Water and hydration: is it okay to quench thirst during work with sugar-free carbonated drinks, and how do they affect the water balance of IT specialists?

Many computer professionals replace regular water with zero-calorie diet carbonated drinks in the hope of getting both a refreshing taste and the necessary fluid. In terms of pure water volume, such drinks do enter the body, but their effect on physiological processes differs significantly from clean drinking water. The carbon dioxide contained in soda irritates the stomach mucosa and can cause bloating, which is extremely uncomfortable when sitting at a desk for long periods.

In addition, artificial sweeteners and various acid additives often present in such drinks alter the gut microphlora and can support mild inflammation in the body. Some types of carbonated drinks have a mild diuretic effect due to caffeine content or specific salts, which in the long run does not contribute to effectively maintaining a stable level of cellular hydration.

If you want to use alternatives to regular water without compromising productivity, pay attention to the following recommendations.