Many people drink diet soda on the assumption that it's better than regular soda. And while it does contain less fat and no sugar -- unlike regular soda, which is full of sugar -- diet soda still contains ingredients that can cause health problems such as digestive upset and bladder irritation.
Problematic Ingredients
Diet sodas do not contain high-fructose corn syrup or sugar, making them low in calories or calorie-free. They do contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose.
Caffeine
Many diet sodas also include caffeine. It's a synthetic additive and can cause bladder irritation since it's a diuretic and promotes more frequent urination. Increased urination can create feelings of urgency and even pain in the bladder, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Artificial Sweetener
Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose are what give diet sodas their sweet flavor. These sweeteners can irritate the bladder, creating an environment that is more vulnerable to infection and bladder spasms, according to Urology Consultants, a urology center in St. Louis.
Reducing Symptoms
If you suffer from bladder irritation as a result of drinking diet soda, your best bet is to cut it out of your diet altogether, according to the Interstitial Cystitis Network. If you can't stop entirely, cut back severely. Instead, drink plenty of water to ensure whatever diet soda you do drink will not irritate your sensitive bladder lining.
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