What Happens to Your Body When You Drink a Coke
A Minute-by-Minute Breakdown of the Effects
Ever wondered what exactly happens inside your body when you consume a can of Coca-Cola? The following timeline reveals the surprising effects this popular beverage has on your system—from the first sip to an hour later.
min
The Sugar Shock
10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system. (100% of your recommended daily intake.) You don’t immediately vomit from the overwhelming sweetness because phosphoric acid cuts the flavor allowing you to keep it down.
min
Blood Sugar Spike
Your blood sugar spikes, causing an insulin burst. Your liver responds to this by turning any sugar it can get its hands on into fat. (There’s plenty of that at this particular moment)
min
Caffeine Takes Control
Caffeine absorption is complete. Your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, as a response your livers dumps more sugar into your bloodstream. The adenosine receptors in your brain are now blocked preventing drowsiness.
min
Pleasure Centers Activated
Your body ups your dopamine production stimulating the pleasure centers of your brain. This is physically the same way heroin works, by the way.
min
Mineral Depletion Begins
The phosphoric acid binds calcium, magnesium and zinc in your lower intestine, providing a further boost in metabolism. This is compounded by high doses of sugar and artificial sweeteners also increasing the urinary excretion of calcium.
Diuretic Effect Kicks In
The caffeine’s diuretic properties come into play. (It makes you have to pee.) It is now assured that you’ll evacuate the bonded calcium, magnesium and zinc that was headed to your bones as well as sodium, electrolyte and water.
The Crash
As the rave inside of you dies down you’ll start to have a sugar crash. You may become irritable and/or sluggish. You’ve also now, literally, pissed away all the water that was in the Coke. But not before infusing it with valuable nutrients your body could have used for things like even having the ability to hydrate your system or build strong bones and teeth.
Key Health Impacts
Sugar Overload
A single can contains 100% of your recommended daily sugar intake, contributing to insulin resistance and fat storage.
Mineral Depletion
Phosphoric acid binds to and removes essential minerals like calcium, magnesium and zinc from your body.
Dehydration
Despite being a liquid, the caffeine and sugar actually lead to net fluid loss, leaving you less hydrated than before.
Healthier Alternatives
Water
Pure, simple hydration without any of the negative effects. Add lemon, cucumber or fruit for flavor.
Sparkling Water
For the fizz without the sugar. Many flavored options are available with zero calories.
Herbal Tea
Hot or iced, herbal teas can provide flavor and potential health benefits without the sugar.