Why ‘Healthy Coke’ May Not Be So Healthy for Your Teeth or Gut

The American Dental Association weighed in on the TikTok trend—and it has some concerns.

Over the past week, the “healthy Coke” trend has taken TikTok by storm, with countless users trying out this intriguing concoction. If you’ve been curious about this novel combination of balsamic vinegar and flavored seltzer, it’s essential to consider the potential health risks before jumping on the bandwagon. A recent press release from the American Dental Association (ADA) has sounded a cautionary note, highlighting the oral health implications of indulging in what’s been dubbed “healthy Coke.”

In the ADA’s statement, Dr. Edmond Hewlett, a spokesperson for the association, expressed his concerns about the acidic nature of this beverage. He emphasized, “I love balsamic vinegar, but I enjoy it more on my salad than in my drinking glass. It’s much kinder to the teeth than bathing them in a beverage blend of two acids. The more acidic the drink, the greater the risk of tooth erosion with frequent consumption.”

However, the potential risks extend beyond oral health alone. The high acidity of “healthy Coke” has the potential to irritate your digestive system, particularly if you are prone to conditions like heartburn or other stomach issues. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why “healthy Coke” might not be as healthy as it sounds and explore strategies to make it more stomach-friendly if you’re still intrigued by this trend.

Unpacking the “Healthy Coke” Recipe

Before we dive into the health implications, let’s clarify what exactly “healthy Coke” is. This trending concoction is a simple blend of balsamic vinegar and flavored seltzer, ideally served over ice. The concept gained popularity on TikTok when user Amanda Jones shared the recipe she received from her Pilates instructor, who claimed that it tastes remarkably similar to Coca-Cola. According to Jones, all you need to do is mix “a splash of balsamic vinegar” with “any sparkling beverage” (she used guava-flavored LaCroix).

As more people hopped on the “healthy Coke” bandwagon, opinions on its taste and appeal varied. Some were convinced by the resemblance to Coca-Cola, while others could only describe it as “carbonated balsamic vinegar.” However, the real question remains: is it genuinely a healthier alternative to traditional sodas?

Impact of “Healthy Coke” on Your Dental Health

The ADA’s warning regarding the oral health risks of “healthy Coke” stems from its acidic nature. Their concerns align with recent research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) Foundational Science, which examined dental erosion caused by various beverages, including flavored carbonated drinks.

In the study, human teeth pieces were soaked in eight different beverages for 24 hours, simulating a year’s worth of exposure to these drinks. The beverages tested included Coca-Cola, Zevia Cherry Cola, LaCroix Cran-Raspberry, Polar Seltzer Lemon, Perrier, Smartwater, Dasani, and Alkaline 88 water. The teeth surfaces were examined before and after soaking to identify any changes.

The results revealed that both sugar-free and sugar-containing sodas caused enamel erosion, with flavored sparkling waters causing some erosion as well, although to a lesser extent than sugary counterparts. The only beverage that did not erode tooth enamel was non-carbonated, non-flavored bottled water.

Now, when you introduce balsamic vinegar, a known acidic substance, into the mix, the potential for enamel erosion becomes even more significant. Dr. Mark Wolff, Dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, emphasized that individuals who consume acidic drinks regularly, such as wine, soda, and carbonated beverages, are susceptible to erosions at the gumline. Tooth enamel can dissolve due to the acids present, making “healthy Coke” a particularly acidic concoction that could potentially cause more damage than plain fizzy water.

Effects of “Healthy Coke” on Your Digestive System

Beyond its impact on dental health, “healthy Coke” also has the potential to affect your digestive system. Dr. Ashkan Farhadi, a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, suggests that consuming this beverage may lead to heartburn or general discomfort in the stomach.

While individual responses to “healthy Coke” can vary, some people may experience symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, such as heartburn, nausea, the taste of food or stomach acid in the mouth, cough, or hoarseness. Additionally, some individuals may have an intolerance or sensitivity to vinegar, as certain components in vinegars, including sulfites, histamines, acetic acid, and salicylates, can trigger symptoms affecting various bodily systems, including the digestive, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.

The carbonation present in the drink can also contribute to bloating and gas, particularly if consumed regularly. If you have pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, the carbonation in “healthy Coke” may exacerbate your symptoms.

How to Safely Experiment with “Healthy Coke”

If you’re still intrigued by the idea of trying “healthy Coke” despite the potential risks, there are measures you can take to minimize its impact on your teeth and stomach.

1. Avoid Immediate Tooth Brushing: Contrary to what you might think, brushing your teeth immediately after consuming acidic drinks can worsen enamel erosion. Instead, consider using a straw to drink “healthy Coke” to direct the liquid away from your teeth. Afterward, rinse your mouth with plain water to remove any remaining acid. Dr. Mark Wolff suggests that this approach can be highly effective in mitigating dental erosion.

2. Timing Matters: To reduce the likelihood of stomach discomfort, consider drinking “healthy Coke” in the morning before consuming any other foods or beverages. This may signal to your stomach that it has already produced sufficient acid, potentially reducing the risk of acid reflux. However, be cautious and monitor how your body responds, as individual reactions can vary.

3. Start Slowly: “Healthy Coke” is not a one-size-fits-all beverage. You can gradually introduce it into your diet to gauge how your body reacts. Pay close attention to any gastrointestinal symptoms that may arise after consumption. If discomfort persists, it may be best to avoid the drink altogether.

In conclusion, while “healthy Coke” may offer a novel and intriguing flavor experience, it is essential to be aware of the potential health risks associated with its consumption. The high acidity levels in both balsamic vinegar and carbonated beverages can impact both your dental health and your digestive system. If you choose to experiment with this trendy concoction, proceed with caution and consider the tips mentioned above to minimize its potential adverse effects. Ultimately, your health and well-being should always be a top priority when exploring new culinary trends and innovations.