Does soda actually dehydrate you?

Answer 1

caffeine does.

Answer 2

I'm not sure if it dehydrates, but caffeinated soda (Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew) do not hydrate you if you're really thirsty. That's why the more you drink, the more you need more of it. It's the caffeine that makes you thirsty for more. Quick a marketing scam isn't it... put in something that has no value to the taste, while at the same time make the drinker thirstier for more...

Answer 3

YES! The first answer is correct, but I'll just add to it. Anything with sugar will dehydrate you. Soft drinks of any kind should be avoided , if possible. If you really have to drink them, keep them down to a minimum, especially in the summer. Here are a few specific ones to consider. Sports drinks of any kind. Gatorade, as an example, has as much sugar as coke, about 8 tsp. per 12oz. ( I know that sounds like alot, but true). Atheletes still drink it, and they would deny this is true. It's amazing to me that coaches don't know it unless they too, don't believe it. Here are some others. Orange juice, and the like, most bottled teas, (Pepsi/Lipton are partners), and even diet drinks usually add honey as a sweetner. I counsel cardiac rehab. patients, and a great number of them are elderly. As we get older, we lose the internal signal of thirst. So, trying to convince them they need to drink more WATER, is the subject of many of my classes. They trust me. They just won't do it. "I don't feel thirsty, so why do I need so much water"? They make me crazy. Why water? Plain water, too. I don't really care for water myself, believe it or not, so one thing I do is squeeze a little lemon or lime in it, and that gives it some flavor. You can also add a tiny bit of juice to it, but only a small amount. One more thing. Dehydration can be very serious problem. Winter or summer, drink alot.

Answer 4

Yes,soda does dehydrate you!!!!!



Definition
Dehydration is the condition that results when too much body fluid is lost.

What is going on in the body?
The body is about two-thirds water. When the total water level drops by only a few percent, the person becomes dehydrated. Dehydration results when fluid loss is greater than fluid intake.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
Dehydration may be mild, moderate, or severe.
Mild dehydration can cause light-headedness, a dry mouth, and decreased urination.
Moderate dehydration can cause sunken eyes, pale skin, and anxiety.
Severe dehydration usually causes a weak, rapid heartbeat and low blood pressure. Severe dehydration can lead to shock and death.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
The causes of dehydration include:
not drinking enough water during sports or daily activities
vomiting
diarrhea
excessive sweating, such as from fever or exercise
excessive urine output, which can occur with diabetes or the use of diuretic drugs
Mild dehydration has few risks, and drinking fluids can easily rehydrate the person. Dehydration is sometimes severe. Serious cases usually occur in infants, sick people, athletes, and the elderly. Unless severe dehydration is treated very quickly, death can result.

What can be done to prevent the condition?
Early intervention is the best prevention. The body needs a constant source of fluids. Eight glasses of fluid a day are recommended to keep the body well hydrated. When a person is ill, especially with diarrhea or vomiting, clear fluids will help keep the body hydrated. Sports safety includes drinking plenty of water during and after exercise to prevent dehydration.

How is the condition diagnosed?
The diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms and a physical exam. When the dehydration is moderate or severe, blood tests are often done. These blood tests give information on imbalances in the blood chemistry. This helps the healthcare provider to figure out the best type of fluid to give through an intravenous or IV to correct the problem.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?
There are usually no long-term effects with mild to moderate dehydration. Untreated severe dehydration may cause seizures, permanent brain damage, or death.

What are the risks to others?
There are no risks to others.

What are the treatments for the condition?
The treatment for dehydration is to rehydrate the body. This can be done by drinking fluids or by getting fluids through an IV. Drinking fluids usually relieves mild dehydration quickly. Moderate to severe dehydration may need to be treated with fluids given through an IV.

What are the side effects of the treatments?
There are usually no side effects from either drinking fluids or getting them through an IV. If a dehydrated person drinks beverages that contain caffeine, such as teas, soda, and coffee, they may feel worse. Caffeine causes more urination, so it can undo the benefit of drinking fluids. Water, sports drinks, and special beverages for children such as Pedialyte help restore hydration and chemical balance. Pedialyte is sold in pharmacies and many food stores. It is mostly water, but also contains salts to prevent chemical imbalances in the blood.

What happens after treatment for the condition?
A person usually will feel much better once his or her body has been rehydrated.

How is the condition monitored?
Dehydration is almost always caused by a specific event or disease. So it usually does not need long-term monitoring. A person who tends to take in too little fluid will be encouraged to drink more consistently during the day and during sports.


Author: Terry Mason, MPH
Date Written: 04/22/00
Reviewer: Adam Brochert, MD
Date Reviewed: 09/24/01
Contributors
Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request

Answer 5

YES IT CAN..IF YOU ARE PLAYING SPORTS YOUR BODY SWEATS OUT ALOT OF THE WATER, MINERALS, VITAMINS THAT WE NEED ALL THE TIME...THAT IS WHY ALOT OF COACHES WILL HAVE GATOR AIDE FOR YOU TO DRINK CUZ IT REPLENISHES THE BODY QUICK.....IF YOU GOING OUT DRINKING...THE MIXED DRINKS THAT ARE MADE WITH SODA OR SOMETHING SWEET WILL USUALLY MAKE YOU SICK AND GIVE THAT BAD, BAD HANGOVER THE NEXT DAY BECAUSE IT DOES THE SAME THING...IF YOU WORK IN A FACTORY THAT IS REAL HOT ALOT OF TIMES THEY WILL MAKE YOU TAKE SALT PILLS TO MAKE YOU EAT MORE WATER...WHICH WILL GIVE YOU BACK WHAT YOU NEED ....SODA MAY TASTE GOOD BUT IT DOESN'T REALLY DO A THING WHEN IT COMES TO DEHYDRATION.........SO STICK TO THE GATOR AND THE WATER.....FREEZE AND EMPTY SODA BOTTLE AND THE NEXT DAY YOU HAVE ICE COLD WATER FOR A WHILE...IT'S A GREAT IDEA....

Answer 6

It's NOT the soda but the caffeine. Best to drink water! Even drinks like Gatorade are not the best. In extreme heat, Gatorade tends to give stomach aches, etc. Stick to H2O!

Answer 7

yes, because it has caffeine and you lose more water by sweating and having to use the restroom more often. and during the summertime, you can become dehydrated

Answer 8

The reason why it deyhdrates you is because it contains carbonated water that causes your body to convert its' source to fat and leaves you high and dry of valuable fluid needed to go into your veins.

Answer 9

Not dehydrate, but it doesn't hydrate.

Answer 10

yes and it is not good 4 u. So stay away from it.

Answer 11

yes it can if you take it during playing sports or something,it will make you more thirsty.