Exploring the Health Risks: Are there any side effects to drinking carbonated drinks?

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, sugary drinks are a major source of added sugars in the American diet, contributing to numerous health problems. Given this, many people ask: Are there any side effects to drinking carbonated drinks, including diet sodas and sparkling water? This article explores the potential health impacts of these popular beverages.

Quick Summary

Carbonated drinks, including sugary sodas and diet alternatives, can lead to numerous health issues like tooth decay, metabolic syndrome, and kidney problems. While often viewed as healthier, even plain carbonated water has some potential downsides, such as enamel erosion and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Key Points

Dental Erosion: The acids in all carbonated drinks, including sparkling water, can erode tooth enamel over time, increasing the risk of cavities and sensitivity.
Metabolic Risks: High sugar intake from regular soda contributes to weight gain, insulin resistance, and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Diet Soda Concerns: Despite being calorie-free, diet sodas with artificial sweeteners have been linked to potential metabolic issues and adverse effects on the gut microbiome.
Kidney Disease Connection: Regular and diet cola consumption is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease due to ingredients like phosphoric acid and high sugar content.
Digestive Discomfort: Carbonation can cause bloating, gas, and heartburn for sensitive individuals, regardless of whether the drink contains sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Nutrient Displacement: Frequent consumption of carbonated drinks often replaces more nutritious beverage choices, leading to a poorer overall nutritional profile.
Hydration Alternatives: Plain water is the best choice for hydration, but plain seltzer or sparkling water without added sweeteners or flavorings is a better alternative than sugary soda.

The fizz and flavor of carbonated beverages make them a popular choice worldwide, but their regular consumption is linked to a variety of potential health problems. The specific risks depend largely on the ingredients, from the excessive sugar and phosphoric acid in regular soda to the artificial sweeteners in diet versions and even the carbonic acid in plain sparkling water.

The Health Consequences of Sugary Soda

Regular soda is notorious for its high sugar content and lack of nutritional value, earning it a reputation as one of the unhealthiest beverage choices. The health effects are far-reaching and well-documented by numerous studies:

Weight gain and obesity: A single can of soda contains a significant amount of added sugar, which contributes to high calorie intake without providing a feeling of fullness. This can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity.
Type 2 diabetes: Excessive sugar intake, particularly from high-fructose corn syrup, can cause insulin resistance. Over time, this can progress to metabolic syndrome and significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Heart disease: High sugar consumption is linked to elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, and an accumulation of triglycerides, all of which are major risk factors for heart disease.
Fatty liver disease: When the liver is overwhelmed with processing excess fructose, it converts the sugar into fat. This can lead to a condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Gout: This form of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints. Fructose is known to increase uric acid levels, and high consumption of sugary drinks has been consistently linked to an increased risk of gout.
Addictive potential: Studies suggest that the sugar in soda can trigger the brain's reward system, similar to addictive substances. This can lead to intense cravings and dependency.

The Risks Associated with Diet Soda

Many people switch to diet soda, believing it to be a healthier, calorie-free alternative. However, research indicates that diet sodas with artificial sweeteners also carry potential risks and may not be the healthy solution they appear to be.

Potential metabolic dysfunction: Some studies have found a link between artificial sweeteners and an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction and type 2 diabetes, suggesting that switching from regular to diet soda may not significantly lower your risk.
Gut microbiome alteration: Artificial sweeteners can negatively affect the balance of bacteria in the gut microbiome. This can potentially influence glycemic control and broader health.
Dental erosion: While sugar-free, diet sodas still contain acids like phosphoric and citric acid. Research has shown that these acids are still capable of eroding tooth enamel, just like their sugary counterparts.
Kidney health: Some studies have linked the consumption of two or more diet colas per day to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease.

Are there any side effects to drinking carbonated drinks? Comparing Options

To illustrate the differences between various choices, consider the table below. This comparison focuses on the key factors that contribute to potential side effects.


Feature	Sugary Soda (e.g., Cola)	Diet Soda	Plain Sparkling Water	Still Water
Calories	High	Zero	Zero	Zero
Added Sugar	High	Zero	Zero	Zero
Artificial Sweeteners	No	Yes	No	No
Acidity (Dental Risk)	Very High (Sugar & Acids)	High (Acids)	Mild (Carbonic Acid)	Neutral (No Risk)
Impact on Weight	Increases Risk	Potential link, but complex	Minimal	Supports Weight Loss
Metabolic Risk	Increases Risk	Potential link	Minimal	No Risk
Kidney Risk	Increases Risk	Increases Risk (cola)	Minimal (unless high sodium)	No Risk
Digestive Issues	Can cause bloating/gas	Can cause bloating/gas, upset stomach	Can cause bloating/gas, heartburn	Minimal

The Digestive Distress of Carbonation

Regardless of sugar or artificial sweetener content, the simple presence of carbonation itself can cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.

Bloating, gas, and belching: The dissolved carbon dioxide gas in carbonated beverages can be swallowed during consumption. This gas can accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to feelings of fullness, bloating, and excessive belching.
Heartburn and acid reflux: For individuals susceptible to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), carbonated drinks can aggravate symptoms like heartburn. The gas in the stomach can increase pressure, pushing stomach acid into the esophagus.

Impact on Bone Health

The notion that carbonated drinks weaken bones is a common myth, but the full picture is more nuanced. While studies have largely debunked the myth that sparkling water causes bone density loss, the situation with certain colas is different.

Displacement of calcium: Frequent cola consumption often displaces healthier, calcium-rich beverages like milk, which can affect bone mineral density in adolescent girls.
Phosphoric acid and caffeine: The phosphoric acid and caffeine in colas have been linked in some studies to lower bone mineral density, though plain sparkling water without these additives doesn't appear to have the same effect.

Nutritional Disadvantages and Other Concerns

Beyond the specific side effects related to ingredients, frequent carbonated beverage intake can negatively impact overall nutrition.

Poor nutrition: Soda provides only calories and added sugar, with no essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, or fiber. It can crowd out more nutritious foods and beverages in a person's diet.
Caffeine dependence: The caffeine in many sodas can lead to dependency. Abruptly stopping or reducing intake can cause withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and irritability.

Conclusion: Choosing Wisely for Your Health

While an occasional carbonated drink is unlikely to cause serious harm, regular consumption—particularly of sugary or diet varieties—is associated with significant health risks. From dental erosion and metabolic disorders to digestive distress and kidney issues, the evidence points towards moderation. Plain sparkling water presents a much healthier alternative, though even it should be consumed mindfully, especially by those with sensitive teeth or digestive systems. Ultimately, prioritizing plain water remains the best choice for hydration and overall well-being.

For more detailed information on healthy hydration, consider visiting the CDC's website on sugary drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, even plain sparkling water is slightly acidic due to the carbonation process, which forms carbonic acid. This can cause some degree of tooth enamel erosion over time, especially with frequent consumption.

While diet soda contains zero calories, some research suggests that artificial sweeteners may affect the body's metabolic response and gut microbiome, which could be a factor in weight management. However, the direct link is still debated and complex.

Carbonated drinks cause bloating because they contain dissolved carbon dioxide gas. When you drink a carbonated beverage, you swallow this gas, and it can build up in your gastrointestinal tract, leading to bloating, gas, and belching.

Regular and diet cola consumption has been linked to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease. This is due to ingredients like phosphoric acid and high sugar intake, which can affect kidney function and increase the risk of kidney stones.

All are carbonated water, but their origins differ. Sparkling water is naturally carbonated from a spring or well. Seltzer water is plain water infused with carbon dioxide. Club soda is also carbonated but has added minerals like sodium and potassium salts for a slightly different taste.

To minimize dental erosion, you can use a straw to reduce contact with teeth, drink quickly instead of sipping throughout the day, and rinse your mouth with plain water afterward. It also helps to drink them with a meal to stimulate saliva production.

Diet soda eliminates the high sugar content of regular soda, but it's not a perfect replacement. Both contain acids that can harm teeth. Artificial sweeteners in diet versions may also have their own health considerations, including potential effects on metabolism and the gut microbiome.