Riya Baibhawi

Donald Trump's Guilty Pleasure: Is His Go-To Diet Coke Really Guilt-Free?

Donald Trump Diet Coke

Donald Trump is 78. He swore as the President of the US at an age that has already surpassed the average lifespan of Americans. What is even more surprising is that he has done it without following a very strict diet or exercise regime. The only exception is golf, which he plays—often with the aid of a cart.

This may make you wonder how he has such energy at 78 years of age. Perhaps it is because of the 12 Diet Coke he allegedly drinks every day. Not water, Diet Coke, according to his friend, UFC CEO Dana White. "I've never seen him drink water. Ever," she said. Trump loves Diet Coke so much that he has a Diet Coke button installed on his desk in the Oval Office.

Interestingly, Trump is a teetotaler. Earlier in an interview, he revealed that the reason he abstains from alcohol is because his brother Freddy was an alcoholic who died at the age of 43 in 1981. 

Although people's hydration needs vary, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says most men need about 13 cups of fluid a day to keep their bodies functioning well. Women need about 9 cups. That could include caffeinated drinks such as Diet Coke. But this low-calorie version of soda does more harm than good to your body.

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, commonly found in diet sodas, could negatively impact your gut microbiome—the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract. Studies suggest that disruptions in the microbiome could affect immunity, nutrient absorption, and overall health. 

Though diet sodas don't contain sugar, they are still highly acidic, which can damage tooth enamel. Research has shown that both regular and diet sodas can affect enamel surface roughness, leading to dental erosion. 

Some people may experience headaches or migraines from consuming diet soda. This could be due to artificial sweeteners like aspartame or the caffeine content in certain varieties. Individuals with neurological or psychiatric conditions may be particularly sensitive.

Could Decrease Bone Density

Excessive consumption of diet soda, particularly those containing caffeine or phosphoric acid, has been linked to reduced bone density. Studies suggest that these compounds may lead to bone loss over time.

Increases Risk of Cardiovascular Complications

Consuming artificial sweeteners, which are common in diet sodas, may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, including glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes. Studies also suggest that these sweeteners may contribute to metabolic syndrome, which raises the risk of heart disease.

May Trigger Sugar Cravings

Artificial sweeteners may stimulate the brain’s food reward pathways in a way similar to sugar, leading to increased hunger and cravings for sweet foods. Research indicates that these sweeteners can also make food taste more appealing, potentially leading to overeating.

There’s mixed evidence about whether diet soda leads to weight gain. While some studies suggest that long-term consumption can contribute to body fat accumulation and obesity, others show no such link. 

Potentially Linked to Type 2 Diabetes

Although diet soda contains no sugar or calories, some studies have linked its consumption to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

The first step towards cutting down the daily intake of diet soda is to find healthier alternatives. You can start by swapping it out for beverages such as flavoured water, herbal tea, or coconut water. You can also make flavoured water by adding ingredients like cucumber, citrus, or fresh herbs to your regular water. In conclusion, it must be noted that gradually reducing your intake rather than quitting it would be more effective.

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Donald Trump

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Donald Trump Drink

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Diet Coke impact on Health

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Donald Trump is 78. He swore as the President of the US at an age that has already surpassed the average lifespan of Americans. What is even more surprising is that he has done it without following a very strict diet or exercise regime. The only exception is golf, which he plays—often with the aid of a cart. This may make you wonder how he has such energy at 78 years of age. Perhaps it is because of the 12 Diet Coke he allegedly drinks every day. Not water, Diet Coke, according to his friend, UFC CEO Dana White. "I've never seen him drink water. Ever," she said. Trump loves Diet Coke so much that he has a Diet Coke button installed on his desk in the Oval Office. Interestingly, Trump is a teetotaler. Earlier in an interview, he revealed that the reason he abstains from alcohol is because his brother Freddy was an alcoholic who died at the age of 43 in 1981. Although people's hydration needs vary, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says most men need about 13 cups of fluid a day to keep their bodies functioning well. Women need about 9 cups. That could include caffeinated drinks such as Diet Coke. But this low-calorie version of soda does more harm than good to your body. Here's How It Affects Your BodyDisrupts Gut HealthArtificial sweeteners like aspartame, commonly found in diet sodas, could negatively impact your gut microbiome—the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract. Studies suggest that disruptions in the microbiome could affect immunity, nutrient absorption, and overall health. Erodes Tooth EnamelThough diet sodas don't contain sugar, they are still highly acidic, which can damage tooth enamel. Research has shown that both regular and diet sodas can affect enamel surface roughness, leading to dental erosion. May Cause HeadachesSome people may experience headaches or migraines from consuming diet soda. This could be due to artificial sweeteners like aspartame or the caffeine content in certain varieties. Individuals with neurological or psychiatric conditions may be particularly sensitive.Could Decrease Bone DensityExcessive consumption of diet soda, particularly those containing caffeine or phosphoric acid, has been linked to reduced bone density. Studies suggest that these compounds may lead to bone loss over time.Increases Risk of Cardiovascular ComplicationsConsuming artificial sweeteners, which are common in diet sodas, may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, including glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes. Studies also suggest that these sweeteners may contribute to metabolic syndrome, which raises the risk of heart disease.May Trigger Sugar CravingsArtificial sweeteners may stimulate the brain’s food reward pathways in a way similar to sugar, leading to increased hunger and cravings for sweet foods. Research indicates that these sweeteners can also make food taste more appealing, potentially leading to overeating.Linked to Weight GainThere’s mixed evidence about whether diet soda leads to weight gain. While some studies suggest that long-term consumption can contribute to body fat accumulation and obesity, others show no such link. Potentially Linked to Type 2 DiabetesAlthough diet soda contains no sugar or calories, some studies have linked its consumption to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The first step towards cutting down the daily intake of diet soda is to find healthier alternatives. You can start by swapping it out for beverages such as flavoured water, herbal tea, or coconut water. You can also make flavoured water by adding ingredients like cucumber, citrus, or fresh herbs to your regular water. In conclusion, it must be noted that gradually reducing your intake rather than quitting it would be more effective.