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Sweet sodas disrupt brain structure
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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American scientists have recently found that regular consumption of carbonated drinks can change the chemical composition of the brain. Scientists have found that the components that make up carbonated drinks, in particular sweeteners and sucrose, can change hundreds of proteins in the brain and significantly affect human behavior. The same kind of changes occur in the human brain during the development of various diseases (oncological processes, Alzheimer's disease, etc.).
In the United States, consumption of carbonated drinks is at a dangerously high level, with most adults getting an increased dose of calories from regular consumption of sugary carbonated drinks (cola, sprite, fanta, etc.), which are part of their daily diet. People simply cannot do without such drinks. Heart problems, excess weight, brittle bones, cancer, muscle weakness, paralysis - this is not a complete list of diseases that develop as a result of constant consumption of sugary drinks. Now this list has been supplemented by possible problems with the brain.
The studies were conducted on laboratory rats. During the experiment, the animals were divided into two groups. One group was given regular water to drink, and the other group was given sweet water. Sweetened water contains about the same level of sucrose as a sweet carbonated drink. A month later, the second group of rats developed hyperactivity, and the structure of about three hundred proteins in the brain changed, and they also developed a tendency to obesity. Scientists believe that the data obtained allow us to think that carbonated drinks can affect the human brain in the same way.
Scientists believe that drinking soda regularly can cause a range of diseases, behavioral changes, and changes in brain chemistry.
Experts repeat once again that if thirst appears, it should be quenched only with plain water, without any additives, sweeteners, etc.
Now scientists associate excessive consumption of soda with an increased sense of anxiety, which has been observed recently in most modern people, since this is caused by changes in the brain. Experts said that there is a lot of information about the harmful effects of sweet soda on a person's physical health - problems with the cardiovascular system, diabetes, problems with excess weight, but the consequences of such drinks for a person's mental health, in particular the impact on brain function, are poorly understood.
Research suggests that consuming high amounts of sucrose can alter brain chemistry and disrupt behavior in humans. Scientists say the sweet drink should be an occasional treat.
It was previously stated that sugary drinks do not cause obesity, but the statement turned out to be quite controversial and was criticized by other experts, as well as the provision of data to the contrary.
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