Could diet soda have a negative effect on my running?

Question

Im doing distance running and would like to reach running 10 miles. But I drink a lot of diet soda. I know it has no calories in it but could the diet Pepsi be hurting my running performance?

Answer 1

Not to mention they are bad for your long term health.

Answer 2

well its not hydrating at all.  Also theirs a chemical that they use for a cleaning agent on ships that is in diet pepsi, coke products (my son in law told me) Thats when he quit drinking it, cause he said that stuff eats thru rope.

Answer 3

To be on the safe side I wouldn't drink any type of soft drink if I was training/exercising. It might not have any calories but I don't think its healthy. Of course, once in a while a little soda wouldn't hurt.

Answer 4

I have never been one for anything artificial but I really don't like aspartame.  It has so many side effects.  There is many articles about it.  One of the main concerns with running performance would be the fact it can actually make you gain weight.   Also Caffeinated sodas will dehydrate you as well, and the carbonation in soda depletes the calcium in your body which is why drinking pop could reduce bone density. The reason people always tell you not to drink soft drinks is because they are loaded with something called Phosphoric Acid. Phosphoric acid is something that strips the bones of calcium, therefore making you more vulnerable to a stress fracture. Which is bad.

Here is part of an article from Reprinted from OXYGEN MAGAZINE October issue http://aspartamekills.com/lydon.htm

You should really read it.

Could There Be Evils Lurking In Aspartame Consumption?

By Christine Lydon, MD

In a cruel and ironic twist, aspartame may actually cause weight gain. Phenylalanine and aspartic acid, found in aspartame, stimulate the release of insulin. Rapid, strong spikes in insulin remove all glucose from the blood-stream and store it as fat. This can result in hypoglycemia and sugar cravings. Additionally, it has been demonstrated to inhibit carbohydrate induced synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which signals that the body is satiated. Inhibition of serotonin leads to food cravings, increased carbohydrate consumption and, ultimately, weight gain. In a recent study, a control group switching to an aspartame-free diet resulted in an average weight loss of 19 pounds.

Answer 5

Any type of soda is not good for running at all. Weakens muscles and doesnt have any positive performance.

Answer 6

I would limit it to no more than 1-2 a day MAX... soda, even diet, is not good... lots of chemicals. You should drink a small quantity of sports drink, diluted 50:50 with water, or something like Powerade Zero/G2, which will help with running as they have electrolytes :)