New Delhi: The majority of people hold the view that drinking Coke or cola-based beverages in moderation is harmless. However, regular or excessive consumption of these drinks may be detrimental to a person’s health. Drinking coke-based beverages excessively or on a frequent basis can be harmful to the human body, especially the liver. But, does this damage only the liver? Or, it has other adverse effects as well. To find out, ABP Live sought the opinion of experts in this field, who gave detailed insights into this so that we can be vigilant about our choices and prioritize our well-being by reducing the consumption of these harmful beverages.
Dr. Sohini Sengupta, Medical Laboratory Director, Redcliffe Labs, shared the impact of long-term, excessive intake of carbonated drinks, commonly referred to as ‘coke-based drinks’ on liver function and associated health risks.
She said, “The excessive consumption of added sugars, often in the form of high-fructose corn syrup, has been strongly linked to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver, potentially leading to inflammation and subsequent liver damage.”
Consuming excess coke-based drinks, such as soda or cola, can adversely affect your liver. Dr. Sohini Sengupta also listed below some other ways in which these drinks can potentially damage the liver.
- Increased Risk of Obesity: Frequent consumption of soft drinks, which are high in calories and sugar, can contribute to weight gain and obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for various liver diseases, including NAFLD, alcoholic liver disease, and liver cirrhosis. These conditions can result in liver inflammation, scarring, and impaired liver function.
- Chemical Additives: These drinks often contain chemical additives, including artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and flavour enhancers. In animal studies, some additives, such as artificial sweeteners like aspartame, have been linked to liver damage and inflammation. While more research is needed to fully understand their effects on human livers, limiting the intake of such additives is prudent.
- Increased Risk of Insulin Resistance: Regularly consuming coke-based drinks has been associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance, a condition in which your body becomes less responsive to the hormone insulin. Insulin resistance can lead to metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, and an increased risk of NAFLD.
- Alcohol Interaction: Combining coke-based drinks with alcohol, such as in mixed alcoholic beverages, can further exacerbate the adverse effects on your liver. The combination of alcohol and high-sugar beverages puts additional stress on the liver and increases the risk of liver inflammation and damage.
In addition to the above, Dr Shiv Kumar, Assistant Professor ( K. M Medical College, Mathura), M. B. B. S GMC Mumbai, DNB. Orthopaedic Pune, Ruby Hall Clinic said, “Furthermore, they disrupt the blood coagulation process, potentially causing epistaxis and gum bleeding. Also, the elevated acid content poses a significant risk of gastric ulcers.”
Coke-based drinks also contain caffeine which is a naturally-occurring chemical that stimulates the central nervous system, increasing alertness and warding off lethargy. Numerous plants’ leaves, seeds, and fruits contain caffeine, but cocoa beans, tea leaves, and coffee beans have the highest concentrations. It’s also commonly added to many products, including soft drinks, energy drinks and certain over-the-counter medications.
Speaking of the caffeine content of Coke products, it depends on several factors, including the serving size and type of drink. In this regard, Richa Anand who is the Chief Dietician at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai said, “Caffeine, which is a diuretic that can lead to dehydration if drunk in excess, is also included in such Beverages. Dehydration can put a load on the liver and impede its capacity to execute vital tasks. In general, drinking Cola/Coke-based beverages needs to be limited or avoided entirely. While it may offer a momentary adrenaline lift or fulfil sweet cravings, the possible long-term health consequences outweigh these advantages.”
Although drinking Coke-based beverages in moderation is still allowed, it is advised to choose healthier options for your health, such as water, herbal tea, or natural fruit juices. The overall health of the liver depends on eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding processed foods and added sugars.