Harsh warning to anyone who drinks Diet Coke often

Diet Coke is an extremely popular drink, with many people turning to a can or bottle when they need a caffeine boost.

While, like many foods and beverages, it’s fairly harmless in moderation, studies have shown that the artificially sweetened beverage can cause negative effects as little as an hour after drinking. A pharmacist explained the effect on the body of consuming a single can of soft drink in 60 minutes.

Also known as the Renegade Pharmacist, Niraj Naik first shared his professional knowledge in 2015 via a viral infographic, and Diet Coke is likely to be disappointed.

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Mr Naik said the changes that occur in that hour after drinking have an impact on hunger, energy levels and a number of other areas. Previous studies have linked drinks with artificial sweeteners to weight gain, but further research has found that they may affect more than the scale, as previously reported.

The effects of consuming a can of Diet Coke can be seen apparently in as little as an hour, with an impact seen 10, 20, 40 and 60 minutes after finishing the last sip.

Mr Naik said: “Phosphoric acid attacks the enamel of your teeth, while artificial sweeteners such as aspartame affect your system. Aspartame can trigger taste receptors and trick the body into thinking it has just processed sugar.”

Here’s what happens in the hour after you drink a Diet Coke:

20 minutes

Mr Naik says within 20 minutes the drinker’s body switches to “fat storage mode”, citing research from The Nurses’ Health Study linking such drinks to a higher risk of high blood pressure and type two diabetes.

According to Naik: “Like regular Coke, it can trigger insulin, which sends the body into fat storage mode.”

40 minutes

Mr Naik claims the combination of caffeine and aspartame results in a short-term high, in a way comparable to class A cocaine. If taken regularly, Naik claims the excitotoxins released could lead to exhaustion and overstimulation of your brain .

He explained: “The potentially deadly combination of caffeine and aspartame creates a brief addiction similar to the way cocaine works. Excitotoxins are released that can wear out your brain by overstimulating its neuroreceptors, especially if consumed regularly.”

60 minutes

After an hour has passed, Mr Naik says the drinker will be left hungrier and thirstier than before and more likely to reach for sugary junk food.

He continued: “Unlike the small amount of satisfaction you get from regular Coke, your body may still be craving sweets. This makes you likely to reach for another soda, or worse, another junk food you think is safe, and the cycle continues.

“A can of Diet Coke provides no nutrition and would replace a more nutritious drink you could be drinking while potentially depleting your body of essential minerals.”

Coca Cola has been approached for comment.

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