What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Drinking Fizzy Drinks

For many people, fizzy drinks are a daily habit. Some enjoy them as a quick pick-me-up during the workday, others pair them with meals, and plenty just like the taste. They’re refreshing, widely available, and often marketed as fun or energizing.

But behind the fizz and flavor, these drinks don’t really offer much for your body. Health experts have long pointed out that sodas and other sweetened carbonated drinks bring more risks than benefits.

From weight gain and tooth decay to jitteriness and poor sleep, the list of potential downsides is surprisingly long. According to dietitian Dr. Frankie Phillips, fizzy drinks are “very acidic,” which can wear down tooth enamel over time.

She told the BBC that, unlike other foods that provide vitamins, minerals, or fiber along with calories, fizzy drinks “don’t give us anything extra apart from the sugar energy.” There’s also evidence linking regular consumption to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

In short, the more often you drink them, the more you may be putting your health on the line without realizing it. So what happens if you stop? Here’s what you can expect.

Many people grab a can of soda during that mid-afternoon slump. The quick sugar hit feels like an energy boost, but it’s short-lived.

What usually follows is a blood sugar crash that leaves you feeling sluggish or even more tired than before. When you cut fizzy drinks out of your routine, your blood sugar levels stay more stable, and you’re less likely to experience those dramatic highs and lows. Over time, your energy should feel steadier throughout the day.

Better Sleep

It’s not just the sugar that messes with your system—caffeine is another problem. Even diet sodas, which don’t contain sugar, often pack a dose of caffeine.

If you drink them late in the day, your sleep quality can take a hit. For light sleepers, even an afternoon soda can be enough to cause tossing and turning. Once you stop, you may find it easier to wind down and fall asleep at night.

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A Smaller Waistline

Calories in soda can add up quickly. A few glasses a day might not feel like much, but over a week or a month, that’s a lot of extra energy your body doesn’t need.

Unlike food, these calories don’t fill you up, so it’s easy to keep drinking without realizing how much you’ve consumed. Dr. Livingood, a health YouTuber, points out that soda gives you “empty calories” without satiety, which makes overconsumption more likely.

Quitting often means effortless calorie reduction, which can lead to weight loss. You may also notice less bloating since carbonated drinks can make you feel puffy and gassy.

According to Dr. David Perlmutter, a leading neurologist, the effects of fizzy drinks extend beyond weight gain and dental issues. He points out that the high sugar content in these beverages can lead to inflammation and cognitive decline over time.

In his practice, Dr. Perlmutter has seen improved cognitive function in patients who reduce sugar intake. He recommends a gradual transition, starting by replacing one fizzy drink a day with a healthier option, like sparkling water infused with fresh fruit.

Healthier Organs

Fizzy drinks don’t just affect weight and energy—they can also impact your organs. Research shows that soda drinkers face a 75% higher risk of painful gout, and just one less can a day can reduce the risk of heart disease by 20%.

That’s a striking improvement for such a small change. Over time, limiting these drinks could mean better long-term health for your liver, heart, and joints.

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Stronger Teeth

Tooth enamel erosion is one of the most obvious risks of regular soda drinking. The combination of acidity and sugar is especially tough on your teeth, leading to cavities, sensitivity, and visible wear.

Dropping fizzy drinks allows your mouth to recover and prevents further damage. Both adults and children can benefit from this switch.

Clearer Skin

Many people are surprised to find that their skin improves after cutting back on soda. The high sugar content can cause inflammation, which may trigger acne or make skin appear dull.

Once you reduce sugar intake, your body’s inflammatory response calms down. Within a few weeks, your skin may look clearer, less oily, and more balanced.

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Health Benefits of Quitting Fizzy Drinks

Dr. Josh Axe, a renowned chiropractor and nutrition expert, emphasizes that eliminating fizzy drinks can lead to significant health improvements. When you stop consuming these sugary beverages, you may notice enhanced hydration and digestion, as well as reduced sugar cravings.

His research indicates that people who replace soft drinks with water or herbal teas often report feeling more energetic and less bloated. Furthermore, the reduction in added sugars can promote weight loss and lower the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Giving up fizzy drinks might feel challenging at first, especially if they’ve been a go-to habit for years. But the benefits touch almost every part of your body—from more consistent energy and better sleep to improved skin and stronger teeth.

On top of that, you may lower your risk of serious health conditions later in life. While enjoying a soda occasionally isn’t the end of the world, making them a regular part of your diet comes at a cost.

Swapping them for water, sparkling water with fruit, or unsweetened tea can help you feel better day to day and improve your health in the long run.

Overall, the decision to stop drinking fizzy drinks can significantly benefit your health, energy levels, and appearance. Experts like Dr. Axe and Dr. Perlmutter provide valuable insights into the wide-ranging effects of these beverages. They highlight the importance of replacing sugary drinks with hydrating alternatives to enhance overall well-being.

Moreover, taking small steps toward this change can lead to more sustainable habits. By focusing on gradual replacements and improved hydration, you'll not only feel better but also set the stage for long-term health benefits.