When you have diarrhea, the most important thing is to rehydrate as much as you can. Sports drinks, water or broth are good candidates for beverages if you have diarrhea, according to MayoClinic.com. Colas, such as Coca-Cola, contain sugar and caffeine, as well as carbonation, which might exacerbate the diarrhea rather than help you stay hydrated.
Causes of Diarrhea
Diarrhea is caused by the intestine failing to absorb liquid from your food. If the food travels through the intestine too quickly or if there is too much food, the liquid and food might come out too rapidly, forming loose stools. Viruses, bacteria, parasites, medication, too much sugar, lactose intolerance and recent surgeries can all cause diarrhea, states MayoClinic.com. Many physicians prefer to assess the cause of the diarrhea before they will recommend a diet or course of treatment.
Side Effects of Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be dangerous. While adults are likely to respond to their body's cues that indicate that they may be suffering from dehydration, children may be less attuned to their bodies and not consume enough fluids. Stopping up diarrhea with over-the-counter medications might cause even more serious side effects, such as if the diarrhea is caused by bacteria or a virus. In this case, stopping the diarrhea might prevent the illness from exiting your system.
Coca-Cola as a Remedy for Diarrhea
Once you know the cause of your diarrhea, you can take measures to stay hydrated until the medications take effect or until the cause of the problem passes naturally. Coke may be better than drinking nothing at all, and many people find Coke more palatable than a sports drink. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends avoiding caffeine. Caffeine might act as a diuretic and leech more water from your system. In addition, the sugar contained in the Coke might exacerbate the diarrhea. As a result, MayoClinic.com recommends sports drinks, water or broth rather than soda for rehydrating.
When to Consult a Physician
If your diarrhea lasts for more than two days, if you have severe pain in the abdomen or a fever of over 102 degrees F, or if your stool are black or contain blood, consult a physician. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms or if she has had diarrhea for over 24 hours, you should taker her to the pediatrician.
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