Why does drinking too much cola cause watery diarrhea, and what should I do about it?
May 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Drinking too much cola may lead to diarrhea consisting mostly of water, usually due to factors such as the low temperature of the cola, gastrointestinal dysfunction, or cola intolerance. Patients can adopt corresponding treatments based on their specific conditions. When individuals frequently consume refrigerated cola, it may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, cause spasms in the smooth muscles, accelerate intestinal motility, and thereby result in the aforementioned symptoms.
Diarrhea with watery stools after drinking too much cola is generally caused by factors such as the low temperature of the cola, gastrointestinal dysfunction, or cola intolerance. Patients can adopt corresponding treatments based on their specific conditions. Details are as follows:
1. Low Temperature of Cola
When individuals frequently consume refrigerated cola, it may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing spasms of smooth muscles and increased intestinal motility, thereby leading to the aforementioned symptoms. This phenomenon is a normal physiological response and does not require special treatment—simply reducing intake of chilled cola is sufficient.
2. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
Cola is a carbonated beverage; excessive consumption may alter the pH balance within the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in intestinal dysfunction and abnormal digestion and absorption. This can prevent food from being properly processed and expelled, leading to diarrhea. Patients should visit a正规 hospital and, under medical guidance, take oral medications such as domperidone tablets or mosapride citrate tablets for treatment.
3. Cola Intolerance
Some individuals may have an intolerance to cola, which triggers discomfort after consumption. Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and skin flushing. Under a doctor’s supervision, patients may take medications such as tacrolimus capsules or apply topical agents like butyl flufenamate ointment for symptom relief.
Besides the above causes, conditions such as acute gastroenteritis or gastrointestinal tumors may also be responsible. If diarrhea persists for an extended period, patients should promptly seek care at a正规 medical facility. Under a physician's guidance, diagnostic tests such as color Doppler ultrasound or gastroscopy should be performed to confirm the underlying condition and initiate targeted treatment, avoiding delays in management.
