Lifehacker consulted an expert to explore the potential risks associated with mixing alcohol and soda.
Does Soda Accelerate Alcohol Absorption?
There is ongoing debate regarding whether soda enhances the absorption of alcohol, potentially leading to quicker increases in blood alcohol levels. However, research on this topic remains limited and findings are inconsistent.
Some theories suggest that carbonated beverages may expedite gastric emptying, allowing alcohol to reach the small intestine more rapidly, where absorption predominantly occurs. Nonetheless, definitive conclusions have yet to be established.
Dr. Anna Yurkevich, a medical professional and Instagram influencer, provides the following insights:
While an increase in stomach volume can stimulate contractions and promote faster alcohol absorption, the presence of food and carbonation may hinder digestion. In such cases, stomach contents may be delayed in moving to the small intestine, resulting in a later onset of intoxication.
Interestingly, sweetened sodas, due to their carbohydrate content, may slightly mitigate the effects of intoxication compared to zero-calorie alternatives. For instance, mixing whiskey with regular cola may lead to a slower intoxication rate than if one were to use a diet soda.
However, this does not imply that these combinations are beneficial.
Impact of Sweet Soda on Health
Sweetened sodas significantly elevate the caloric content of alcoholic beverages. For example, a whiskey and cola mix in a 1:3 ratio contains approximately 239 kilocalories—just from a single serving, which many individuals do not limit themselves to.
The primary concern with soda lies not only in its caloric content but also in the types of sugars it contains. Many popular carbonated drinks are high in fructose, which can lead to fat accumulation even without excess calorie intake. A diet high in fructose is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Effects of Alcohol and Soda on Liver Health
In addition to its impact on weight, fructose from sweetened sodas poses risks to liver health, particularly during festive occasions when alcohol consumption is higher. The combination of alcohol and sugary drinks can exacerbate liver damage, as excess fructose is stored as fat, including visceral fat in the liver.
Conclusion
Based on current research, the following points can be summarized:
- Mixing alcohol with unsweetened soda may enhance alcohol absorption without introducing additional negative health effects.
- Sugary sodas can slow down intoxication compared to unsweetened options, but their high fructose content poses risks to both weight management and liver health.
- It is advisable to avoid sweetened sodas during social gatherings, especially when the liver is already under strain.
In summary, while mixing alcohol with soda is common, being mindful of the type of soda used can have significant implications for health.