Is drinking cola effective for stomach bloating?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been experiencing uncomfortable bloating in my stomach, and a friend recommended drinking cola to relieve it. May I ask, is drinking cola effective for bloating?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Stomach bloating is mainly caused by indigestion, excessive intestinal gas, or swallowing air. Carbonated beverages such as cola contain carbon dioxide gas. Although they may temporarily stimulate the stomach and induce burping, thereby releasing some gastric gas and relieving mild bloating, this is not a fundamental treatment for stomach bloating.
As a carbonated beverage, cola produces a large amount of carbon dioxide in the stomach. If a patient's bloating symptoms are mild, this gas may be expelled through burping. However, this is not a therapeutic effect of cola but rather a natural physiological response. For patients with more severe symptoms, drinking cola only increases the volume of gas in the stomach, thereby worsening the condition.
For patients experiencing stomach bloating, it is recommended in daily life to drink warm water, eat smaller meals more frequently, chew food thoroughly, and avoid eating too quickly or talking while eating. Additionally, appropriate abdominal massage and increased physical activity can help promote gastrointestinal motility and relieve bloating.
If symptoms persist, timely medical consultation is advised, and medication should be taken under a doctor's guidance.
