A medical expert has issued a stark warning about the potential harm caused by our favourite fizzy drinks.
Dr Neena, a specialist in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, has highlighted the negative impact that popular carbonated beverages can have on our bodies if consumed excessively.
The 34-year-old medic, based in Florida, USA, has amassed a following of over 110,000 on TikTok, where she shares lesser-known health insights with the public.
In a recent video that has been viewed nearly half a million times, Dr Neena explained why we might need to reconsider our consumption of fizzy drinks, according to What’s The Jam.
Dr Neena warned: “Constantly drinking drinks like bubblies, Pellegrinos, carbonated water beverages is not good for you in the long run if you drink them every day.
“They can weaken the valve that keeps all your stomach contents down. Between the oesophagus and your stomach, that area has a valve that helps keep all of your food contents down.
“When you drink too much of these carbonated beverages, it can weaken that valve, and that can cause increased reflux. These carbonated beverages can also increase stomach acid production.”
The doctor further explained that this could lead to Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) a condition where stomach acid repeatedly flows back up into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach.
She warned: “In the long run, too much of these fizzy drinks can also erode tooth enamel, which predisposes [you] to more cavities. [You can] enjoy these [fizzy drinks], but not every day and not all the time in moderation.”
The post quickly racked up 15,000 likes, but not everyone was thrilled with the revelation.
One disgruntled user exclaimed: “JUST LET ME HAVE ONE THING.”
“My valve is superior and cannot be weakened! ” joked another.
A third lamented: “Life is hard enough, why we can’t have nice things? “.
“But I love fizzy drinks,” moaned another fan.
Another user confessed: “Welp… that explains all my acidic stomach issues.”