Is drinking diet coke harmful to your health?

Dr. Andrew Huberman has discussed the potential health effects of diet soda and artificial sweeteners in several episodes of the Huberman Lab. Here are some key points:

1. Insulin Response: Consumption of diet soda can significantly increase insulin release, especially if consumed alongside food. This response can disrupt blood sugar management and potentially lead to pre-diabetes in the long term 1.

2. Weight Gain: Despite being zero-calorie, diet sodas can still result in weight gain. Studies show that the insulin response generated by artificial sweeteners can lead to increased hunger and additional caloric intake. This can make diet soda less effective for weight management when compared to water 2.

3. Gut Microbiome: Though most human studies show minimal impact on the gut microbiome from reasonable doses of artificial sweeteners, some specific sweeteners like sucralose do show an effect. However, diet sodas are generally considered less harmful than regular sodas regarding metabolic health 3.

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     1

     Diet Soda Dangers

     01:18:13
     
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     2

     Diet Soda Dilemma

     02:29:43
     
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     3

     Diet Drinks Debate

     03:28:19
     
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     4

     Sweeteners and Longevity

     01:09:09
     

4. Comparative Harm: When comparing the risks of diet soda to regular soda and other sweetened beverages, diet sodas generally fare better. However, they are not without risks, particularly concerning insulin sensitivity and gut health 4.

In summary, while diet sodas might be a better choice than regular sodas due to lower caloric content, they still pose several health risks, especially when consumed with food. It’s advised to drink them in moderation and be aware of their potential effects on insulin response and gut health.