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What happens when you drink carbonated beverages and alcohol together?

Dec 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Causes blood sugar fluctuations: Carbonated beverages usually contain large amounts of added sugar. When consumed with alcohol, the absorption of sugar accelerates, leading to a rapid increase in blood glucose levels. This is followed by excessive insulin secretion, which may then cause a sharp drop in blood sugar, resulting in symptoms of hypoglycemia such as dizziness, palpitations, and fatigue. This poses a higher risk, especially for individuals with poor blood sugar control.

Drinking carbonated beverages together with alcohol generally intensifies gastrointestinal irritation, accelerates intoxication, increases liver burden, triggers blood sugar fluctuations, and may induce cardiovascular discomfort. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. **Increased gastrointestinal irritation**: The carbon dioxide in carbonated drinks produces gas in the stomach. When combined with alcohol, it exacerbates congestion and swelling of the gastric mucosa and stimulates excessive secretion of gastric acid, easily causing symptoms such as stomach pain, acid reflux, and nausea. Individuals with weak gastrointestinal function may experience vomiting or diarrhea.

2. **Faster onset of intoxication**: The bubbles in carbonated beverages promote the absorption of alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing alcohol to rapidly enter the bloodstream. This shortens the latency period of intoxication, leading to quicker onset of dizziness, fatigue, and confusion. Moreover, the duration of intoxication may be prolonged.

3. **Increased liver burden**: Alcohol metabolism primarily depends on the liver. The sugar in carbonated beverages is converted into fat after entering the body, which can impair normal liver metabolic functions. Combined with alcohol, this increases the liver’s detoxification load and may cause long-term damage to liver cells.

4. **Blood sugar fluctuations**: Carbonated beverages typically contain large amounts of added sugar. When consumed with alcohol, the rapid absorption of sugar leads to a sharp rise in blood glucose levels. This is followed by excessive insulin secretion, which may then cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in hypoglycemic symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and weakness. This poses a higher risk for individuals with poor blood sugar control.

5. **Induction of cardiovascular discomfort**: Alcohol dilates blood vessels and increases heart rate. Caffeine and sugar in carbonated beverages may further stimulate the cardiovascular system, causing blood pressure fluctuations and accelerated heart rate, increasing cardiac workload. This may lead to chest tightness and palpitations. Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions are at greater risk of worsening symptoms.

To minimize health risks, avoid mixing carbonated drinks with alcohol. When drinking alcohol, it is better to pair it with plain water or light tea. If gastrointestinal discomfort, palpitations, or similar symptoms occur after drinking, rest promptly and rehydrate. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe.

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