
These studies also show a relationship between diet soda consumption and metabolic syndrome, and an increase in cardiovascular disorders. Blood pressure in those who consumed the diet soda and the milk came down by 10 to 15 percent, compared to those who drank sugared soda.Īs you are considering the amount of diet soda you drink each day, it is worthwhile to note that some population studies, called epidemiologic research, show a relationship between the regular use of diet soda and obesity. Each group drank one liter of either regular soda with sugar, diet soda, milk or water every day for six months. It tested blood pressure in four groups of overweight participants. The most telling study, though, was done in humans. The results showed that blood pressure went down in the group that consumed the artificial sweetener. For example, in one study looking at a possible connection between the two, rats were fed either sugary foods or large doses of aspartame. Aspartame does not appear to cause high blood pressure either. The bulk of diet sodas are made with aspartame. Sucralose, which has almost the same molecular structure as table sugar, does not have much, if any, effect on blood pressure. Stevia, a natural product, has been shown to possibly lower blood pressure in people who have high blood pressure. The three artificial sweeteners primarily used in soft drinks and diet sodas are stevia, sucralose and aspartame. All of them are judged to be safe for general use. Diet soda actually may contribute to lowering blood pressure.Ī variety of artificial sweeteners are available on the market. In fact, some research findings seem to suggest the opposite. A number of studies have examined this topic, and there is no evidence to suggest a link between regularly drinking diet soda and an increase in blood pressure.

Why would it suddenly affect my blood pressure?ĪNSWER: It’s unlikely that the diet soda you drink is causing your high blood pressure. But, I’ve been drinking this much soda for years and have never had any issues.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I typically drink three or four cans of diet soda each day, and my doctor told me it may be the cause of my high blood pressure.
