Cola Against Diarrhea: Helpful Or Even Harmful?

Does cola help against diarrhea or can the lemonade drink even put additional strain on the gastrointestinal tract? What does coke do for diarrhea? All important information.

Does cola help against diarrhea?

Cola has long been considered one of the most proven home remedies for diarrhea. But is this just a persistent myth, or does the soda drink help calm the gut?

How does cola work for diarrhea?

Lemonade is completely overrated as a home remedy for diarrhea: In fact, there is not a single medical proof that cola helps against diarrhea. A manufacturer has even confirmed this on its website. It is unclear why the rumor persists.

The fact is that cola should not be the first choice home remedy for diarrhea, because in the worst case it can even hurt the symptoms of the disease and worsen the symptoms.

These reasons speak against cola as a home remedy for diarrhea

Three ingredients, in particular, are said to be responsible for the fact that the drink is not suitable as an aid to calm the intestines:

• Sugar: Due to the high sugar content, the soft drink withdraws water from the body. Cola is therefore not recommended for compensating for the loss of liquid caused by diarrhea.
• Caffeine: In addition to sugar, lemonade drink contains a lot of caffeine. This is said to be responsible for the kidneys secreting more potassium. However, the important mineral is just being excreted during diarrhea. The consumption of caffeinated drinks can thus further increase potassium deficiency.
• Carbonation: Cola is highly carbonated. This can lead to bloating and belching. Therefore, carbonated drinks are not recommended for gastrointestinal disorders.

Which drinks are recommended instead of cola for diarrhea?

Drinking enough fluids is one of the most important things you can do when you have diarrhea to compensate for the loss of fluids. Instead of sugary lemonade, those affected should prefer still water and unsweetened herbal teas that calm the stomach.

These teas are particularly recommended:

• sage tea
• Camomile tea
• mint tea
• fennel tea