What’s Really in Your Soda? And Why It’s Time to Rethink That Sip

Wellness Wednesday with EBLUXE CARES

Soda

Soda is one of those things that many don’t always think twice about. It’s at family cookouts, parties, in breakrooms and even super sized at drive-thrus. For many, it’s been part of their daily routine for years. But here at EBLUXE CARES, we’re all about awareness—and sometimes the things we overlook are the very things affecting our health the most.

I’ve seen it firsthand with my dad. I started questioning everything he was putting into his body and one of the biggest, quietest culprit was soda.

🧪 So, What’s the Big Deal with Soda?

Drinking soda affects more than just your weight. It can impact major organs like your heart, kidneys, brain, and bones—even your mood and memory. Let’s break it down.

1. Blood Sugar Spikes

That can of Pepsi or Coke might taste good going down, but it delivers a heavy dose of sugar—up to 12 teaspoons in one sitting. This spikes your blood sugar and insulin, setting you up for crashes, cravings, and even diabetes over time.

🍭 What Kind of Sugar Is in Soda?

Most sodas are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)—a highly processed form of sugar made from corn.

Why does that matter?

Because HFCS doesn’t affect the body the same way as natural sugars like those found in fruit or even table sugar.

Here’s how HFCS can harm your body:

    •    It goes straight to the liver, where it’s turned into fat—raising your risk of fatty liver disease and high triglycerides.

    •    It doesn’t trigger fullness hormones, so your body doesn’t feel satisfied, which can lead to overeating.

    •    It increases insulin resistance, belly fat, and inflammation—especially around your organs (visceral fat).

The truth is HFCS creates a blood sugar rollercoaster that doesn’t just leave you tired—it leaves you wanting more, feeding a cycle of cravings and inflammation. Let’s take a closer look at what happens when we drink soda regularly:

2. Tooth and Bone Damage

Soda is acidic, and that acid slowly wears down your enamel and even your bone density. Phosphoric acid, especially found in colas, can make your bones weaker and your teeth more sensitive.

3. Inflammation in the Body

Sugar feeds inflammation. And inflammation is at the root of so many issues like joint pain, heart disease, autoimmune flare-ups, and even cancer.

4. Gut Health Disruption

Even diet sodas aren’t safe. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose mess with your gut bacteria, leading to bloating, slowed digestion, and fatigue.

5. It’s Addictive

That caffeine and sugar combo gives your brain a quick dopamine hit… followed by a crash. This cycle makes it hard to stop at just one.

🩺 What Parts of the Body Are Affected by Soda?

Drinking soda—even just once a day—can impact more than you think:

    •    Brain – Increases anxiety, mood swings, and long-term memory issues

    •    Heart – Raises blood pressure and bad cholesterol

    •    Pancreas – Triggers insulin resistance and can lead to diabetes

    •    Bones/Teeth – Causes enamel erosion and weakens bone density

    •    Gut – Irritates the gut lining and disrupts your microbiome

    •    Kidneys – Increases the risk of kidney stones and damage

    •    Mental Health – Linked to fatigue and symptoms of depression

🚫 Wait—Is Soda Even Hydrating?

Not really. Soda might feel refreshing in the moment, but it actually dehydrates you. Between the caffeine, sugar, and sodium, it can pull water from your body instead of adding to it.

If you’re trying to stay energized, support your organs, and glow from the inside out—hydration matters.

👉🏽 Check out our hydration tips blog here:

Hydration Tips

👉🏽 Another option is our lemon concoction

Lemon Concoction

🌿 What About “Healthy Sodas” Like Poppi and Olipop?

You’ve probably seen trendy cans of Poppi, Olipop, or other “prebiotic sodas” on shelves. You may have even sampled them at our wellness table. Are they better? Yes—but in moderation.

These drinks:

    •    Have less sugar than traditional sodas. No high fructos corn syrup

    •    Contain prebiotics to support gut health

    •    Use natural flavors instead of artificial ones

But here’s the catch: they’re still processed. So while they’re a great transitional tool or occassional drink , we don’t want to rely on them completely. Your best bet is always whole, natural ingredients.

Skip This

Coke or Pepsi

Try This Instead

Sparkling water with lemon & berries

Skip This

Diet soda                       

Try This Instead             

 Poppi or Olipop (occasionally)

Skip This

Cream soda                       

Try This Instead             

Coconut water with vanilla extract

Skip This

Sports drinks                       

Try This Instead             

Homemade electrolyte water (lemon, sea salt, maple syrup)

Skip This

Caffeine soda                      

Try This Instead             

 Iced green tea with honey & ginger

My go-to? Plain water but if i want the fizz then sparkling water. It’s refreshing and supports hydration without the sugar crash. I will also have an occasional poppi.

💪 Your Challenge This Week:

Try replacing just one soda a day with a healthier option. Journal how you feel—your energy, your skin, your digestion. You might be surprised by how quickly your body responds. Feel free to share your findings with us by texting 1-866-4EBLUXE

🧡 A Message from EBLUXE CARES

At EBLUXE CARES, we believe wellness starts with awareness + action. Remember it isn’t about perfection, It’s about choosing better, one small step at a time. Choosing what you drink matters. It’s not just about calories—it’s about your energy, your mood, your long-term health. And your body deserves better. Here's to better wellness....one day at a time. We are here with you and for you

⚠️ Wellness Disclaimer

This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat or diagnose patients.