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Coke: A Heroin-Like Rush? Pharmacist Makes Shocking Claim
A pharmacist has sparked controversy by comparing the dopamine rush from drinking Coca-Cola to that experienced by heroin users. This startling claim is just one of several unsettling observations made by health expert Niraj Naik about the physiological effects of the popular soft drink.
According to Naik, the intense sugar content of Coke should trigger immediate vomiting. However, the phosphoric acid in the beverage masks the sweetness, allowing consumers to keep it down.
He further explains that within minutes of consumption, this same phosphoric acid begins to erode tooth enamel. Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, also come into play, tricking the body into believing it has processed sugar.
In non-diet versions, the high sugar content causes a rapid increase in blood sugar, leading to an insulin spike roughly 20 minutes after consumption. The liver responds by converting this excess sugar into fat.
Within 40 minutes, the caffeine is fully absorbed, leading to dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure. At this point, adenosine receptors in the brain are blocked, promoting alertness.
The dopamine surge, comparable to that of heroin according to some experts, reinforces the desire for another can. However, this high is fleeting.
After an hour, the inevitable sugar crash sets in, bringing with it irritability and drowsiness. The body then works to eliminate the cola’s water and vital nutrients, leaving the consumer depleted.
Naik emphasizes the combined effects of high fructose corn syrup, refined salts, and caffeine present in Coca-Cola, raising concerns about the potential cumulative health impacts.
In response to these concerns, Coca-Cola acknowledges the sugar and caffeine content of its flagship beverage but maintains that moderate consumption is acceptable. The company emphasizes its smaller serving sizes and lower-sugar options, encouraging consumers to make informed choices.
This news comes on the heels of a recent recall of over 10,000 cans of Coca-Cola due to the presence of a foreign object, believed to be plastic, prompting a Class II recall by the US Food and Drug Administration.