Abdominal pain from (too much) cola

introduction

stomach pain or gastrointestinal complaints often associated with diet. Different organs and structures of the digestive tract can be the cause of the pain. Since abdominal pain is very often of a non-specific nature, it can sometimes be difficult to quickly find a cause for the symptoms.

The cause of abdominal pain does not necessarily lie in the digestive tract. Kidney disease can also be a cause of diffuse abdominal pain, for example. Therefore should always many possible causes be considered.

An important factor in the development of gastrointestinal complaints is nutrition. The following is now about whether and to what extent Cola and other soft drinks have been linked with abdominal pain. There are many myths surrounding the popular soft drink, and most of them don't mean much. Still, it is undisputed that cola, like many other sugary drinks excessive and excessive consumption can have harmful consequences can lead to.

causes

Cola is available in a wide variety of variants, but in the common European variants the different products are similar in their composition. The main component of cola is water. Besides that, above all Phosphoric acid, carbonic acid, sugar and caffeine contain. The caffeine content varies considerably, but must not exceed the upper limit of 32mg / 100 ml in Germany.

There are many myths that the cola often has a harmful, sometimes even life-threatening effect. These are most likely based on the ingredients. Basically, most myths can be dismissed as false and void.

However, it is true that Cola in large quantities Can have an impact on health. For many people, high consumption of sugary soft drinks such as cola is usually associated with a generally unbalanced diet, mostly high in fat and carbohydrates. This favors Obesitywhich Secondary illnesses how diabetes or Reflux can result.

A gastroesophageal reflux disease can favored by cola be there in this caffeine is included. Caffeine is suspected to be the secretion of Gastrin to favor in the stomach. Gastrin then does one increased acid production. The consequences are a feeling of fullness after eating, as well as stomach pain and heartburn. You may also feel nauseous and vomit. However, this fact is not certain.

You can also eat large amounts carbonated drinkslike cola, lead to gas and the associated unpleasant abdominal pain.

The thesis that Cola Inflammation of the gastric mucosa causes however not true. Rather, it is a general lifestyle and eating style that exists Gastrointestinal diseases can worsen. A lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet and high consumption of sugary soft drinks such as cola are beneficial Obesity and secondary illnesses. However, these are not causally attributable to the consumption of cola.

According to new research, however, cola is suspected Kidney stones to favor. The context is however not sufficiently occupied. Cola contains oxalic acid, which can promote the formation of oxalate stones. Here, too, it is a multifactorial process that leads to a manifest disease

Typical with kidney stones are severe, colic-like pain in the upper abdomen with radiation to the flanks. However, they can also be completely symptom-free for a long time.

Cola Light

In its composition, Cola Light differs from Cola by the Replacement of sugar with sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame. Otherwise the composition is largely the same.

An excessive consumption of Diet Coke can also be caused by the contained caffeine one favor gastroesophageal reflux. Also applies here that a high consumption of carbonated drinks Flatulence and a feeling of fullness can cause. In general, however, there are no causal links between the consumption of Diet Coke and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Sweeteners however, are also under suspicion Impaired kidney function and so the emergence of Kidney stones to favor. However, it has not been proven at what dose this is the case.

This must also be taken into account here general eating habits as well as the Lifestyle in relation to behavior that is beneficial to health and behavior that is harmful to health. A generally unhealthy diet as well as a lack of exercise and consumer goods that are harmful to health such as alcohol or tobacco promote or worsen many diseases in combination with one another.

What to do?

In general, it is advisable to first take a close look at your own consumer behavior and well-being and ask yourself a few questions.

First of all, you should clarify whether the abdominal pain has only existed since you consumed cola or was there before.

Furthermore, it is interesting to know whether the pain when consuming special foods, e.g. the cola, get worse. If this is the case, you should stop consuming these foods and, apart from that, consult a doctor anyway if you have symptoms. For example, if you have reflux disease, it is urgently advisable to avoid food and luxury foods that aggravate heartburn. This includes beverages that contain caffeine, such as cola. The disease is then usually treated with drugs with so-called proton pump inhibitors, which restrict acid production.
However, it is general advisable his Limiting cola consumption to a healthy level. It is difficult to draw a line here, but the main drinking amount should be provided by water and unsweetened tea.