Experts say quitting Diet Coke can improve heart health and gut balance

According to experts consulted by Fox News Digital, Diet Coke, despite having no calories or added sugar, is not typically considered a healthy choice. Previous research has linked diet sodas in general to heightened metabolic and cardiovascular risks and other health implications. Michelle Routhenstein, a New York-based registered dietitian specializing in heart disease, cautioned that consuming two or more artificially sweetened beverages daily could elevate the chances of heart disease and stroke. She also highlighted a study indicating that even just one diet soda could raise the risk of Afib, a condition associated with irregular heartbeat and an increased likelihood of vascular events like strokes. Routhenstein pointed out that artificial sweeteners’ processing in the body and the metabolites they generate might play a role in these health risks. Additionally, she mentioned that some studies suggest diet sodas could disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, which is linked to chronic diseases.

Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Charlotte, North Carolina, pointed out that Diet Coke contains artificial sweeteners that have been associated with weight gain, as well as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. She highlighted the potentially harmful effects of aspartame, the artificial sweetener in Diet Coke, which has been labeled as possibly carcinogenic by the World Health Organization and could adversely impact the gut microbiome.

While some industry experts claim that aspartame is safe for consumption, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, not everyone agrees. The FDA stated in 2023 that they do not have safety concerns about aspartame when used within approved conditions. Despite this, concerns persist about the safety of artificial sweeteners like aspartame in relation to diabetes and heart disease.

Routhenstein recommended healthier alternatives to Diet Coke, such as low-sugar kombucha, which provides gut-promoting benefits due to its fermentation process. Freirich supported this suggestion, emphasizing the advantages of kombucha for gut health. Other alternatives included adding lime or lemon to carbonated water for a boost of vitamin C, or opting for sparkling green tea for its anti-inflammatory properties.

For those seeking alternatives to Diet Coke, unflavored seltzer water, lightly sweetened carbonated beverages, or lightly sweetened tea or coffee could be suitable substitutes. Ultimately, experts agreed that plain water is the best option for hydration and overall health.