Sprite is a carbonated, lemon-lime-flavored soft drink that is believed to help soothe an upset stomach because of its mild flavor and carbonation. Carbonation is the bubbles in the beverage which help to relieve feelings of bloating and gas.
Sprite helps to expel some of the trapped gas by introducing the carbonation to an upset stomach.
Steer Clear of Carbonation
You may think sipping a carbonated beverage, like seltzer or soda, will make you feel better by inducing burping, but all it does is add gas to your system.
Sprite. Although it may seem counterintuitive to drink soda when you are not feeling well, a small glass of Sprite can do wonders for your upset stomach. The sugar and lemon-lime flavoring can nourish your stomach so it can relax. The light carbonation in Sprite can soothe your stomach when you are not feeling well.
There is no medical evidence to suggest that drinking a carbonated soda will calm the stomach, says the medical school professor, but the power of persuasion can be strong.
But when it comes to stomach distress, many people view a cup of flat soda as just what the doctor ordered. The quick and popular remedy — usually in the form of cola, ginger ale or clear sodas — is said to help settle the stomach with its slight fizz and replenish fluids and glucose lost by vomiting and diarrhea.
Vomiting and diarrhea with upset stomach can cause dehydration. Sports drinks with electrolytes are the best way to prevent dehydration. If you're having trouble keeping liquids down, try sucking on ice chips and taking small sips of water. You can also drink noncaffeinated sodas, such as Sprite, 7UP or ginger ale.
Clear, non-caffeinated sodas such as 7-Up, Sprite or ginger ale. Diluted juices such as apple, grape, cherry or cranberry (avoid citrus juices) Clear soup broth or bouillon. Popsicles.
drinking water with a squeeze of lemon or lime, rather than fruit juice or beverages with flavorings or artificial sweeteners. drinking teas that can help ease digestion and reduce gas, such as those that contain chamomile, fennel, peppermint, or turmeric.
If you find that you're increasingly bloated after drinking diet soda, it may be because some artificial sweeteners can also cause excess gas. An overabundance of high-fructose corn syrup — which is found in many “regular” sodas — may also lead to gas and bloating.
Avoid beverages that may irritate the stomach lining or increase acid production including coffee (with or without caffeine), alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
If you really want to try it, mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon of baking soda into one cup of water and sip away. “This remedy is safe for short-term use for most adults, but not for young children or women who are pregnant,” says registered dietitian Nicole Lindel, RD, an advisor for Everlywell.
Carbonated beverages
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) also recommends that people avoid carbonated drinks to reduce acid reflux and GERD.
Even that amount — even if it is a diet soda — can hurt your health. An American Diabetes Association study reported that consuming one or more sodas per day compared to none at all increased the risk of metabolic syndrome by 36% and type 2 diabetes by 67%.
The healthiest soda to drink is loosely dependent on the health of the person ingesting it and the amount you take per day. Out of all the old soft drinks, Sierra Mist, Sprite, Seagram's Ginger Ale, and 7UP are the healthiest soft drinks.
You should slow your eating and chew the food thoroughly before swallowing it. Chewing gum and sucking on hard candy also increase the amount of swallowed air, so these practices should be reduced. An easy way to help minimize bloating and gas is to focus on carbonated beverages (e.g., Coke, Pepsi).
Caffeinated sodas: Soft drinks can worsen acid reflux symptoms due to caffeine content and carbonation. Dairy: Patients with lactose intolerance should avoid dairy products. Spicy foods: Too much spicy food can upset your stomach, leading to constipation or diarrhea.
Overeating or eating too quickly. Fatty, greasy or spicy foods. Too much caffeine, alcohol, chocolate or carbonated beverages. Smoking.
Fizzy, sugary beverages can sometimes alleviate nausea better than plain water. “Carbonation can help to reduce the total acidity of the stomach, which may help the nausea dissipate,” Dr. Szarka says.
TREATING THE FLU
Get plenty of rest. Drink at least 2 liters each day of liquids such as non-diet 7-UP, Sprite, Gatorade, ginger ale, broth, tea with sugar (yes, soda pop is OK with a cold or flu). For runny nose and stuffy nose, try a decongestant like 12-Hour Sudafed (available without a prescription).
To sum up, soda doesn't dehydrate you, but it also isn't the best option when you're looking to manage hydration.
It is also possible to experience bloating without any release of gas. Factors such as hormonal imbalances, food intolerances, constipation, gut bacteria imbalances, large or small intestinal parasites and certain medications can all result in bloating without passing gas.