Exploring Diet Fizzy Drinks: Making Informed Choices
Updated: Sep 3
Today I'm delving into a question that's been generating discussions of late – the place of diet fizzy drinks within our daily dietary choices. With the recent release of the new WHO Guideline on Non-Sugar Sweeteners and the media spotlight shining on Aspartame, I felt it was an opportune time to unravel the complexities and explore whether these fizzy beverages truly align with our health goals.
Before we begin, it is important to keep in mind that nutrition isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about discovering what fits best for you. So, let's explore into this topic with a well-rounded perspective.
Exploring the Fizz
When we talk about fizzy drinks, think of classics like cola, lemonade, and orangeade. The question on our minds is, do these diet versions truly make a positive difference? Well, the answer isn't universal; it depends on your personal journey towards better health.
For those consuming sugary fizzy drinks regularly, switching to diet alternatives can be a helpful stepping stone as you work towards broader dietary changes. While an occasional sweet indulgence isn't cause for concern, consistent consumption can contribute to unwelcome weight gain. Carrying excess weight is associated with an increased risk of various cancers and health concerns. Additionally, sugary drinks typically lack essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fibre, or protein.
For those who enjoy diet fizzy drinks only occasionally, there's no need to be concerned. These infrequent instances typically have a minimal impact; it's the everyday choices that play a significant role in shaping our overall well-being.
Navigating Diabetes
For people managing diabetes, opting for diet fizzy drinks over their sugar-sweetened counterparts is important to maintaining stable blood glucose levels.
What about Aspartame?
Aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener present in various food and beverage products, has recently come under scrutiny due to potential associations with cancer. In July 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) conducted a collaborative evaluation of the health risks associated with aspartame.
The evaluation considered both human and animal studies, revealing limited evidence connecting aspartame to potential cancer risk in humans. Consequently, IARC classified aspartame as 'possibly carcinogenic.' The World Health Organization (WHO) has established an acceptable daily intake of 0-40mg per kg of body weight. This equates to around 2,800mg for an average-weight man (70kg), equivalent to 9-14 cans of Diet Coke per day if aspartame is not consumed from other sources.
While this reclassification may understandably raise concerns, it's important to note that the potential risk associated with consuming aspartame remains generally low, especially when adhering to the acceptable daily intake. Rest assured that, in most cases, moderation acts as a guiding principle.
Making Informed Choices
When contemplating whether to make diet fizzy drinks a staple in your routine, my recommendation is to lean towards alternatives that offer greater benefits. Here's why:
Artificially sweetened drinks are often known for their notably sweet taste, which can potentially amplify cravings for sugary flavours. This effect might impede long-term efforts to reduce overall sugar intake. However, it's important to understand that individual responses vary, and further research is needed to fully grasp these intricacies.
Emerging research indicates a potential impact of artificial sweeteners on our gut microbiome (digestive bacteria). However, gaining a comprehensive understanding of this complex relationship requires further exploration through human studies. In recent years, there has been a significant surge in research aimed at unravelling the connection between the gut microbiome and human health. Research suggests that gut microbes play an important role in maintaining overall well-being, including aspects like disease prevention, digestion, metabolism, and blood glucose regulation. Studies highlight the crucial role gut microbes play in maintaining overall well-being, including disease prevention, digestion, metabolism, and blood glucose regulation. The ongoing investigation into leveraging targeted adjustments to the gut microbiome for enhancing patients' responses to cancer treatment holds immense promise. As we eagerly await more insights, shifting our focus toward nurturing a robust and diverse gut microbiome emerges as a valuable strategy.
Opting for diet fizzy drinks could mean missing out on beverages with actual nutritional value.
If you're concerned about your bone health: take note of advice from the Royal Osteoporosis Society – excessive cola consumption might not be the best choice for supporting your bones.
Exploring Refreshing Alternatives:
Enhance your still or sparkling water with a twist of citrus zest, like lemon, lime, or orange, for a burst of natural flavour.
Add a few slices of cucumber to your water for a subtly cool and revitalising sip.
Drop a few fresh mint leaves into your water for a refreshing and invigorating touch.
Grate or slice some fresh ginger into your water to create a zesty and soothing drink with a hint of warmth.
Muddle various berries (like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries) in the bottom of a glass and add still or sparkling water.
Infuse water with lemon balm leaves for a gentle citrusy taste and a touch of herbal goodness.
Mix sparkling water with a dash of fruit juice to create a bubbly alternative to fizzy pop.
Brew a cup of herbal tea, such as green tea, let it cool, and enjoy a refreshing sip. Notably, it's also abundant in cell-protecting antioxidants!
Explore naturally flavoured sparkling water brands like DASH Water, Aqua Libra, M&S, and more.
Summing Up:
As you navigate through the complexities of health decisions, especially during cancer treatment, the last thing you need is a lengthy checklist of “more things to do”. It's perfectly fine if cutting down on diet fizzy drinks isn't currently your top priority. In fact, that's entirely understandable. Remember, the question of whether these drinks align with your wellness goals isn't set in stone. Instead, it's about discovering a balance that suits your unique circumstances, making choices based on informed perspectives, and finding alternatives that resonate with your health aspirations. This process empowers you to craft a sustainable and holistic approach to your diet, all while honouring the challenges you're facing.
If you or a loved one could benefit from nutrition support, advice, and encouragement, please feel free to get in touch with us at The Cancer Dietitian for a consultation. I would be delighted to offer my assistance as you work towards improved health and well-being.
Email: info@thecancerdietitian.com
Telephone: 020 8064 2865
Appointments: book here