Drinkers of the artificially sweetened beverage Diet Coke have been warned of the negative effects it can have just one hour after drinking.
An expert pharmacist has laid out what can happen to the body just one hour after consumption.
Otherwise known as The Renegade Pharmacist, Niraj Narik first outlined his professional knowledge back in 2015 through a hugely popular infographic - and Diet Coke drinkers and fanatics may want to look away, The Daily Record reported.
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The pharmacist said alterations that occur within that post-drink hour effect hunger, energy levels and several other areas.
Weight gain and even issues beyond the scales have often been linked with artificially sweetened drinks.
A study published in the journal Current Atherosclerosis Reports said that artificially sweetened drinks may heighten the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Naik highlighted that one diet coke can attack teeth enamel ten minutes after the first sip.
He said: "The phosphoric acid attacks the enamel in your teeth, while the artificial sweeteners like aspartame hit your system. Aspartame may trigger taste receptors and trick your body into thinking it has just processed sugar."
The effects of drinking one can be seen in the body 10, 20, 40, and 60 minutes after finishing that last drop.
After 20 minutes, Naik said the drinker's body switches to its "fat storage mode", referencing studies from The Nurses' Health Study that link these beverages to a higher risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
Naik said: "Like regular Coke, this can trigger insulin, which sends your body into fat storage mode."
The caffeine and aspartame mixture creates a short-term high, similar to the Class A drug cocaine.
If regularly consumed, Naik said the excitotoxins released could lead to your brain becoming exhausted and overstimulated.
"The potentially deadly combination of caffeine and aspartame creates a short addictive high similar to the way cocaine works. Excitotoxins are released which may exhaust your brain by overstimulating its neuroreceptors, especially if consumed on a regular basis," he said.
The consumer is more hungry and thirsty than they were previously after just one hour, and more likely to reach for sugary junk food.
He added: "Unlike the small amount of satisfaction you get from regular coke your body may still crave sweets. This makes you likely to reach for another soda, or worse, some other junk food you consider to be safe, and the cycle continues.
"A can of diet coke provides no nourishment and would replace a more nutritious drink you could have drunk while potentially depleting your body of essential minerals.
"It will never quench your thirst as it dehydrates rather than hydrates your body. A lack of vital water can lead to brain fog, poor concentration, fatigue, and feeling irritable."
Coca-Cola Company has been contacted for comment.
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