Love that soft drink—especially on a hot summer day? Totally get it. That icy fizz feels like the perfect refreshment. But while it cools you down on the outside, it might be stirring up some trouble inside.
From bloating and slowed digestion to messing with your gut bacteria, cold drinks come with a few side effects that aren’t so chill. Before you reach for another frosty can, let’s break down what are the side effects of cold drinks, and why your gut might not be a fan.
What Are Cold Drinks Composed Of?
Cold drinks, or as they are commonly known, soft drinks or fizzy drinks, are packed with sugar, acid, and often caffeine. They also contain some artificial colours and flavourings.
Here’s what the majority of cold drinks have:
- Carbonated water (the bubbles!)
- High sugar or artificial sweeteners
- Acids such as phosphoric acid or citric acid
- Caffeine in some beverages (such as cola)
- Artificial colours and flavour
- Artificial colourings and flavours
How Cold Drinks Impact Your Gut?
Cold drinks taste nice and feel cool, especially on hot days. But drinking them too much can be bad for your tummy and health. Here’s some of the harmful effects of cold drinks on your gut:
1. Too Much Sugar Damages Good Bacteria
Your body contains good bacteria and bad bacteria in your gut. The good bacteria keep you healthy. Drinking cold drinks containing too much sugar, however, can nourish the bad bacteria. As more bad bacteria increases the cold drink effects on health is that you become bloated, gassy, or even constipated.
2. Gut Inflammation
Fizzy drinks contain ingredients that can cause your gut lining to turn red and sore, particularly the chemicals and acids. This is inflammation, another cold drink harmful effects. It may cause pain, indigestion, and long-term issues.
3. Slows Down Digestion
If your stomach is full of bubbles from fizzy drinks, it may slow down the digestion process. The effect of cold drink on body is that you might feel heavy or uncomfortable after consuming them, particularly with food.
4. Kills Good Gut Bacteria
Artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame or sucralose) in cold drinks can be sweet but will hurt your good gut bacteria. Fewer good bacteria = your gut won’t function as well.
Cold Drinks and Your Gut Over Time
If you have cold drinks occasionally, it’s fine. But if you consume them daily, side effects of cold drinks can lead to:
- Stomach ache
- Constipation or loose stools
- Less appetite (since your stomach is full of gas)
- Weak immune system (since your gut aids immunity)
Effects of Cold Drinks During Pregnancy
Drinking cold drinks during pregnancy may not be safe for you and your baby. Here’s are the effects of cold drinks during pregnancy:
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Too Much Sugar
Due to its sugary content, cold drink effects on health can make you gain too much weight. It can also cause a problem called gestational diabetes, which may affect both mom and baby.
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No Good Nutrients
Cold drinks don’t have any good things like vitamins or minerals. Side effects of cold drinks during pregnancy can fill your tummy but give your baby nothing helpful.
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Caffeine is Not Good
Some cold drinks (like cola) have caffeine. Too much caffeine can make your baby grow slow and sleep less.
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Gas and Bloating
Cold drinks are fizzy. The bubbles can make you feel too full and gassy. This feels worse when your belly gets big.
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Can Make Bones Weak
Some cold drinks have phosphoric acid. Side effects of drinking cold drink daily is that it can lower calcium in your body. Calcium helps your baby’s bones grow strong.
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Chemicals and Colours
Many cold drinks have fake sugars, colours, or preservatives. Too much of these is not safe in pregnancy.
Read More: Ditch the Sugary Drinks and Try Bel Juice – Your Health Will Thank You!
Other Issues Soft Drinks Can Cause
Cold drinks don’t only damage the gut. Side effects of cold drinks also include:
- Cause weight gain (sugar = fat)
- Raise risk of diabetes
- Weaken your bones (phosphoric acid can strip away calcium)
- Damage your teeth (the acid and sugar ruin enamel)
- Can disrupt the appetite
- Can lead to heart conditions
- Soft drink addiction
What to Drink Instead?
You don’t need to give up drinks. You can pick better ones!
Try these:
- Water with lemon or mint – delicious and refreshing
- Coconut water – packed with natural minerals
- Herbal teas – such as ginger or chamomile
- Fruit-infused water – simply add slices of fruit to water
- Homemade fresh juices – no added sugar!
How to Keep Your Gut Healthy
Your gut enjoys:
- Foods high in fibre – such as fruits, vegetables, oats, and whole grains
- Probiotics – such as curd or yoghurt that contain healthy bacteria
- Lots of water
- Fewer processed foods and junk
So, if you are concerned about your tummy, think twice before grabbing that can of cola.
A Simple Tip
If you cannot resist cold drinks, try to:
- Have them less frequently (once a week)
- Choose smaller packets or bottles
- Don’t consume them with each meal
- Mix with water to cut down on sugar
Small steps can keep your gut happy and healthy!
To Sum It Up
Cold drinks may taste good, but they don’t treat your gut well. The sugar, acid, and chemicals can harm your digestion and hurt your good bacteria. Your gut needs love, and that means better food and drinks.
So next time you’re thirsty, try water, coconut water, or a nice glass of lemon water. Your gut will thank you!
