More Articles

  1. Gout & Diet Soda
  2. The Disadvantages of Soft Drinks
  3. Health Dangers of Drinking Soda
  4. Is Coca Cola Healthy?
  5. Pros & Cons of Soda & Soft Drinks
Diseases and Injuries

Does Soda Affect Arthritis?

Written by Terri Williams
14 August, 2017

More than 50 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis – one in every five adults – making it the leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1. Arthritis is an umbrella term encompassing more than 100 diseases that cause stiffness, pain and swelling of the joints, and includes osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Some foods, like soda, increase the probability of developing or inflaming arthritic conditions, particularly when consumed in excess.

Is This an Emergency?

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Health Professionals Follow-Up Study

A study published in the "British Medical Journal" examined the correlation between sugary drinks such as soda and the occurrence of gout in men. In the 12-year Health Professionals Follow-up Study, American and Canadian researchers observed 46,000 middle-aged men with no history of gout. The men routinely completed questionnaires regarding their dietary habits and provided information on their weight and any medical conditions and medications.

Study Results

Gout & Diet Soda

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During the 12-year time frame, 755 new cases of gout were diagnosed. Men who daily consumed two or more sodas had an 85 percent higher incidence of developing gout than those who drank less than one soda a month. Men who drank one soda daily had a 45 percent higher incident rate. Diet soda did not increase the risk, but both fruit juice and fruits high in fructose did. However, since the consumption of oranges, apples and other high fructose fruits help prevent some cancers as well as high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease, the authors advise weighing the data against the benefits of fruit consumption.

  • During the 12-year time frame, 755 new cases of gout were diagnosed.
  • Men who daily consumed two or more sodas had an 85 percent higher incidence of developing gout than those who drank less than one soda a month.

Joint Inflammation

Sodas also are one of the culprits associated with inflammation of arthritic joints. Marcelle Pick, co-founder of the Women to Women Clinic, lists both diet and regular soft drinks, fruit juices and all forms of natural and refined sugar as inflammation-fueling foods, particularly when consumed at night 3. Pick states, “It’s interesting how some women who eat (or drink) refined carbohydrates at night are also more likely to have fluid retention and morning pain, and how changing just this one habit can turn joint pain around — almost overnight.”

Soda to Relieve Arthritis

The Disadvantages of Soft Drinks

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According to RaleighChiropractic.com, some people drink a six-pack of soft drinks to diminish the pain of arthritis 4. This does provide temporary relief since the phosphate in the soda dissolves calcium deposits in the joints; however, the site warns against this practice and cautions that regularly consuming a six-pack of soft drinks will lead to osteoporosis since the soda’s phosphate also dissolves calcium in the bones.

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Is Coca Cola Healthy?

Is Coca Cola Healthy?

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Pros & Cons of Soda & Soft Drinks

Pros & Cons of Soda & Soft Drinks

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The Effects of Cranberry Juice on Gout

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How to Dissolve Gout Crystals

How to Dissolve Gout Crystals

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Does Drinking Soda Hurt Cardiovascular Endurance?

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What Causes Gout and Bursitis?

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Can Eating Too Much Fruit Cause Gout?

Can Eating Too Much Fruit Cause Gout?

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References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Arthritis
  • Arthritis Today: Soda Increases Risk of Gout
  • Women to Women; Inflammation-Joint Pain and Arthritis; Marcelle Pick; April 2011
  • Raleigh Chiropractic: Arthritis, Pain Relief and Soft Drinks
  • Coca-Cola Bottle, 12 fl oz. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published February 27, 2020.
  • 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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Writer Bio

Terri Williams began writing professionally in 1997, serving as media manager for a large nonprofit organization where she also edited books and created promotional content. She has written extensively on business communication, ethics, leadership, management, education and health. Williams has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

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