Lifehacker consulted an expert to explore the potential dangers associated with such cocktails.
Does Soda Accelerate Intoxication?
There is speculation that soda may enhance the absorption of alcohol, resulting in elevated levels of ethanol in the bloodstream and exhaled air. However, research on this subject is limited, and existing data is inconclusive.
It has been suggested that carbonated beverages may expedite gastric emptying, allowing alcohol to reach the small intestine more quickly, where the majority of absorption occurs. Nevertheless, scientists have yet to confirm the validity of this claim.
Dr. Anna Yurkevich, a physician and author of an Instagram blog, provides the following insights:
On one hand, an increase in gastric volume can stimulate contractions, thereby accelerating the absorption of alcohol and its transit to the small intestine. Conversely, if the stomach contains a significant amount of food and gas, this may hinder normal digestion. In such cases, the contents of the stomach may be delayed in moving to the small intestine, resulting in a later onset of intoxication.
Additionally, sweetened sodas, due to their carbohydrate content, may slightly mitigate the intoxication process compared to zero-calorie beverages. For instance, mixing whiskey with regular cola may result in a delayed intoxication compared to diluting the alcohol with a diet soda.
However, this does not imply that such combinations are beneficial.
Impact of Sweet Soda on Body Composition
Sweetened sodas contribute to the already high caloric content of alcoholic beverages. For example, a whiskey and cola mixture in a 1:3 ratio contains approximately 239 kilocalories, and this figure pertains to only one serving, which individuals often exceed.
The primary concern regarding soda lies not solely in its caloric content but also in the types of sugars it contains. In many popular carbonated beverages, over half of the sugars are fructose. The metabolic characteristics of fructose compel the body to accumulate fat, even in the absence of increased caloric intake. Consequently, a high fructose intake elevates the risk of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Effects of Alcohol and Soda on Liver Health
In addition to its adverse effects on body composition, fructose from sweetened sodas poses a risk to liver health, particularly during festive occasions when the liver is already under strain. The combination of alcohol and sugary beverages can exacerbate potential liver damage. Given that sugary sodas are high in fructose, excess fructose is directly converted to fat, including visceral fat within the liver.
Conclusion
Based on the available research, the following conclusions can be drawn:
- Mixing alcohol with unsweetened soda may enhance alcohol absorption but does not introduce additional negative effects on the body.
- The sugar content in soda may slightly delay intoxication compared to unsweetened carbonated beverages. However, due to the high fructose content, sweetened sodas pose risks to both body composition and liver health.
- Therefore, it is advisable to avoid sweetened sodas during social gatherings, particularly when the liver is already under stress.
