Soda and Soft Drinks May Increase Chances of Depression In Women, Claims New Study

Soft drinks and diet sodas may be linked to higher depression risk in women, suggests new research. Read ahead to know how these drinks could affect your brain and mood.

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Soda and Soft Drinks May Increase Chances of Depression In Women, Claims New Study


Soda and soft drinks are a common part of many people’s diets. While they bring sweetness and fizz, their hidden harms often go unnoticed. Beyond weight gain and diabetes risks, new research suggests sugary drinks may affect mental health too, especially in women.

For many people, grabbing a can of soda or a chilled soft drink feels harmless. Research points out how these sugary and artificially sweetened drinks may affect mental health, uncovering something even more concerning: a possible link to depression.

What the New Study Reveals

A new large-scale study published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2024 titled “Intake of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Artificially Sweetened Beverages and Risk of Depression Among Women” found that women who regularly consumed sodas or sweetened beverages had a higher risk of developing depression over time.

It analysed 932 adults, including 405 with diagnosed major depressive disorder (MDD) and 527 healthy individuals. The research found that women who regularly consumed sugary soft drinks had a 17% higher chance of being diagnosed with depression and experienced more severe symptoms. This connection was less clear in men.

Researchers looked deeper into the role of gut bacteria. They noticed an increase in a specific bacterium, Eggerthella, in women who drank sugary drinks. This bacterium has been linked before to depression, indicating a possible biological connection between soda consumption and mood disorders.

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Understanding How Soft Drinks Affect Mental Health

Sugary soft drinks contain not just sugar but also preservatives and artificial sweeteners. According to the study, these additives can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome, the community of friendly bacteria key to your health. This imbalance may promote inflammation and interfere with brain function, potentially encouraging depressive symptoms. Dr Sharmili Edwin Thanarajah, the study leader, explains, “Our data suggests that the relation between soft drinks and depressive symptoms arises via the influence of the microbiome.”

Why Are Women More Affected?

The study found this link was especially strong in women. Scientists are still investigating why that might be. Some think sex hormones or differences in immune responses might make women more sensitive to the effects of sugary drinks on the gut and brain.

Dr Guillaume Meric of the University of Bath says, "These effects were only significant in female participants and may be due to hormonal differences or sex-related immune responses."

Could Depression Cause More Soda Drinking?

It’s important to note this was an observational study, which shows a link, but can’t prove cause and effect. Some people with depression might drink more sugary drinks to cope. Still, the findings suggest cutting back on soft drinks is a good idea for many reasons.

Practical Tips to Protect Your Mental Health

  • Reduce intake of sugary sodas and soft drinks. Try water, herbal teas, or naturally flavoured seltzers instead.
  • Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fibre, and whole foods.
  • Take care of your gut health by including probiotics and prebiotics.
  • Manage stress with hobbies, exercise, mindfulness, or talking with a professional.

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Conclusion

This new study adds to a growing understanding that what we drink can affect how we feel emotionally, with sugary sodas linked to a higher risk of depression in women. While more research is needed to prove cause and effect, limiting sugary drink consumption is a smart step for your overall well-being, both body and mind. Taking care of your diet, gut, and lifestyle can help keep your mood balanced and your health strong.

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How we keep this article up to date:

We work with experts and keep a close eye on the latest in health and wellness. Whenever there is a new research or helpful information, we update our articles with accurate and useful advice.

  • Current Version

  • Oct 18, 2025 17:46 IST

    Published By : Vivek Kumar