In a recent TikTok video, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist from a prestigious California medical institution, issued a stark warning about the health risks associated with diet soda, claiming it is far from a healthy choice. He highlighted four alarming facts that suggest these beverages could substantially increase the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and kidney issues, while also potentially disrupting appetite regulation and fueling binge-eating tendencies.
With 20 years of clinical experience and a background from Harvard and Stanford, Dr. Sethi pointed out that women who consume more than two cans of diet soda daily face a significantly higher risk of heart disease and stroke. This assertion is backed by a 2019 study from the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, which found a correlation between the consumption of artificially sweetened drinks and heightened disease risks in women over 50.
Furthermore, Dr. Sethi asserted a link between diet soda consumption and kidney disease. In his video, he explained that “the high phosphorus content in diet sodas may lead to chronic kidney conditions.” This claim is supported by research from the National Kidney Foundation, which suggests that drinking more than two cans of diet soda daily can harm kidney health. The study examined a group of women with healthy kidney function at the start and discovered that those consuming diet soda experienced a threefold faster decline in their glomerular filtration rate—a key measure of kidney function—compared to non-consumers.
The third concern Dr. Sethi raised pertains to the negative impact of diet sodas on insulin sensitivity and gut health. He stated that these beverages could disrupt gut microbiota, which is essential for digestion and immune function. An imbalance in beneficial gut bacteria can impede the body’s ability to fend off certain diseases.
Lastly, Dr. Sethi warned that diet sodas may increase cravings for high-calorie foods and disrupt appetite control. A study published in JAMA Open Network in 2021 identified sucralose, a common sweetener in diet sodas, as a substance that stimulates appetite. Researchers noted that consuming foods containing sucralose elicited a more significant neural reward response in the brain.
In conclusion, Dr. Sethi emphasized, “Ultimately, diet sodas offer no nutritional value.” He advises limiting or even eliminating these beverages from one’s diet to promote better health.
