Is Sprite Actually Good for Your Stomach?

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

While the folk wisdom of drinking Sprite for an upset stomach is a common remedy, scientific evidence suggests it is not an effective long-term solution. Instead, its high sugar content and carbonation can often worsen symptoms like diarrhea and bloating, despite some temporary relief.

Quick Summary

Examines the belief that Sprite is a stomach remedy, revealing how its sugar and carbonation can aggravate digestive distress rather than help. Explores temporary benefits and provides medically recommended alternatives for better hydration and symptom relief.

Key Points

High Sugar Worsens Symptoms: The high sugar in Sprite can draw water into the intestines, exacerbating diarrhea and increasing dehydration.
Carbonation Causes Bloating: The carbonation introduces gas into the digestive system, which can increase bloating and discomfort rather than relieving it.
Acidity Irritates Stomach: Citric acid can increase gastric acid production, which is detrimental for those with acid reflux or gastritis.
Lack of Electrolytes: Sprite does not contain the proper balance of electrolytes needed to effectively replace those lost during vomiting or diarrhea.
Better Alternatives Exist: Medically recommended alternatives include oral rehydration solutions, clear broths, and real ginger or chamomile tea.

The Origins of a Folk Remedy

For decades, Sprite and other clear sodas have been the go-to beverage for many people feeling nauseous or dealing with an upset stomach. The reasoning behind this tradition is often rooted in a few anecdotal beliefs. The carbonation is thought to help induce burping, which can relieve a bloated or gassy sensation. Similarly, the clear, mild flavor makes it more palatable for those struggling to keep fluids down. The sugar content is sometimes believed to provide a quick energy boost, which can be tempting for someone who has not been able to eat. However, modern medical understanding has largely debunked these beliefs as ineffective or potentially harmful for digestive health.

The Downsides of Sugar for Digestive Distress

When you're dealing with a stomach issue like a stomach flu, diarrhea, or vomiting, your body needs to rehydrate effectively and rest your digestive system. This is where Sprite's main ingredients become problematic. A standard 12-ounce can of Sprite contains a significant amount of sugar, often in the form of high-fructose corn syrup. This high sugar concentration can be counterproductive for recovery.

Osmotic effect: High sugar levels draw water into the intestines, which can worsen diarrhea by increasing stool frequency. This effect can exacerbate dehydration, the very condition you are trying to combat.
Gut microbiome disruption: Excessive sugar intake can disrupt the delicate balance of your gut bacteria, potentially prolonging symptoms and hindering your recovery.
Blood sugar spikes: While the sugar provides a brief energy boost, it can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, leaving you feeling worse than before.

The Impact of Carbonation and Citric Acid

The bubbles and acidity in Sprite are two other factors that can irritate a sensitive stomach.

Carbonation: The introduction of gas into the digestive system can increase pressure in the intestines, causing bloating, gas, and discomfort. For some, burping provides relief, but for others, it can simply aggravate the situation.
Citric Acid: This ingredient, which gives Sprite its tangy flavor, can stimulate the production of gastric acid. For those with acid reflux or gastritis, this can lead to increased irritation and discomfort.

Better Alternatives to Sprite for Stomach Ailments

Instead of reaching for a sugary soda, there are far more effective and soothing options for an upset stomach. The goal is to rehydrate with electrolytes and provide gentle, non-irritating fluids.

Comparison Table: Sprite vs. Recommended Alternatives


Feature	Sprite	Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)	Broth/Bouillon	Decaf Ginger Tea
Primary Function	Anecdotal symptom relief	Electrolyte and fluid replacement	Hydration, sodium, and nutrients	Nausea relief, hydration
Sugar Content	High	Low, balanced with electrolytes	None or very low	Varies, can be sugar-free
Electrolyte Balance	Poor; high sodium, low potassium	Optimal balance of sodium and potassium	Rich in sodium and other minerals	Varies, minimal
Carbonation	High	None	None	None
Digestive Impact	Potentially worsens diarrhea and bloating	Optimal for rehydration; gentle	Soothing and gentle on the gut	Anti-inflammatory; can calm nausea
Best For	Temporary, but risky, nausea relief	Preventing and treating dehydration	Replenishing fluids and nutrients	Soothing nausea and stomach discomfort

The Rise of Medically-Sound Remedies

Medical professionals now recommend prioritizing fluids that provide electrolytes without the drawbacks of high sugar.

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): Products like Pedialyte are scientifically formulated to replace the fluids and electrolytes lost during vomiting and diarrhea. They are a superior choice for preventing dehydration.
Clear Broths: Chicken or vegetable broth is gentle on the stomach and provides essential sodium and other minerals.
Herbal Teas: Chamomile or true ginger tea (made from real ginger root, not ginger ale) have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help relieve nausea.
Water with Electrolyte Tablets: For a less sugary option, adding an electrolyte tablet to water is a great way to replenish minerals.

The Verdict on Sprite and Your Stomach

While the nostalgia and temporary palatability of Sprite may offer psychological comfort during illness, its high sugar content and acidity present more risks than benefits for digestive recovery. Relying on Sprite for a serious stomach ailment can lead to worsening symptoms and delayed healing. The best approach is to listen to your body and opt for evidence-based remedies that support proper hydration and electrolyte balance.

Conclusion

The long-held belief that Sprite is good for your stomach is mostly a myth based on temporary, psychological relief. The high sugar content can pull water into the intestines, worsening diarrhea, and the carbonation can cause further bloating. While a small amount of flat Sprite might be an option if nothing else is palatable, scientifically proven alternatives like oral rehydration solutions, clear broths, and real ginger tea are safer and more effective for supporting your recovery and preventing dehydration. For consistent or severe digestive issues, always consult a healthcare professional. For more information on proper rehydration during illness, consider reviewing guidelines from a reputable source like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither Sprite nor most commercial ginger ales are ideal. Most ginger ale contains very little real ginger, and both beverages have high sugar content that can worsen diarrhea. Real ginger tea is a better option for nausea relief.

For some, the mild flavor and fizz might provide temporary relief from nausea, but there is no strong medical evidence supporting this. The high sugar can lead to an energy crash, potentially making you feel worse later.

The best option is an oral rehydration solution (ORS) like Pedialyte, which contains a balanced ratio of water, sugar, and electrolytes. Water, clear broths, and watered-down fruit juice are also good choices.

Flattening Sprite reduces the carbonation and potential for bloating, but the high sugar content remains problematic. While a better choice than carbonated, it's still not as effective as an electrolyte solution or herbal tea.

Older medical advice often recommended clear, palatable liquids like Sprite to encourage hydration. However, better scientific understanding of the drawbacks of high sugar and the benefits of proper electrolyte balance has led to updated recommendations.

Yes. Most sugary beverages, including undiluted fruit juices, should be avoided, as their high sugar content can worsen diarrhea and their acidity can irritate the stomach.

Sticking to bland, easy-to-digest foods is best. Examples include the BRAT diet components: bananas, plain rice, applesauce, and toast. Crackers, broth, and scrambled eggs are also good options.