Why does my body ache when I drink soda?

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

Research has linked regular consumption of sugary beverages to an increased risk of inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, even in otherwise healthy individuals. Drinking soda can trigger internal processes, from inflammation to dehydration, that may manifest as a general body ache or specific joint pain.

Quick Summary

Several factors link soda consumption to body aches, including sugar-induced inflammation, dehydration from caffeine and sugar, and the effects of phosphoric acid on calcium levels. It also explores how artificial sweeteners in diet soda can disrupt gut health and contribute to pain. The article explains the mechanisms behind soda's impact on muscles and joints.

Key Points

Sugar-Induced Inflammation: High sugar intake from soda causes a systemic inflammatory response, which can lead to body aches and worsen conditions like arthritis.
Joint and Muscle Pain from Dehydration: Both sugar and caffeine act as diuretics, and the resulting dehydration reduces lubricating synovial fluid in joints and causes muscle cramps and stiffness.
Phosphoric Acid and Bone Health: Excessive consumption of phosphoric acid in sodas can disrupt the body's calcium-to-phosphorus balance, potentially weakening bones and causing pain.
Artificial Sweeteners Affect Pain: Artificial sweeteners in diet sodas, such as aspartame, can disturb the gut microbiome, which is linked to an increase in inflammation and heightened pain sensitivity.
Rare but Serious Complications: In very rare, excessive consumption cases, soda can lead to a severe drop in blood potassium, causing muscle weakness and rhabdomyolysis.
Gout Risk: High-fructose corn syrup in soda can be metabolized into uric acid, leading to sharp crystals in the joints and increasing the risk of painful gout attacks.
Alternative Solutions: Replacing soda with water, fruit-infused water, or green tea can significantly reduce sugar intake and improve hydration, potentially alleviating body aches.
Cumulative Effects: The effects of soda on your body are cumulative, and regular consumption can contribute to long-term health issues that lead to persistent body pain.

The Surprising Link Between Soda and Body Pain

The fizz and sweetness of a soda can be a refreshing treat, but for many, it's followed by an unexplained ache. If you find yourself asking, "Why does my body ache when I drink soda?" you are not alone. The answer lies in the potent ingredients found in these popular beverages, which can disrupt your body's natural balance and trigger discomfort. From sugar's inflammatory effects to the dehydrating power of caffeine, several mechanisms are at play.

Inflammation Caused by Excessive Sugar

One of the primary culprits behind body aches from soda is the high sugar content, particularly high-fructose corn syrup. When you consume large amounts of sugar, your body's insulin levels spike. This can trigger a pro-inflammatory response throughout the body.

Uric Acid Build-Up: For people susceptible to gout, fructose is a major risk factor. The body converts fructose into glucose, a process that produces uric acid. Excess uric acid can form sharp crystals that accumulate in the joints, leading to excruciating pain and inflammation. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women who regularly consume soda have a 75% higher risk of gout.
Systemic Inflammation: Beyond gout, excess sugar can lead to a state of low-grade chronic inflammation throughout the body. This is linked to many chronic diseases and can make existing musculoskeletal pain worse. The inflammatory response can lead to fatigue, stiffness, and general discomfort.

Dehydration's Impact on Muscles and Joints

Both the sugar and caffeine in soda act as diuretics, causing your body to lose more fluid than it takes in. Dehydration can directly contribute to body aches in several ways:

Joint Lubrication: Your joints are lubricated by synovial fluid, which is primarily water. When you are dehydrated, the amount of synovial fluid decreases, increasing friction between bones and causing joints to feel stiff or creaky. This can result in joint pain, especially in weight-bearing areas like the hips and knees.
Muscle Function: Muscles are made of 70-75% water. Dehydration can cause muscles to cramp, feel stiff, or become fatigued more easily. This can slow down recovery after exercise and exacerbate existing muscle soreness.

Signs that dehydration might be the cause of your aches include:

Muscle cramps or twitching
Fatigue or low energy
Headaches or lightheadedness
Darker than normal urine

The Role of Phosphoric Acid

Many dark-colored sodas, particularly colas, contain phosphoric acid to provide a sharp, tangy flavor and act as a preservative. While a small amount isn't harmful, excessive intake can pose a problem for bone health.

Calcium Absorption: High levels of phosphoric acid can interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium. The body needs a proper calcium-to-phosphorus balance. An excess of phosphorus can reduce calcium levels, potentially weakening bones over time.
Bone Mineral Density: Studies have shown a link between cola consumption and lower bone mineral density, especially in women, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life. This loss of bone density can be an underlying cause of body pain.

The Surprising Effect of Diet Sodas and Artificial Sweeteners

While switching to diet soda may seem like a solution, it's not a pain-free alternative. Artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, have their own set of potential issues that can contribute to body aches.

Gut Health Disruption: Research suggests that artificial sweeteners can alter the balance of bacteria in the gut microbiome. This disruption is linked to increased inflammation and metabolic issues, which can ultimately influence pain perception.
Increased Pain Sensitivity: Some studies indicate that artificial sweeteners can increase pain sensitivity and trigger inflammatory responses in the body. A recent study found that fizzy drink intake containing sugar and artificial sweeteners was associated with an increased risk of chronic muscular and joint pain.

Comparison: Regular Soda vs. Diet Soda


Feature	Regular Soda	Diet Soda
Sugar	High sugar content (often high-fructose corn syrup).	No sugar, uses artificial sweeteners.
Inflammation Risk (Sugar)	Directly linked to higher inflammatory markers and conditions like gout and rheumatoid arthritis.	Indirectly linked to inflammation through gut health disruption and potential changes in pain perception.
Dehydration	Caused by both high sugar and caffeine content (if present).	Caused by caffeine content (if present).
Bone Health	Phosphoric acid can hinder calcium absorption, potentially decreasing bone density.	Phosphoric acid can hinder calcium absorption (in cola versions).
Additives	Phosphoric acid for flavor and preservation.	Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and phosphoric acid.

Conclusion: Finding the Source of Your Ache

If you experience body aches after drinking soda, it's important to understand the various ways these beverages affect your body. From triggering inflammatory responses with high sugar content to causing dehydration and interfering with mineral absorption, soda has a multi-pronged impact on your health. Even diet sodas, with their artificial sweeteners and other additives, are not a safe alternative when it comes to avoiding body pain. The most effective way to address this issue is to cut back on soda consumption, hydrate with plenty of water, and opt for natural, anti-inflammatory alternatives like green tea or fruit-infused water. For persistent or severe pain, consulting a healthcare professional is always the best course of action.

For more information on the effects of sugar on the body, refer to studies and articles from trusted health organizations, such as this one from Harvard Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, soda can cause muscle cramps and spasms. The high sugar and caffeine content in soda can cause dehydration, which affects muscle function and can lead to cramping and fatigue.

Not necessarily. While diet soda lacks sugar, its artificial sweeteners can trigger inflammatory responses and disturb the gut microbiome, potentially leading to increased pain sensitivity and joint pain.

Phosphoric acid, especially in excessive amounts, can cause an imbalance in your body's calcium and phosphorus levels. This can hinder calcium absorption, potentially leading to a decrease in bone mineral density over time.

Yes, soda can worsen arthritis symptoms. The high sugar content promotes inflammation, which is a key factor in inflammatory arthritis. Studies have also linked soda consumption to an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Soda can cause joint stiffness by contributing to dehydration. When you're dehydrated, the amount of lubricating synovial fluid in your joints decreases, increasing friction and causing stiffness and pain.

Yes, it is possible for soda to cause a general ache all over your body. High sugar intake can cause systemic inflammation, and dehydration can affect all muscles and joints, leading to widespread discomfort.

For better hydration and to prevent body aches, replace soda with water. Other healthy alternatives include fruit-infused water, green tea, or other non-sugary, caffeine-free drinks.