A sweet drink that we thought was reserved for fast food restaurants is now available in hospitals. In the United States, a patient suffering from severe abdominal pain saw her condition improve after an unexpected treatment to say the least: cola. A medical case which intrigues doctors and revives an old question about the real effects of this drink on the stomach. Dr. Kierzek, emergency physician and Medical Director of True Medical, deciphers this tip and offers his advice.
When cola becomes (by surprise) a “medicine”
The case, reported at the end of September in The New England Journal of Medicineintrigues the medical community. Examinations revealed in a 63-year-old patient a “gastric bezoar”, a ball formed of undigested dietary fiber. “Bezoars generally form when gastric transit slows, such as with GLP-1 treatments.“, specified the doctors at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Rather than surgery, the team opted for an unexpected method: 1.5 liters of cola in 12 hours. Result : “She felt a tight feeling in her abdomen, followed by a clear relief of her symptoms.“. Endoscopic control confirmed the complete dissolution of the mass. “To help break up and dissolve a bezoar, the doctor may prescribe a cola drink or an enzyme called cellulase to people with mild symptoms.“, says the MSD Manual.
Does cola really help with stomach aches?
Beyond this particular case, Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical, remains cautious: “Cola is sometimes used as a grandmother’s remedy for gastrointestinal problems historically, but recent studies show that it does not relieve stomach pain or digestive disorders, and can even be counterproductive.“.
The acidity of soda is often presented as beneficial, but it actually works in the opposite direction. “The acidity of cola (citric, phosphoric acid), its bubbles and caffeine tend to irritate the digestive mucosa, aggravating bloating, pain and reflux in sensitive people.“. The only exception: in the event of gastroenteritis, the sugar it contains can limit the risk of dehydration.
When does cola worsen digestive disorders?
According to Dr. Kierzek, certain situations require avoiding cola, including “in people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux, ulcers, gastritis, or after a heavy meal, cola can increase pain, heartburn or bloating“.
At high doses or in fragile people, it also promotes osmotic diarrhea, through accumulation of poorly absorbed sweeteners and sugars.
The right actions to adopt before consulting
Before running out to get a soda, it’s best to follow a few simple precautions from Dr. Kierzek:
- Avoid carbonated drinks (including cola), alcohol, fatty or acidic foods;
- Favor plain water and light meals;
- Lie down in a semi-sitting position after a meal;
- Note the pain, monitor the symptoms, consult if they persist or worsen.