, some researchers have suggested that artificial sweeteners, which are commonly found in diet drinks, may be a contributing factor. For example, a study of more than 80,000 women aged 50 to 79 found that drinking two or more diet drinks per day was associated with a higher risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, and death. The study also linked artificial sweeteners to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other health conditions.
Another study, which followed over 100,000 people for 10 years, found similar results. Those who consumed diet drinks had a risk of heart disease comparable to those who drank sugary beverages. Meanwhile, those who drank neither had a 20 to 30 percent lower risk of heart disease.
It is worth noting that the link between diet drinks and vascular disease may be influenced by other factors. For instance, one study found that frequent diet soda drinkers were more likely to be former smokers, have high blood pressure, and have larger waistlines. These additional risk factors can contribute to the overall risk of vascular disease.
While the exact cause of the link between diet drinks and vascular disease remains unclear, the existing research suggests that reducing or eliminating diet drink consumption may be beneficial for lowering the risk of vascular disease, including stroke and heart attack.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, according to various studies, diet drinks are linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other health issues.
While there is no exact percentage, a study of 80,000 women found that those who consumed two or more diet drinks per day were 29% more likely to develop coronary heart disease. Another study found that heavy consumers of diet drinks had a 20% higher risk of atrial fibrillation, which can lead to heart attacks.
Water is always a healthy alternative to reduce the chances of atrial fibrillation and other health issues associated with diet drinks.
