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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To tell you about my experience with fizzy drinks?

34 replies

Junction6 · 20/01/2026 07:52

At the start of the year I decided to make some changes, one of which was stopping drinking fizzy drinks. This was primarily motivated by them being bad for dental health, but also that I’d read they’re awful for gut biome. I always drank diet versions, so calories weren’t an issue.

I’d also started to recognise something almost akin to addiction - if I didn’t have any for a little while, I’d almost start to crave it, and the craving would go away with the first mouthful. It was the only thing I’d drink, aside from tea and coffee. I rarely drank water.

Anyway, it might be completely unrelated but I’m so much less bloated (unsurprisingly) but also much more regular. After years of swerving between the runs and constipation, and everything in between, I’m going regularly and normally. I just feel generally better.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

OP posts:
Dannexe · 20/01/2026 08:23

I started drinking diet coke when on Maternity leave and drank 4-5 cans a day for 17 years. At one point I upped it to include 2 cans of red bull.
I stopped last July. I replaced my first drink of the day with a collagen drink followed by one cup of coffee and the rest is replaced by water.
i don’t feel that much different but I know it will have made a difference to my body. The key was a new routine for that first drink of the day. Drinking two hot drinks close together also means I’m more hydrated early on so don’t reach for the easy option.

hellotojason · 20/01/2026 08:13

I've massively cut down too, noticed it would increase headaches and generally feeling a bit fuzzy. As others said not surprising as full of crap. I do like a fizzy drink though so have a soda stream to make sparkling water and drink it with a nice cordial like Belvoir or on its own, much nicer but feels a bit more special than a glass of still drink ☺️

LowdermilkPark · 20/01/2026 08:13

I definitely have an addiction to Pepsi max. I drink at least 2 per day.

My dentists always congratulates me on the condition of my teeth though, and I don’t have any bloating or gut issues.

leaflikebrew · 20/01/2026 08:08

Following this thread with interest as my 20 year old DD has bowel issues and not sure how much fizzy drinks she has.

Bbq1 · 20/01/2026 08:07

I drank 4 cans of diet coke per day for quite a long time about 11 years ago. Couldn't tell you the last time I had it since I quit but I only drink the very, very occasional can nowadays.

socks1107 · 20/01/2026 08:05

Yes I gave up cola twelve months ago and drank huel the fizzy one until November when I cut that out. I don’t want them at all now and it’s been great for my bloating and my purse. My parents always had fizzy drinks in and they were always available to drink so I’m really pleased this is a habit I’ve managed to curb.
my constipation however is worse so I’m planning a trip to Holland and Barrett later today to see what I can take daly to help

Turmerictea · 20/01/2026 08:03

Well done!
Im trying very hard to cut down with a view to quit - i know when I don't drink diet cola I feel better. How did you do it?

2026NewTricks · 20/01/2026 08:03

How much were you drinking?

MissCooCooMcgoo · 20/01/2026 08:01

If you pump crap in, you get crap out.

Would have thought that was obvious

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