Here’s What Happens When You Stop Drinking Soda

Stop drinking soda… it’s a goal that is on so many people’s new years resolutions each year. It was on mine last year as well so I completely understand. 

I gave up Dr. Pepper since it was my weakness and I just could not stop chugging the stuff day and night. I’m happy to report that it’s two years later and I haven’t had a single Dr. Pepper since. (Insert claps here.)

I have however, had a few Sprite’s so I haven’t given up on soda entirely, I suppose, but at least the stuff with caffeine. That should count for something, right? 

If you wonder like I did when I started this journey, what happens to your body when you stop drinking soda, I’m going to tell you.

Plus, below are some great tips for quitting soda my favorite soda alternative to try, as well.

Here’s What Happens When You Stop Drinking Soda

You Pee Less

You probably already know that soda is a diuretic, so you may have noticed when you drink it you go to the bathroom non-stop. (Diuretic means causing increased passing of urine.)

When you stop drinking soda you won’t have to spend quite so much time in the bathroom which sounds like a great benefit to me.

Oh, and you’ll likely have less UTI’s as well because soda irritates your bladder. (source) 

If Urinary Track Infections are something that creep up on you a lot, I would skip the soda. Those pesky UTI’s are absolutely no fun at all. 

You’ll Sleep Better

We know that soda can keep us up after we drink it, but did you know that even long after it wears off it can still cause insomnia? That’s because up to 6 hours after consuming caffeine half of the caffeine amount is still in your system. (source) 

It is suggested that you stop drinking caffeine before 2-3pm. That just so happens my favorite time to drink soda! 

Your Heart Will Be Healthier

One problem with soda is that it increases your heart rate and blood pressure. So much so that a Harvard study showed that people who drink soda are 20% more likely to have a heart attack.

The main finding of the study showed those who drank pop daily had a 20% higher risk of having a heart attack. (source) 

If you have any other health markers that increase your likelihood of heart attacks or heart disease you a my want to consider cutting down on your soda consumption.

You’ll Have More Hair

Seriously! High sugar drinks like soda and juices can increase the hormone dihydrotestosterone which some think can increase hair loss in men. Less soda, more hair.

You’re Memory Will Increase

New research shows that people who drink high sugar drinks like soda have a worse memory and smaller overall brain volume! I don’t know about you, but I’d rather my brain not shrink.

As we get older our memory fades and we try to protect it with vitamins and crossword puzzles. Perhaps kicking sugary soda could help us even more. 

My Favorite Soda Substitute

Have ya’ll tried Olipop yet? They are sparkling tonics that contain 9g of dietary fiber & only 2-5g of sugar.

Each can is under 50 calories, non-GMO, vegan, & gluten-free—all with no artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, preservatives, or ingredients. How cow! How is that even possible?

I suggest the sampler pack so you can try them all and find your favorite. I love that they have classic favorites like Root Beer, Cola and Cream Soda.

There are so many reasons to kick the soda habit, so if you plan to quit, I hope these will give you the boost you need.

How Can I Stop Drinking So Much Soda?

1. Boost Your Water Flavor. There are so many water flavors you can grab at the store. Literally, so many options you could try a new one every day.

My favorite is actually Liquid IV. It is so delicious and I know I’m getting good and hydrated!

2. Make ONE Switch. There are a couple of things that make soda so bad for us: the sugar and the caffeine. If you want to start slowly, get rid of just one.

Kick the caffeine by sipping a caffeine-free soda like 7UP or Sprite. Or, you could kick the sugar by switching to a diet soda. Progress makes perfect.

3. Try new alternatives. Give Olipop a try or try some of the many flavored waters out there. Keep trying them until you find one you like. Then, keep a few around just in case you have a carbonated drink craving.

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