Soft drinks, in my estimation, should be off-limits to persons with these conditions. The phosphorus in the acid upsets the body's calcium-phosphorus ratio and dissolves calcium out of the bones. This can eventually result in osteoporosis, a weakening of the skeletal structure, which can make one susceptible to broken bones. Also, the phosphorus fights with the hydrochloric acid in human stomachs and renders it ineffective. This promotes indigestion, bloating and gassiness in many individuals.
Carbon dioxide is a waste product exhaled by humans, but they ingest it when they drink cola drinks.
Dr. George M. Halpern, Division of Allergy at the University of California Davis School of Medicine, reports that diet soft drinks may cause allergies. The potential problem may be due to toxicity because of the increase in consumption of diet drinks. Acute or chronic hives may be symptoms caused by this low-calorie, artificial sweetener. Within two days, the teeth became very soft, and the enamel surface lost much of its calcium. Rats, well fed but given nothing to drink except cola beverages, after six months had their molar teeth dissolved down to the gum line.