Half of the people in the U.S. drink soda every day.

Find out how it affects health in the short-term and the long-term.

If you havent thought about it, its worth considering.

Close-up of a carbonated beverage with ice cubes

After all, its the daily habits that affect us the most.

Just how much does drinking soda every day impact health?

Keep reading to find out.

Pouring a bubbly soft drink into a glass with ice cubes, close-up view, illustrating a beverage-related article

As for caffeine,the Food and Drug Administation adviseskeeping it under 400 milligrams a day.

Registered dietitianSonya Angelonesays there are a few ways daily soda intake can affect the body right away.

First, youre going to notice aspike in your energyfrom the caffeine and sugar.

Person sipping a beverage from a glass bottle using a straw

Angelone explained thatcaffeine blocks adenosine, which is a neurotransmitter that makes you feel tired.

But Angelone says that the energy from soda is short-lived and eventually your energy will plummet.

She said some people experience bloating and gas from the carbonation and sugar.

Person pouring a dark beverage into a glass at an outdoor gathering with others around a table

What about long term?

Drinking soda every day isnt great for your brain, either.

Paulvin says high blood-sugar levels, which soda can cause,lead to inflammation in the brain.

In fact, regularly drinking soda has been scientifically linked tohigher levels of depressionand a greater likelihood of gettingdementia.

Can you bypass all of these health consequences by opting for diet soda?

Unfortunately, all three experts say that diet soda has been scientifically linked togut,heartandbrainissues, too.

All three say that the artificial sweeteners in these drinks are no better for us than sugar.

How To Cut Back On Soda

Feeling inspired to cut back on your soda consumption now?

Is it the caffeine boost?

If so, asparkling coffeeorcanned matchacould make a good replacement.

Otherwise it defeats the point.)

Is it the combination of sweetness and carbonation?

Sparkling water with fruit orkombuchamight be your new go-to.

Try making your own infused water and save money at the grocery store, Angelone suggested.

Cucumber and mint, blueberries and orange, and pomegranatesare just a few options to try.

To avoid getting headaches, she recommends cutting back on caffeine slowly.

Angelone emphasized that its important to replace your soda withsomething.