What ingredients in soda can trigger diarrhea. How does carbonation affect the digestive system. Are artificial sweeteners in diet sodas linked to loose stools. Can caffeine in cola drinks stimulate bowel movements. How much soda consumption is likely to cause digestive problems.

The Science Behind Soda-Induced Diarrhea

Soda is a popular beverage enjoyed by millions, but for some individuals, it can lead to unexpected digestive issues, particularly diarrhea. Understanding the relationship between carbonated drinks and gastrointestinal distress is crucial for those who experience this uncomfortable side effect. Let’s delve into the scientific reasons behind why soda might trigger diarrhea in certain people.

Sugar Content and Osmotic Effect

One of the primary culprits in soda that can cause diarrhea is its high sugar content. Regular sodas contain a significant amount of sugar, often in the form of high fructose corn syrup or sucrose. When consumed in large quantities, these sugars can have an osmotic effect in the intestines, drawing water into the digestive tract. This influx of water can lead to loose stools and diarrhea.

How much sugar is too much? The average 12-ounce can of soda contains about 39 grams of sugar. Consuming multiple cans or large servings of soda can easily surpass the threshold that may trigger digestive issues in sensitive individuals.

Carbonation and Gastrointestinal Distress

The carbonation in soda can also contribute to digestive discomfort. Carbonated beverages introduce gas into the digestive system, which can lead to bloating, cramping, and in some cases, diarrhea. The bubbles in soda can accelerate gastric emptying, potentially overwhelming the intestines’ ability to absorb water efficiently.

Artificial Sweeteners in Diet Sodas

For those who opt for diet sodas to avoid sugar, artificial sweeteners can be another potential trigger for diarrhea. Sweeteners like sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol are not well absorbed by the body and can have a laxative effect when consumed in large amounts. These sugar alcohols are part of a group of compounds known as FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols), which are known to cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals.

Caffeine’s Role in Stimulating Bowel Movements

Many sodas, particularly cola-based drinks, contain caffeine. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can affect the digestive system in several ways:

• It can increase gastric acid production, potentially leading to heartburn or indigestion.
• Caffeine stimulates the contraction of intestinal muscles, which can accelerate bowel movements.
• It has a mild diuretic effect, which might contribute to softer stools.

For some people, the caffeine content in soda can be enough to trigger diarrhea, especially when consumed in large quantities or on an empty stomach.

Individual Sensitivity and Digestive Health

It’s important to note that not everyone will experience diarrhea after drinking soda. The likelihood of developing digestive issues from carbonated beverages can depend on several factors:

1. Individual tolerance to sugars and artificial sweeteners
2. The presence of underlying digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
3. Overall gut health and the balance of intestinal bacteria
4. The quantity of soda consumed and the frequency of consumption

Those with sensitive digestive systems or pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions may be more prone to experiencing diarrhea after drinking soda.

Identifying Soda-Related Digestive Issues

If you suspect that soda might be causing your diarrhea, it’s essential to pay attention to your body’s reactions. Keeping a food diary can help you track your soda consumption and any subsequent digestive symptoms. Look for patterns such as:

• The timing of diarrhea in relation to soda consumption
• The types of soda that seem to trigger symptoms (regular vs. diet)
• The quantity of soda consumed before symptoms occur
• Any other accompanying symptoms like bloating or abdominal pain

By identifying these patterns, you can better understand your body’s response to soda and make informed decisions about your beverage choices.

Alternatives to Soda for Better Digestive Health

For those who experience diarrhea after drinking soda, there are numerous alternatives that can satisfy the desire for a refreshing beverage without causing digestive distress:

• Water infused with fresh fruits or herbs
• Herbal teas (hot or iced)
• Coconut water
• Sparkling water with a splash of 100% fruit juice
• Kombucha (in moderation, as it contains probiotics that can support gut health)

These alternatives can provide hydration and flavor without the potentially problematic ingredients found in soda.

Managing Soda Consumption for Digestive Comfort

If you enjoy soda and don’t want to eliminate it entirely from your diet, there are strategies you can employ to minimize the risk of diarrhea:

1. Reduce portion sizes: Opt for smaller servings of soda to limit sugar and carbonation intake.
2. Drink slowly: Sipping soda gradually can help your digestive system process it more effectively.
3. Accompany with food: Consuming soda with a meal can help buffer its effects on your digestive system.
4. Choose caffeine-free options: If caffeine is a trigger, select sodas without this stimulant.
5. Experiment with different brands: Some sodas may be better tolerated than others due to variations in ingredients.

By implementing these strategies, you may be able to enjoy soda occasionally without experiencing digestive discomfort.

When to Seek Medical Advice for Soda-Related Diarrhea

While occasional diarrhea after drinking soda may not be cause for alarm, persistent or severe symptoms warrant medical attention. Consider consulting a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Chronic diarrhea that doesn’t improve with dietary changes
• Blood in your stool
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Signs of dehydration such as excessive thirst, dark urine, or dizziness

A doctor can help determine if your symptoms are solely related to soda consumption or if there’s an underlying digestive condition that needs to be addressed.

Diagnostic Approaches for Persistent Symptoms

If you seek medical help for soda-related diarrhea, your healthcare provider may recommend various diagnostic tests to rule out other causes:

• Stool tests to check for infections or malabsorption issues
• Blood tests to assess for celiac disease or other inflammatory conditions
• Hydrogen breath tests to identify lactose intolerance or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy to examine the digestive tract for abnormalities

These tests can help pinpoint the exact cause of your digestive issues and guide appropriate treatment strategies.

The Role of Gut Health in Soda Tolerance

The health of your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in how your body responds to different foods and beverages, including soda. A balanced and diverse gut microbiome can help mitigate the negative effects of occasional soda consumption. To support your gut health:

• Consume a variety of fiber-rich foods to feed beneficial gut bacteria
• Include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut in your diet
• Consider taking a probiotic supplement after consulting with your healthcare provider
• Stay hydrated with water and other gut-friendly beverages
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or exercise, as stress can impact gut function

By nurturing your gut health, you may improve your overall digestive function and potentially reduce sensitivity to problematic ingredients in soda.

The Impact of Long-Term Soda Consumption on Digestive Health

While occasional soda consumption may cause temporary digestive discomfort in some individuals, regular and excessive intake can have more significant long-term effects on digestive health. Chronic high sugar intake from sodas can alter the gut microbiome, potentially leading to dysbiosis – an imbalance in gut bacteria. This imbalance can contribute to various digestive issues, including:

• Increased intestinal permeability, often referred to as “leaky gut”
• Chronic inflammation in the digestive tract
• Reduced ability to digest and absorb nutrients efficiently
• Increased risk of developing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease

Understanding these potential long-term consequences can help individuals make informed decisions about their soda consumption habits.

Developing a Personalized Approach to Soda Consumption

Given the varying individual responses to soda, it’s essential to develop a personalized approach to consumption that takes into account your unique digestive sensitivities and overall health goals. Here are some steps to create a soda consumption plan that works for you:

1. Assess your current soda intake and its effects on your digestion
2. Set realistic goals for reducing or modifying your soda consumption
3. Experiment with different types of sodas and serving sizes to find what your body can tolerate
4. Incorporate alternative beverages and gradually replace soda with healthier options
5. Monitor your digestive health and overall well-being as you make changes
6. Consult with a nutritionist or dietitian for personalized advice if needed

Remember that moderation is key, and finding a balance that allows you to enjoy occasional treats without compromising your digestive health is the ultimate goal.

The Importance of Hydration in Digestive Health

While discussing the effects of soda on digestion, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of proper hydration for overall digestive health. Adequate water intake is essential for:

• Maintaining the mucosal lining of the intestines
• Supporting regular bowel movements
• Aiding in the digestion and absorption of nutrients
• Preventing constipation, which can alternate with diarrhea in some conditions

If you’re reducing your soda intake, ensure that you’re replacing it with sufficient water or other hydrating beverages to support your digestive system’s optimal function.

Educating Others About Soda and Digestive Health

If you’ve experienced soda-related digestive issues, sharing your knowledge with friends and family can help raise awareness about the potential effects of excessive soda consumption. Here are some ways to educate others:

• Share factual information about the ingredients in soda and their effects on digestion
• Discuss alternative beverage options and their benefits
• Encourage moderation and mindful consumption of sugary drinks
• Support initiatives that promote healthier beverage choices in schools and workplaces

By spreading awareness, you can contribute to a broader understanding of the relationship between diet and digestive health, potentially helping others avoid similar issues.

The Future of Soda: Trends in Healthier Formulations

As consumer awareness of the health impacts of traditional sodas grows, the beverage industry is responding with innovations aimed at creating healthier alternatives. Some emerging trends include:

• Sodas sweetened with natural, low-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit
• Carbonated beverages infused with probiotics or prebiotics to support gut health
• Functional sodas fortified with vitamins, minerals, or herbal extracts
• Reduced-sugar formulations that maintain flavor profiles similar to traditional sodas

While these newer options may address some of the concerns associated with traditional sodas, it’s still important to consume them in moderation and be aware of how they affect your individual digestive system.

Is something in your diet causing diarrhea?

As we age, our digestive systems can become more sensitive to certain types of foods and methods of food preparation. While you once may have handled the spiciest of foods without breaking a sweat, now that super-hot chicken curry gives you the digestive drama known as diarrhea—uncomfortable, unformed, watery stool.

Sometimes diarrhea occurs because of an underlying condition, or as a side effect of a medication (see “Other causes of diarrhea”). However, diet is often the cause.

Diarrhea triggers

The following can cause loose stools or make them worse.

Sugar. Sugars stimulate the gut to put out water and electrolytes, which loosen bowel movements. If you ingest a lot of sugar, you may develop diarrhea. One of the biggest offenders is fructose, which is found naturally in fruits (such as peaches, pears, cherries, and apples) or added to foods and drinks, such as applesauce, soda, and juice beverages. Many people who ingest more than 40 to 80 grams of fructose per day will get diarrhea. Another offender: artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, candy, and medications).

Dairy foods. These contain lactose, which some people have a hard time digesting. Watch out for cheese, milk, and ice cream, among many other products.

FODMAPs. Fructose, artificial sweeteners, and lactose are part a group of poorly digested sugars that can cause diarrhea, known as FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols). Other sources of FODMAPs include wheat, rye, onions, garlic, legumes (chickpeas, lentils, beans), honey, pistachios, cashews, asparagus, and artichokes.

Gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, beer, and even salad dressings. People who are gluten-sensitive may have a hard time digesting gluten and get diarrhea as a result. In people with celiac disease, ingesting gluten provokes the body to attack the lining of the small intestine, which can cause serious damage.

Fried or fatty foods. Some people have a hard time digesting creamy or fried foods. When fatty foods are not absorbed normally, they go to the colon, where they are broken down to fatty acids, causing the colon to secrete fluid and trigger diarrhea.

Spicy foods. Spicy sauces may mask high fat content, especially in Tex-Mex dishes or curries. And there’s this unpleasant side effect: If you eat a lot of hot spicy foods, you may get burning in the rectum.

Caffeine. Caffeine speeds up the digestive system. It’s found in coffee, tea, chocolate, many sodas, and foods flavored with coffee or chocolate.

The fix

Identify the foods and drinks that seem to trigger your diarrhea. Keeping a food journal is a great start, and so is seeing your doctor to make sure something else isn’t responsible for your symptoms.

If food is the culprit, following a FODMAP-free diet will often get rid of diarrhea in a week or two. Be-cause many FODMAP foods such as fruits and vegetables are good for health, it’s best to work with a dietitian to develop a FODMAP-free menu that includes other healthy foods.

Get help

Chronic diarrhea can interfere with your life, at home and at work. Even if it is not severe, its unpredictability and urgency can make you reluctant to socialize. And some people hesitate to bring the problem to a doctor’s attention because they think it’s not serious, or because it’s embarrassing. But anyone with chronic diarrhea should contact a doctor, particularly if there are other warning signs, such as low appetite or weight loss. The causes and cures for chronic diarrhea are complex. So, if changing your diet hasn’t resolved the problem, don’t try to figure it out on your own.

Image: 5432action/Getty Images

Why Does Pepsi Give Me Diarrhea?

Pepsi is a very popular soda and is sold virtually everywhere.

Consuming certain foods and drinks can trigger diarrhea in some people, whereas particular foods and beverages consumed in moderate to high amounts will reliably give a person diarrhea.

Today, I will provide a full rundown of why Pepsi causes diarrhea and how to avoid it.

Pepsi causes diarrhea because it has a moderate amount of sugar and caffeine.

More than two 12 oz (360 mL) cans a day of Pepsi will provide an amount of sugar and caffeine to give a person diarrhea.

But, if you consume less than this, it’s because of the reasons below.

If you consume less than 2 cans of Pepsi per day but still get diarrhea, it’s either because you are intolerant or consume too much sugar and caffeine from other foods and drinks.

Below, I will provide a breakdown of how much sugar and caffeine are in Pepsi and why it’s enough to give a person diarrhea.

As well as whether beverages like Pepsi can cause an upset stomach or trigger IBS.

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Reasons Why Pepsi Causes Diarrhea?

There are a few reasons why Pepsi can trigger diarrhea, either sometimes or every time you drink it. Here’s a full rundown of why Pepsi causes diarrhea and how to avoid it.

In general, either you have an intolerance to sodas such as Pepsi, you consume more than two 12 oz (360 mL) cans of Pepsi per day, or your diet is otherwise high in caffeine and sugar, which puts you over the limit of caffeine and sugar per day that will induce diarrhea.

Medical professionals at Harvard Medical School state that a few chemicals in foods and drinks have been found to cause diarrhea.

One of which is sugar but more specifically fructose.

The other is caffeine.

The upper limit of how much of these a person can consume before getting diarrhea is:

• 40 g of fructose
• 200 mg of caffeine

A regular can of Pepsi is 12 oz (360 mL), equivalent to roughly 1.3 cups.

The amount of fructose and caffeine in a regular-sized can of Pepsi is:

• 5g of fructose
• 9 mg of caffeine

As you can see, the amount of caffeine is not enough to cause diarrhea unless you consume about 6 cans of Pepsi, which for most people is impossible.

But, 2 regular-sized cans or 3 cups of Pepsi is enough fructose to cause diarrhea.

Interestingly, there are a few different types of diarrhea, and various factors can cause them. Here’s a video where they explain this in detail:

Pepsi is sweetened with sugar which is about 50% fructose

If you look at the product label on a can of Pepsi, you will notice that it is sweetened with sugar, not fructose.

But fructose is the chemical that causes diarrhea in excess amounts.

Regular sugar is, on average, somewhere between 50% and 60% fructose.

The amount of sugar in a regular-sized can of Pepsi is 38. 9 grams. So, about half of that is fructose.

Therefore, a regular-sized can of Pepsi contains about 20g of fructose.

Which is 50% towards the amount of fructose that will give you diarrhea.

Diet sodas such as diet Pepsi contain artificial sweeteners instead of sugar and do not contain any ingredients that are known to cause diarrhea.

But, they likely cause diarrhea in a small percentage of people that consume them.

Similar to how a small percentage of people react badly to certain foods.

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Can Pepsi Cause Stomach Problems?

Pepsi is one of the most popular carbonated beverages and one of the most popular colas.

Many people report that sodas are good when you have an upset stomach, but some people have a bad reaction when they drink Pepsi.

So, below is if Pepsi can cause stomach problems.

As a general rule, Pepsi can cause stomach problems.

But, typically, it won’t unless you consume more than 24 oz (700 mL) daily. Or about 2.6 cups.

Otherwise, if you consume less than that, you are intolerant towards Pepsi, or your diet is too high in sugar or caffeine.

The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders has stated that:

“Caffeine-containing drinks have a laxative potential. More than two or three cups of coffee or tea daily can often cause diarrhea”.

However, Pepsi contains about one ⅓ the caffeine that coffee has. For example, 12 oz of coffee contains 136 mg of coffee, whereas 12 oz of Pepsi contains 38.9mg of caffeine. Diarrhea and stomach problems tend to go hand in hand.

Therefore, based on the recommendation of the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, the laxative effects and stomach problems caused by Pepsi would only occur if you drink about 6 to 9 cups of Pepsi. Or 48 oz to 72 oz.

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Can Soft Drinks Cause Diarrhea?

Soft drinks are one of the most refreshing glasses because they are carbonated, have a high water content, and taste good.

Diarrhea is common, but it’s often difficult to know what caused it.

So, this is if soft drinks can cause diarrhea.

Overall, soft drinks can cause diarrhea.

But only if you consume more than two 12 oz cans (360 mL) daily.

Doing so will provide enough sugar to trigger diarrhea.

The other ingredient that causes diarrhea is caffeine.

But, the levels are so low it can’t trigger diarrhea.

Sodas contain an average amount of caffeine.

But, you would need to drink six 12 oz cans daily for the caffeine content to cause diarrhea.

Therefore, the main thing to watch out for is consuming too much sugar daily.

Chris Watson

I’m the owner and blogger here at SodaPopCraft.Com. I’m a soft drinks enthusiast, bringing you all I know and research from the world of Beverages, Soda Pop, Soft Drinks, and many more.

I hope it inspires you to make Healthier, and Creative Drinks at Home.

Read more About Me here  &  Tweet Me Here.

little-known side effects, myths and truths about soda

No one will argue with the fact that sugary carbonated drinks with chemical flavors are an absolute evil. And what about plain sparkling water, is it sinless? Let’s figure it out!

Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash

What is sparkling water

Sometimes a banana is just a banana, so sparkling water is just sparkling water. Chemically, it’s h3O mixed with CO2, carbon dioxide, similar to what we exhale.

How did he get there? Cold gas dissolved in water under high pressure conditions. This can happen in nature – natural soda is extracted from some underground wells and springs. The product contains many useful substances – with this composition, tickling bubbles become just another nice bonus.

CO2 can also be “pumped” into the water in production, and this happens both with mineral natural and with ordinary water, similar to purified tap water. Add syrup, dye, preservatives, fragrances to it – and you will get a tasty, high-calorie drink that literally instantly provides you with an increase.

Why everyone loves sparkling water

There was some marketing involved. While not all sparkling water on the market is mineral-rich, there is a certain stereotype that sparkling water is healthy (although you should always look at the composition). On the other hand, often people who decide to take the path of getting rid of excess calories are more willing to drink carbonated plain water – they have abandoned chemical lemonades, but the hiss and bubbles make it easier for them to part with harmful drinks.

ADVERTISING – CONTINUED BELOW

Harm and benefits of sparkling water

Water with bubbles, like any product, has its own characteristics.

Soda helps increase hydration

If you need to drink more and you can’t drink plain water, drink sparkling water. After all, it’s just pure water with carbon dioxide. Nutritionists and other nutritionists are gradually abandoning frightening norms such as “three liters of water daily for everyone and everyone” – you should drink when you thirsty, but enough, and do not replace water with tea, coffee and juices.

Soda is “tastier”

Related to the previous fact, fizz and bubbles really make soda more “appetizing”. And this is really important if you have embarked on the path of improving your menu. You don’t need to top up the syrup, but you can always put lemon, berries or fruit slices in your serving of mineral water.

Bubbles can swell the stomach

And this is also true and pure physics. Drinking carbonated water, we swallow a little more air than usual. Together with carbon dioxide, this can cause discomfort – especially if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. For the same reason, soda can cause constipation or, conversely, diarrhea.

Soda can make you feel better

In 2017, the American Journal of Obesity Research and Clinical Practice published a study confirming that this most palatable fizz of sparkling water causes some people to release the “hunger hormone” ghrelin.

Soda can help you lose weight

Soda can make you feel full without the calories. All fans of water with gas talk about this – it fills the stomach much more pronounced than “empty” water. There isn’t much research on soda, but common sense suggests that using a clear liquid with bubbles as a replacement for sugary sodas naturally helps reduce calorie intake.

Carbonated water is good for the brain

A 2022 study found that cold, unsweetened carbonated water increased cerebral blood flow. Subjects placed in a stressful situation, after taking a sip of sparkling water with ice, remained collected, attentive and more alert and motivated than their counterparts in the study, who were fed warm water and water without gas.

Soda can ruin teeth – and sugar has nothing to do with it

Water with bubbles may have a lower acidity than plain water, which will affect the enamel in the long run. Dentin, the area under the tooth enamel that protects the nerve, also reacts to carbon dioxide.

Is drinking soda good or bad? Say it unambiguously

No, we won’t! Water with gas allows you to avoid dehydration, overeating (unless, of course, you are one of those who start to produce ghrelin from the hissing of bubbles) – in a word, it can do good service to health. But there are also downsides to using it. So think it over and decide.

Carbonated and energy drinks (benefit? harm?)

Let’s think:

Natural carbonated water has been known since ancient times and has been used for medicinal purposes. Even Hippocrates in his work ordered the sick to drink it and bathe in it. In the 18th century, mineral water began to be bottled, transported and sold. However, it was very expensive and also ran out of steam quickly. Therefore, later attempts were made to artificially carbonate water. For the first time created sparkling water chemist J. Priestley in 1767. Industrial production was started by Jacob Schwell. He created an industrial plant that produces sparkling water. From 19century, he began to use ordinary baking soda and carbonated water for carbonation, which made production cheaper.

But even ordinary carbon dioxide, which is absolutely safe for humans, in combination with water is harmful to health. The fact is that the reaction of gas with water results in carbonic acid, and it, in turn, becomes a dangerous solution for the stomach and gastrointestinal tract, causes irritation and provokes inflammation. It is good that this acid quickly breaks down into components, but they accumulate in the intestines for a long time. When gas enters the intestines, this can lead to stagnation, impaired absorption and digestion of food, and pain attacks may occur. To avoid side effects, it is better to shake the soda and excess bubbles will disappear. Carbonated drinks should be completely eliminated from the diet of young children. Carbon dioxide is a preservative and is labeled as E29 on packaging.0. And if it is useful to drink mineral water, as it saturates the body with electrolytes, then the use of sweet carbonated drinks can lead to negative consequences. Sodium benzoate, which is found in carbonated drinks, is used as a preservative in foods. Sodium-based preservatives added to soda water reduce the amount of potassium in the body. Some people develop a reaction to sodium and may experience allergic reactions. The sugar and acid found in sugary sodas erode tooth enamel. When caries gets to the nerves, roots and to the base of the tooth, the tooth is destroyed. Most sugary sodas contain large amounts of high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener. This syrup has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, which in turn increases the risk of getting type 2 diabetes or heart problems. Cola and sugary sodas contain high amounts of phosphoric acid, which leads to the formation of kidney stones, as well as bone problems: they become more fragile, osteoporosis can develop. Excreted from the body with urine, phosphoric acid takes with it calcium and other minerals necessary for the full functioning of the body. Cans that sell sugary sodas have a special gum coating on the inside that contains BPA (Bisphenol-A). This substance causes cancer and problems with the reproductive system: premature puberty in children and other reproductive disorders. The connection between obesity and excessive consumption of sugary carbonated drinks has long been proven by all sorts of studies and tests, the risk of getting obese increases by 1.6 times. Diabetes mellitus. Drinkers of sweet soda have an 80% increased risk of getting type 2 diabetes. After a person drinks a glass of sugary soda, blood sugar rises, and the liver processes carbohydrates into fat. Scientists even rank the addiction to carbonated drinks as one of the carcinogenic factors.

One of the most popular soft drinks is Pepsi – cola.

Pepsi-Cola was invented in 1898 by the American pharmacist Caleb Bradham from New Bern. The composition of the soda included pepsin and kola nut extract. He also attributed healing properties to soda and assured that pepsin aided digestion. Pepsi-Cola received its familiar name and wide recognition in 1903. In 1964, Pepsi launched a diet soda.

After drinking a glass of Pepsi, the following happens:

10 minutes after taking 10 teaspoons of sugar (the recommended daily dose) will hit the pancreas. You won’t feel sick just because phosphoric acid inhibits the action of sugar. After 20 minutes, there will be a rise in insulin in the blood. After 40 minutes, the liver converts sugar into fats, caffeine is absorbed, blood pressure rises, because. the liver throws more sugar into the blood, the pupils dilate. After another 45 minutes, the amount of the hormone dopamine increases, this hormone stimulates the pleasure center of the brain, mood improves, vivacity appears, drowsiness decreases, but after an hour and a half, the person becomes irritable, lethargic.

Gradually, the brain adapts to its owner’s habit of drinking soda, begins to produce less of the necessary hormones, since now they can also be obtained artificially, simply by drinking cola. The work of receptors in the “reward system” is deteriorating, forcing you to drink more and more soda to achieve the same effect.

Another popular drink is Coca-Cola, which predated Pepsi. Although both drinks were invented by pharmacists as an exciting, amusing medicine that can even improve digestion. By the way, both pharmaceutical discoveries were patented. The battle between Coca Cola and Pepsi began in 1898 year. At the beginning of its century-long journey, colas had a fundamental difference: Coca-Cola included cocaine from coca leaves and caffeine from kola nut; in the manufacture of Pepsi-Cola, pepsin caffeine from kola nuts was used. The objective boundaries between drinks began to blur in 1903, when cocaine was banned from the production of Coca-Cola. The companies that produce these drinks have been waging advertising wars since time immemorial. They fight in everything: who has better taste, who has a wider line, who has a steeper bank. Pepsi emerged victorious in the 80s, when it got as close as possible to its principled opponent. “Blind tests” then showed that consumers prefer Pepsi if they try drinks from ordinary glasses and do not see the labels.

Energy drinks (“energy drinks”, “energy tonics”) are non-alcoholic or low-alcohol drinks.

Since ancient times, people have used natural stimulants. In the Middle East, it was coffee; in Southeast Asia and China – tea; in India they drank both tea and coffee; in South America – mate, in Africa – kola nuts. In the Far East, in Siberia and Mongolia, such stimulating plants as Chinese magnolia vine, eleutherococcus, ginseng, and aralia are still popular today. There were also strong stimulants – for example, ephedra – in Asia, and coca – in South America. At the same time, the harm from such drinks was minimal – largely due to the natural origin and ecological purity of the components.

Energy drinks appeared on the market in the last quarter of the 20th century, when an Austrian businessman, having visited Asia, decided to open their industrial production. The first mass-produced energy drink was Red Bull, the one that gives you wings. The new drink quickly gained popularity among consumers, along with Coca-Cola and Pepsi, whose manufacturers immediately took their bearings and launched their energy drink variants, Burn and Adrenaline Rush, on the market.

What is the use? Energy drinks allow you to quickly recharge your batteries and almost instantly get a powerful boost of energy for several hours. The benefits of drinking energy drinks seem to be significant, but at the same time, the effect is temporary – with a duration, depending on the specific composition. But every action should have a downside, and not always the same rosy and attractive. The main components of the energy elixirs of our time are:

Taurine. Synthesis of the substance occurs in the gallbladder, participating in a number of metabolic processes and improving cell nutrition. It is considered harmless in small quantities, but not in those in which it can be used as part of modern energy drinks.

Caffeine . Can be replaced by theine or mateine. It mainly serves to increase mental and physical performance, enhancing reaction and memory. At the same time, the pulse rate increases, the level of blood pressure (BP) rises, in many cases, the development of arrhythmia is possible.

Theobromine . Pretty strong stimulant.

Melatonin . Provides the level of vital activity, activity, circadian rhythm of a person.

Vitamins and glucose

Indeed, at first glance, non-alcoholic energy drinks are not so scary – most of these drinks are based on caffeine, sugar, flavors, vitamins. However, the threat is in the concentration of these substances. In one bank of energy drinks with a volume of 300 milliliters, a huge concentration of caffeine, like in seven cups of coffee, is a huge blow to the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, which does not pass without a trace. It should also be noted that energy drinks are highly carbonated drinks with carbonic acid in their composition. Thanks to it, the components that make up the drinks are absorbed much faster, and the desired effect is achieved quite quickly. By law, manufacturers indicate on labels or containers the exact composition of the drink produced, as well as the safe amount of the product for consumption.

How to use

– Do not exceed your daily dose of caffeine – about two cans of the average energy drink. Taking more than two cans in a row can harm your health, and therefore, instead of the desired effect, you will experience side effects.

– At the end of the action of the energy drink, the body needs rest to restore resources.

– Do not drink after sports – they are diuretic, resulting in dehydration and may increase blood pressure.

– Drinks should not be consumed by pregnant women, children and adolescents, the elderly, those with hypertension, diseases of the cardiovascular system, glaucoma, sleep disturbances, increased excitability and sensitivity to caffeine.

– Many drinks very calories If you use energy drinks at the gym, only drink them before your workout. If your plans include only restoring strength, and you are not going to lose weight, you can use such tonics both before and after classes.

– Do not mix tonics with alcohol (as is often done, for example, by visitors to nightclubs). Caffeine increases blood pressure, and when combined with alcohol, its effect is greatly enhanced. As a result, a person may experience a hypertensive crisis.

Health and medical experts claim that tonics are no more than fortified coffee substitutes, only more hazardous to health. So it’s up to you to decide whether to use tonics or not.

Clinical studies of the impact of energy drinks on the human body will be conducted at the Research Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. Members of the Moscow city branch of the All-Russian public organization “Young Guard of United Russia” will act as volunteers.