It is difficult to know when and how Coca-Cola built its reputation as a remedy for the symptoms of gastroenteritis. But this belief has risen, over the years, among these famous “grandmother’s remedies” that are passed down from generation to generation.
But is it true? Is Coca-Cola really effective against abdominal pain and diarrhea? No, for Dr Pauline Guillouche, gastroenterologist in Nantes (Loire-Atlantique). “There is much better than coke to rehydrate yourself. And it’s way too sweet,” she says in a video posted on her Instagram account.
Too sweet, not salty enough: why cola doesn’t rehydrate
No robust study confirms the benefit of Coca-Cola in cases of dehydration, the first complication of gastroenteritis, particularly in children. A 1986 study confirms that Coca-Cola cannot be used as a rehydration solution for diarrhea. “Cola-type drinks are not suitable as rehydration solutions because they have a very low electrolyte content and extremely high osmolality,” writes gastroenterologist Z. Weizman.
In 2000, a scientific article on the importance of rehydration in infants in cases of diarrhea explained: “drinks such as colas are not suitable for rehydration because they contain too little sodium and are excessively hyperosmolar (too sweet), which can make diarrhea worse.”
Caffeine, sugar and abdominal cramps: a bad cocktail
Promote diarrhea, this is also indicated by The Allied Digestive Clinic (United States). “Refined sugars can sometimes draw water into the intestines, potentially causing diarrhea. For people with sensitive digestive systems, such as those with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), sugary foods can act as triggers and make symptoms worse.”
Cola could therefore increase diarrhea because of the sugar it contains through the phenomenon of osmosis (natural movement of water through a semi-permeable membrane, such as the wall of the intestine, from an area where the water is more concentrated to an area where there are more solutes, sugar, salt, etc., to balance the concentrations).
Cola even aggravates the symptoms of gastroenteritis, including abdominal cramps because of the caffeine and sugar contained in cola. Since caffeine is a diuretic, it could also increase the risk of dehydration.
What to drink (and eat) in case of gastroenteritis?
Cola is therefore not a drink recommended for gastrointestinal symptoms, quite the contrary. What does Dr. Guillouche recommend, particularly to combat dehydration linked to gastroenteritis? “Drink in small sips a rehydration solution or homemade broth. It is advisable to eat light – rice, carrots, compote.”
