. Aspartame
Diet fizzy drinks boast they do not contain sugar, but still retain the same sweet taste because they contain a chemical ingredient called Aspartame. Aspartame makes your brain think that what you’re eating is sweet. This triggers your body to start craving for sweet things and carbohydrates.
Aspartame is considered by the US Food and Drug Administration to be safe for consumption. However, they do acknowledge that this artificial sweetener has been linked to a number of side effects, such as dizziness, migraines, memory loss, diarrhea and mood swings. Furthermore, studies have shown that rodents exposed to large amounts of aspartame have developed brain tumors and lymphoma. There is no hard medical evidence that aspartame causes cancer and illness, but it remains controversial because of the potential risks involved.
. Weight Gain
Studies have shown that diet fizzy drinks can actually cause weight gain. In laboratory tests, animals that consumed sweeteners steadily increased their daily calorie intake, thus gaining weight. In another study conducted among diet soda drinkers, 48% of them showed an increase in metabolic syndrome – leading to significant weight gain. Though there is no hard evidence to support the fact, the studies show a correlation between packing on more pounds and drinking more diet fizzy drinks and artificial sweeteners.
If you need a hydration boost try coconut water, or adding a little squash to your water.