Let’s talk about your digestive system, which is basically an unpaid intern doing its best. Some studies suggest artificial sweeteners can mess with your gut microbiome, that bustling city of bacteria living in your intestines. Imagine a riot in a tiny city where the mayor is a can of Coke Zero.
But before you panic, the science is murky. One study says your gut throws a temper tantrum; another says it doesn’t notice a thing. It’s like arguing whether your cat likes you—it’s complicated, and the answer depends on the time of day. For most people, two cans a day won’t turn your colon into a war zone.