The Overwhelming Sugar Content
One of the most significant reasons people feel sick after drinking Mountain Dew is its exceptionally high sugar content. A 12-ounce can contains a staggering 46 grams of sugar, significantly more than many other sodas. This high dose of sugar can trigger several physical reactions, particularly when consumed on an empty stomach.
Rapid Blood Sugar Spike and Crash
When a large amount of sugar enters the bloodstream at once, your body releases a flood of insulin to process it. For some individuals, this insulin response can overshoot, causing a rapid drop in blood sugar levels known as reactive hypoglycemia. This crash can lead to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. This phenomenon can feel similar to a "sugar hangover" and is a primary cause of feeling unwell.
Digestive Overload
The body’s digestive system can become overwhelmed by the sugar load, especially since Mountain Dew offers no fiber or protein to slow absorption. This can cause the excess sugar to ferment in the gut, leading to gas, bloating, and general stomach discomfort. For those with sensitive digestive systems, this can be particularly aggravating, resulting in cramping and nausea.
The Impact of High Caffeine Levels
Mountain Dew isn't just high in sugar; it's also highly caffeinated. A 12-ounce can delivers 54 milligrams of caffeine, more than a comparable serving of Coca-Cola. For individuals with a low caffeine tolerance, this can cause a range of unpleasant side effects.
Caffeine-Induced Nausea
Caffeine is a powerful stimulant that can increase stomach acid production and accelerate the digestive process. This can irritate the stomach lining, especially for those prone to acid reflux or gastritis. The combined effect of high sugar and high caffeine can lead to significant stomach irritation and nausea.
Nervous System Effects
High caffeine intake can also affect the central nervous system, leading to symptoms like restlessness, anxiety, and a rapid heartbeat. For some, this overstimulation can manifest as a general feeling of being unwell or jittery, contributing to the overall sick feeling.
Carbonation and Acidity
Beyond the sugar and caffeine, the very nature of soda—its carbonation and acidity—can wreak havoc on the digestive system.
Gas and Bloating
The fizz in Mountain Dew comes from dissolved carbon dioxide gas. When you drink a carbonated beverage, this gas enters your digestive tract. The excess gas can cause uncomfortable bloating, cramping, and even chest discomfort as your body tries to expel it. This can be a major source of immediate stomach pain.
Increased Acidity
Mountain Dew's pH level is around 3.2, making it quite acidic. It uses citric acid, which can be more difficult for saliva to buffer compared to other acids found in sodas. This high acidity can increase stomach acid volume, irritate the stomach lining, and worsen conditions like heartburn. Over time, this chronic irritation can lead to digestive issues.
Comparison: Mountain Dew vs. Standard Soda
To understand why Mountain Dew might be a worse offender for some than other soft drinks, consider this comparison:
| Feature | Mountain Dew (12 oz can) | Coca-Cola (12 oz can) |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar Content | 46 grams | 39 grams |
| Caffeine Content | 54 milligrams | 34 milligrams |
| Acidity (pH) | ~3.2 | ~2.5 |
| Key Flavoring Acid | Citric Acid | Phosphoric Acid |
| Immediate Impact | Higher sugar load can trigger more severe blood sugar spikes and crashes. | Lower sugar and caffeine, but still contributes to typical soda side effects. |
| Long-Term Impact | Higher overall sugar, caffeine, and a particularly harsh acidic profile (citric acid) make it more damaging to dental and metabolic health over time. | Also damaging, but generally considered slightly less harmful due to lower sugar and caffeine levels. |
The Role of Preservatives and Other Ingredients
Mountain Dew contains preservatives and other additives that some individuals may be sensitive to. Ingredients like sodium benzoate, which preserves freshness, can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. While generally considered safe in small amounts, adverse effects such as stomach irritation or hyperactivity have been reported, particularly in children. Additionally, until 2020, Mountain Dew contained brominated vegetable oil (BVO), an emulsifier that has since been removed due to health concerns, though its use was phased out by major manufacturers beginning around 2014.
Strategies for Prevention
If you frequently feel sick after drinking Mountain Dew, several steps can help you avoid discomfort:
- Reduce or Eliminate Intake: The most direct solution is to simply stop drinking it. Replace it with water, seltzer with a lemon twist, or unsweetened tea for hydration.
- Avoid on an Empty Stomach: If you choose to drink it, consume it with or after a meal that includes protein and fiber. This can help slow the absorption of sugar and minimize blood sugar spikes.
- Sip Slowly: Drinking slowly rather than gulping can help reduce the amount of gas you swallow, mitigating bloating and gas pains.
- Switch to a Less Sugary Alternative: If it's the flavor you crave, consider moving to a diet version (understanding the potential downsides of artificial sweeteners) or a completely different, less sugary beverage.
Conclusion
Feeling sick after drinking Mountain Dew is a common experience stemming from its potent combination of extremely high sugar, high caffeine, strong acidity, and carbonation. For many, these components create a perfect storm of digestive and systemic issues, from blood sugar crashes to caffeine-induced nausea and gas pains. Listening to your body's signals is key. If Mountain Dew makes you feel unwell, it's a clear indicator that its ingredients are not agreeing with your system. Choosing healthier, hydrating alternatives is the best path to avoiding these unpleasant side effects and promoting overall well-being. Ultimately, understanding these factors empowers you to make informed decisions about your beverage choices.
