Believe it or not, the chemicals in coke act similarly to gastric acid, which helps to digest food, and can work to dissolve a gastric phytobezoar, a blockage in the stomach that can lead to bowel obstruction, infection, and in some cases, death.
This is because it has chemical ingredients that do a similar job to gastric acid - in helping to digest fibre - while the bubbles help speed up the process.
Some patients drank the beverage in daily amounts from 500 milliliters to 3,000 milliliters for up to six weeks. Some had gastric lavage, or therapeutic irrigation of the digestive tract, which was done using 3,000 milliliters of Coca-Cola over a 24-hour time period.
Help an upset stomach
Where Coca-Cola can help is with stomach blockage, according to researchers from the University of Athens. Colas have chemical ingredients similar to gastric acid, which helps digest fibers.
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).
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. The bubbles are to blame. When they get trapped in your belly, you get bloated, according to Providence.
When you're not feeling well, try to stay away from the following: Caffeinated Drinks A diuretic, caffeine can exacerbate dehydration, so you'll want to limit or avoid beverages like coffee, black tea, and soda while you're sick with the flu, Vyas says.
In a test on 46 patients with stomach blockage, half got rid of the blockage completely with Coke. The 10-year study was published in the Journal of Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. In addition to Coke, 19 needed non-invasive treatments.
Within 40 minutes, the body has absorbed all of the caffeine from the cola. This caffeine causes the pupils to dilate and the blood pressure to increase. By this point, the Coca-Cola has blocked the adenosine receptors in the brain, preventing drowsiness. Just 5 minutes later, the production of dopamine has increased.
For vomiting or diarrhea, AVOID these for several days after your last symptoms: Alcohol consumption. Caffeinated beverages (including coffee, colas, energy drinks, caffeinated tea, etc.) Tobacco use (including smoking or chewing)
Constipation. Vomiting. Inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas. Swelling of the abdomen.
Olive oil – consuming a teaspoon of olive oil in the morning on an empty stomach can encourage stool to flow through the gut. The oil acts as a lubricant in the digestive system, meaning it's easier for solids to slide through. It also softens up the stool, making it easier to empty your bowels completely.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Limit or cut out milk and other dairy products if they are making your diarrhea worse or causing gas and bloating.
The most common cause of stomach pain and bloating is excess intestinal gas. If you get a bloated stomach after eating, it may be a digestive issue. It might be as simple as eating too much too fast, or you could have a food intolerance or other condition that causes gas and digestive contents to build up.
Bloating happens when the GI tract becomes filled with air or gas. This can be caused by something as simple as the food you eat. Some foods produce more gas than others. It can also be caused by lactose intolerance (problems with dairy).
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.
Some popular brands include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax, Feen-a-Mint), and sennosides (Ex-Lax, Senokot). Prunes (dried plums) are also an effective colonic stimulant and taste good, too. Note: Don't use stimulant laxatives daily or regularly.
Try to sit on the toilet 15 to 20 minutes after breakfast. Do not ignore the call to open your bowels. Putting off the call to go can cause constipation. Try to work with the body's natural rhythm (emptying the bowel first thing in the morning).
Symptoms of an intestinal blockage include severe belly pain or cramping, vomiting, not being able to pass stool or gas, and other signs of belly distress.
Bowel obstructions usually cause cramping, abdominal pain, vomiting and inability to pass bowel motions (faeces or poo) or gas. A bowel obstruction is an emergency and needs treatment in hospital to prevent serious complications.