Many people mistake inflammation and its painful symptoms (such as constipation, brain fog, nausea, fatigue) for weight gain. After consuming a heavy or large meal, what we might experience afterwards (along with bloating and indigestion) is inflammation. Apart from acidic foods and refined carbs, there are also several drinks that trigger body inflammation.
We checked in with dietitian Nataly Komova, RD and fitness expert, for two popular drinks that often cause inflammation. Read on to learn why it’s best to avoid them and hydrate with ample amounts of water throughout the day instead to stay on track regarding weight loss.
1. Energy Drinks
With so much sugar, fruit-like flavors and an instant serving of caffeine, energy drinks are popular for their taste and ability to help you wake up, but as Komova explains, their potential to cause inflammation is a notable concern. “I strongly advise you to keep these drinks from your weight loss diet routines,” Komova says, referring to energy drinks, the common beverages containing stimulant compounds.
“Most energy and sports drinks contain added sweeteners, colors, and sugars that are harmful to your health,” she continues. These artificial compounds, she adds, can cause chronic inflammation. “The drinks contain processed sugars and artificial sweeteners that increase your risk of body inflammation, delaying your weight loss process.”
2. Sodas
Fizzy, bubbly carbonated drinks are tasty and ubiquitous, but Komova suggests cutting them out of your diet if you have inflammation or related side effects after drinking it. “Sodas are popular, tasty soft drinks consumed in most households, but soda is not ideal for weight loss as it's one of the top inflammatory drinks,” she says.
Komova adds that sodas are rich in fructose corn syrup, processed sugars, and artificial colors which are all common inflammation triggers. “Soda can also cause insulin resistance and raise cholesterol levels, slowing weight reduction,” says Komova.
Overall, preventing inflammation will only help your weight loss goals, as Komova says, since “inflammation can impact weight loss negatively as it alters leptin responses in the body.” Changing these hormones impairs the brain's function in signaling the body that you have eaten to your maximum. “Leptin resistance triggers weight gain as individuals tend to consume more calories unknowingly.”
Try replacing energy drinks and sodas with water, and see if you feel less bloated or experience less indigestion! These two drinks will not aid your weight loss journey as much as water or healthier caffeinated beverages like herbal tea, can.
