Soda is the most popular carbonated beverage enjoyed worldwide for its fizzy sweetness and instant refreshment. But while an occasional soda may not do much harm, drinking it every day can have profound effects on your body. From blood sugar spikes to long-term organ damage, here's a closer look at what happens when soda becomes a daily habit and why it's worse than you think. The moment soda comes into contact with the tongue, your body reacts dramatically. Within 10 to 15 minutes, the sugar is absorbed by the intestines, resulting in a quick boost in blood sugar levels. A single can contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar, more for females and close to the suggested daily amount for a male, according to the American Heart Association.The infographic detailing the breakdown, created by The Renegade Pharmacist, a popular one to view across the internet, suggests that it outlines the ill effects of the soda on our health within under 60 minutes after consumption. Designed based on the research of a health writer by the name Wade Meredith, the infographic details several ill effects associated with drinking Coke. Within ten minutes of the consumption of the Coke, ten teaspoons of sugar hit your body. Normally, such sweetness would trigger vomiting response, but the phosphoric acid in the soda suppresses it. The Domino Effect of Soda on Your OrgansAt 20 minutes, your body will release insulin because of sugar overload and the liver begins to convert the excess into fat.By 40 minutes, the caffeine in the soda has been absorbed and begins to take effect, causing dilation of pupils, increased blood pressure, and another sugar release into the bloodstream.At 45 minutes, dopamine production increases, stimulating pleasure centers in the brain just like addictive substances.And 60 minutes later, the diuretic effect has begun, resulting in fluid loss, including essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc, which are important for bone health.This sugar rush cycle, followed by a crash, makes you feel drowsy, cranky, and craves more sugar, creating an unending vicious loop that will put you in harm's way long-term.What Does Soda Do to Your Body?StomachRegular soda consumption is linked to weight gain and obesity. A 2021 study published in Preventing Chronic Disease found that 63% of U.S. adults consume soda daily, which has been strongly associated with excessive calorie intake. Unlike solid food, soda doesn’t provide satiety, meaning you’re likely to consume more calories without realizing it. Additionally, high sugar intake leads to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.Soda is acidic and can irritate the stomach lining, especially in people who have acid reflux or other gastrointestinal issues. The carbonation in soda causes bloating, gas, and discomfort, while excess sugar disrupts gut microbiota, which can lead to digestive problems and inflammation.HeartDaily soda consumption heightens the possibility of heart diseases by a number of folds. A study at the Journal of the American Heart Association revealed that there is a chance of 98% higher and 53% higher likelihood that adults who tend to drink much soda have less HDL in their blood streams and high levels of triglycerides, thus increasing the occurrence of artery blockage plaques, which has a high danger of heart attacks and stroke.High fructose levels in soda also contribute to increasing abdominal fat, thus raising cardiovascular disease risks. When sugar cannot be used as energy, the liver converts it into fat, which piles up around organs and contributes to metabolic syndrome.BrainSoda impacts brain chemistry in ways that make it very addictive. One study published in the *British Journal of Sports Medicine* found that sugar had a similar effect on the brain as addictive drugs. The swift release of dopamine after soda is consumed makes it hard to cut back because the brain begins associating soda with pleasure and reward. Over time, this results in increased cravings and excessive consumption, much like substance addiction.Additionally, soda dries up the body because of its diuretic properties, which cause electrolyte imbalances leading to digestion and overall health problems.Also Read: Your Daily Can Of Soda May Increase Your Risk Of A Heart StrokeOral HealthSoda is acidic and sugary, which does not help much with dental health. A 2022 study published in *Biomimetics* has associated frequent soda consumption with tooth decay, enamel erosion, and even tooth loss. Sugar in soda combines with oral bacteria to produce lactic acid, which dissolves the enamel of the teeth. Soda also suppresses saliva production, which is needed to neutralize acids and protect the teeth.Gum health also suffers because sugar and acid encourages inflammation, which leads to gum disease. Gum disease, left untreated, can lead to receding gums, infections, and eventual loss of teeth.Kidneys and LiverSoda has been linked to increased risks for kidney disease as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The high phosphorus levels in soda place extra strain on the kidneys over time. These can lead to kidney stones and chronic kidney disease.The liver has to metabolize sugar, which is overworked by excessive soda consumption. Non-stop conversion of sugar into fat causes liver fat, and a high risk for NAFLD increases the likelihood of cirrhosis or even liver failure.What Are the Healthier Alternatives?You don't need soda; replacing it with a healthy drink is an excellent decision to make in terms of well-being. The alternatives are as follows:Infused water: Add fruit or herbs for a natural flavored drink. Flavored or unflavored seltzer: Provides the fizz without the sugar. Kombucha: Is a fermented, probiotic- rich tea beverage that supports great gut health, and sparkling teas are refreshing yet full of antioxidant power. No-alcohol Sparkling wine : Great idea for special celebration without the burden of sugar loads.Drinking soda every day may seem insignificant, but those long-term damages to your body can be more severe.From metabolic disorders to heart disease, digestive issues, and tooth decay, soda's impact goes far beyond empty calories. Reducing or eliminating soda from your diet can help protect your body, improve overall health, and reduce the risk of chronic disease. If you're looking for an alternative, opt for refreshing, natural beverages that hydrate and nourish rather than harm. Your body will thank you for it. Prevalence of Self-Reported Intake of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Among US Adults in 50 States and the District of Columbia, 2010 and 2015. Prev Chronic Dis. 2021Sugar addiction: is it real? A narrative review. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2018Get the Facts: Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Consumption. CDCImpact of Highly Acidic Beverages on the Surface Hardness and Weight Loss of Human Teeth. Biomimetics (Basel). 2022