Is it okay to drink Sprite with diarrhea?

November 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization, diarrheal disease is a leading cause of childhood mortality, primarily due to dehydration. When battling a stomach bug, many people reach for soda like Sprite, based on anecdotal home remedies. But is it okay to drink Sprite with diarrhea, and does it actually help with recovery?

Quick Summary

The high sugar content in Sprite can worsen diarrhea symptoms and cause dehydration. Clear, flat, and electrolyte-rich fluids are better for rehydration. Carbonation may also cause gas and bloating. Healthier alternatives like broths or oral rehydration solutions are preferable for managing loose stools.

Key Points

High Sugar Content: The sugar in Sprite can draw water into the intestines, making diarrhea worse and potentially increasing dehydration.
Carbonation: The fizz in soda can cause gas, bloating, and increased stomach discomfort, which can aggravate an already sensitive digestive system.
Poor Electrolyte Balance: Unlike oral rehydration solutions, Sprite is not designed to effectively replace the crucial electrolytes lost during a bout of diarrhea.
Better Hydration Alternatives: Clear fluids like oral rehydration solutions, broth, and water are superior choices for replacing lost fluids and electrolytes.
Dietary Considerations: When you can eat, stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods like the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) to aid recovery.
Seek Medical Advice: If diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days, or if other severe symptoms occur, it is important to consult a healthcare provider.

Why Sprite can make diarrhea worse

While a cool glass of soda might seem comforting for an upset stomach, the high sugar and carbonation in Sprite can actually exacerbate diarrhea symptoms. The primary goal when experiencing loose stools is to prevent dehydration by replenishing fluids and electrolytes, and unfortunately, Sprite is not effective for this purpose.

The impact of sugar and carbonation

High sugar content: Sprite contains a significant amount of sugar. When a large amount of sugar reaches the colon, it pulls water and salt from the body, leading to more watery stools and potentially worsening diarrhea. This can hinder the rehydration process, which is critical during a diarrheal episode.
Carbonation: The bubbles in carbonated drinks like Sprite can introduce gas into your digestive system. This often leads to increased bloating, cramping, and discomfort, which is the last thing you need when dealing with an already sensitive stomach. Letting the soda go flat may help with the carbonation issue, but it does not eliminate the problem of high sugar.

Ineffective for rehydration

Diarrhea causes the body to lose essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are crucial for maintaining fluid balance. Sprite is not formulated to replace these lost electrolytes effectively, making it a poor choice for rehydration compared to oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or sports drinks. Relying on Sprite alone could lead to further dehydration.

Safer alternatives for rehydration

Instead of turning to sugary soda, there are much more effective and safer beverage choices to help you rehydrate and recover. The best options focus on replacing fluids and electrolytes without irritating your digestive system.

Hydrating fluids to consider

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): These are specifically designed to replace water and electrolytes lost during diarrhea. Examples include Pedialyte or homemade solutions of salt, sugar, and clean water.
Broth or Bouillon: Clear broths, such as chicken or beef, contain sodium and can help replenish lost electrolytes. They are also easy on the stomach.
Electrolyte-Enhanced Water: Many brands offer water with added electrolytes and minerals. Opt for those with low sugar content.
Coconut Water: Naturally rich in potassium and other rehydrating minerals, coconut water is a good option, but you should still monitor its sugar content.
Weak, Decaffeinated Tea: Herbal teas like chamomile or ginger can be soothing for an upset stomach and provide a source of fluid without the negative effects of caffeine or high sugar.

Food to eat when you have diarrhea

Once you can tolerate food, it's best to stick to bland, low-fiber options. The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) is a classic recommendation because these foods are easy to digest and can help firm up stools.

Bananas: Rich in potassium, which is often lost during diarrhea.
White Rice: Low in fiber and binds the stool.
Applesauce: Contains pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help reduce diarrhea.
Toast (white bread): Easy to digest and helps bind stools.

Beverage comparison: Sprite vs. Recommended Alternatives


Feature	Sprite	Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)	Broth	Coconut Water
Sugar Content	High	Low (Balanced with salt)	Low to none	Variable (Check label)
Electrolytes	Very low	High (Balanced)	High (Sodium)	High (Potassium)
Carbonation	High	None	None	None
Digestive Impact	Can worsen diarrhea and cause bloating	Soothes and aids recovery	Gentle on the stomach	Gentle on the stomach
Primary Function	Poor rehydration, potential for worse symptoms	Optimizes fluid and electrolyte balance	Replenishes sodium and fluid	Replenishes potassium and fluid

Conclusion

While the popular belief that Sprite is a good remedy for an upset stomach persists, medical consensus points to the contrary. The high sugar and carbonation can worsen diarrhea and hinder effective rehydration. Instead of reaching for a sugary soda, prioritizing clear, electrolyte-rich fluids like oral rehydration solutions, broths, and water is the far more medically sound and effective approach for managing diarrhea and preventing dehydration. Always dilute sugary drinks and let them go flat if they are your only option. If symptoms persist for more than a few days, or if you notice other concerning signs, it's always best to consult a healthcare provider. A bland diet, like the BRAT diet, can also help soothe your digestive system during recovery. For further reading on managing digestive issues, consult the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

While some people believe drinking flat soda can be soothing, the high sugar content remains even after the carbonation is gone. This sugar can still worsen diarrhea by drawing water into the intestines, so it is not recommended as a rehydration method.

The best fluids for rehydration are Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), which are specifically balanced with electrolytes and sugar to help your body absorb fluids effectively. Broth, coconut water, and plain water are also good options.

No, children with diarrhea should not drink Sprite. They are more susceptible to dehydration, and the high sugar content in soda is counterproductive to their recovery. Pediatricians typically recommend oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte for kids.

High sugar levels in the digestive system can overwhelm the intestines' ability to absorb water. This causes water to be drawn out of the body and into the intestines, leading to more watery stools and worsening diarrhea.

Neither is ideal due to their high sugar content. While ginger ale is often cited for its soothing properties, most commercial versions contain very little actual ginger. It is better to use actual ginger tea or other non-sugary alternatives.

Avoid fatty or greasy foods, spicy foods, dairy products, and high-fiber foods that can stimulate the digestive system. These can irritate your intestines and prolong symptoms.

It is best to avoid soda until your symptoms have fully resolved and your digestive system has returned to normal. This can vary from a couple of days to a week or more, depending on the severity and cause of your illness.