Diet Soda and Alcohol: Is it More Intoxicating?

Recently a question that was presented as a few gals went for a hike and deciding on low calorie drinks was: Is mixing diet soda with alcohol more intoxicating? As we strolled around for our morning walk there were many answers to this question. The probability of drinking more because of less sugar and not feeling full was brought up or was it possibly because it was considered a low calorie drink that would make it more desirable to have a few extra. Without having a scientific answer there was no real theory behind it so I went on a crusade in search of finding the truth.

Well it turns out that there is some truth behind this. There was a study conducted in South Australia that found that alcohol when mixed with diet or sugar free mixers are processed through the stomach much quicker which allows it to enter through the bloodstream faster in turn causing a more intoxicating effect. Basically all that this means is that the sugar content in regular sodas slows down the emptying of the stomach which in turn slows down the absorption of alcohol by the small intestine and into the bloodstream.

According to Chris Rayner, M.D., the researcher and lead author of the study, stated that more and more people are shifting personal preferences by choosing "diet" drinks as a healthier alternative, and do not understand the potential side effects that diet mixed alcoholic drinks may have on their body's response to alcohol. The conclusion based on this study was that the calories provided by food or a sugary mixer slow the emptying of the stomach, so you get drunk less rapidly. An example given in another report by CNN was that it took 21 minutes for half a diet cocktail to leave the stomach and reach the small intestine, where most alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, while the same amount of a non-diet mixture took 36 minutes.

Just as a side note: To slow down the absorption of the alcohol while drinking alcoholic beverages combined with diet soda it is recommended to eat light snacks that contain fat, carbohydrates and proteins. So ultimately the question is are you really reducing caloric intake??

So basically the conclusion would seem rather obvious: If you want a quicker buzz with half the calories then go for the diet soda, however if you intend to maintain some sobriety while gaining a few extra pounds then go for the regular soda.

Doesn't seem fair now does it. Hmm