Every now and then I learn something from reality TV. Often it’s something I don’t want to know. And this week I learned something that ruined my life.
Ruined.My.Life.
The other day I was watching old episodes from Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. (I mostly watch it to feel bad about my body and get ideas on how to do my hair.)
Anyway. There was a registered dietician visiting some of the girls and raiding their fridge checking to see what they eat.
She spotted soda in a few places and said “Soda causes cellulite.”
I don’t think you understand how much seltzer I drink in one day. I have a Soda Stream AND I buy four cases of seltzer each time I go to the store (multiple times a week). Unlike everything else on RER this is not an exaggeration.
I was devastated at this news. I turned to Ben for support because Vegas was sleeping.
Me: “I just heard carbonation causes cellulite.”
“If that were true you’d be 88% cellulite at this point…” he said.
I feel like that’s kinda accurate since I drink so much. So either my body is completely covered in cellulite and I am in denial or this ‘fact’ isn’t true.
After I freaked out for a while I decided to actually do some research and investigate it for myself.
I asked friends that include personal trainers, registered dieticians, health coaches and generally educated and well read people.
The consensus is: No, it doesn’t seem like that is accurate.
I’m thinking the RD meant soda because soda usually has a lot of sugar that can lead to weight gain which can lead to cellulite (not carbonation). That makes more sense, right? (And really it would be soda in excess not one every now and then.)
![all the divas[4]](https://runeatrepeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/all-the-divas4.gif "all the divas[4]")
I researched it online too and found no real evidence that carbonation causes cellulite. Yes, it can cause bloating if you drink a ton but that’s something else.
Carbonate is a very weak acid that becomes carbon dioxide when not under pressure, i.e. as soon as you open the bottle or the can. Carbonate does not increase acidity in the body as it gets broken down in the stomach or simply evaporates. The same cannot be said for phosphate or orthophosphate found in cola drinks which do leave an acid residue when absorbed by the body. Carbon dioxide is easily removed though the breath. Carbonate is the only innocent ingredient in fizzy drinks. Since carbonate is the substance that gives the fizzy drinks their fizz, it is contained in all fizzy drinks. Sparkling water which only contains water and carbonate is absolutely innocent and you can drink as much as you want of it, without any problems (except from stomach swelling, if you drink too much, of course)! (source)
Another good article on it – Soda and Cellulite
Moral of the story: If something you see on TV ruins your life, double check on it.
The end.
Just watched this episode tonight. That girl was a nutritionist, not an RD. Anyone can be a nutritionist with no formal training. My wife is an RD, and she called that one out. Simple carbonation from CO2 doesn’t cause cellulite. This think the DCC would have a qualified RD on staff.
If we talk about the drinks that causes cellulite then thank god, coffee is one of them. It is not the cause of the cellulite as coffee itself is a treatment center for the cellulite.
Soda. Eh. Glad you can drink your seltzer. I know how much my BFF likes it and am super glad it’s not contributing to cellulite. I get the soda though. Sugar is enemy #1. Every day.
I was totally in a panic until I read your entire article. Thank Goodness it’s not true. 😀
Well, phooey. I was hoping it was true so that there was – finally – a real way to get rid of my cellulite.
I think a more fair statement would be something like “simple sugars in excess could lead to cellulite” — right? I mean anything else is almost unfair!
I love sodas — but usually drink unsweetened teas because I don’t wanna waste calories. I am a reformed diet coke addict — so I have one or two as a treat on occasion… should I not do this?
Susie – I too am a reformed diet coke addict! I have a regular coke on occasion, but am totally addicted to La Croix (sparking water) – I think I can relate to Monica here because I too buy 3-4 cases every time I go to the store!
Yes, if I had heard “soda” I would not have assumed seltzer… that’s kind of silly… soda meaning coke, sprite, etc with sugar and acid and chemicals. Kinda obvious…
I hate it when people make blanket statements like that on TV – especially when they are being presented as an authority on something. I’m glad your research put your mind at ease. Drink up! :O)
OMG. I Hope this is not true! I drink seltzer as much as I drink water these days!
For me I try and limit my carbonated beverages because it makes me burp loud and uncontrollably. Lol. 🙂