Why does coke help with gas?: The surprising science behind the bubbly myth

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 60 million people in the United States experience heartburn each month, leading many to seek relief from common household remedies like soda. While some find that a sip of Coke helps with gas, this relief is often a temporary illusion, as the carbonation can actually introduce more gas into the digestive system.

Quick Summary

The popular belief that Coke helps with gas is a misconception, as its carbonation and high sugar content can worsen bloating and discomfort. Any perceived relief is from induced burping, which expels gas, while the acids in cola can aggravate existing digestive issues. Healthier, natural remedies offer a safer, more effective approach to easing gas and improving gut health.

Key Points

Initial Relief is Misleading: The immediate relief felt from drinking Coke is caused by belching, which expels gas from the stomach, but does not solve the underlying issue.
Carbonation Adds More Gas: The same carbon dioxide that causes burping can also contribute to more gas and bloating further along the digestive tract.
Acidity Can Cause Irritation: The phosphoric acid in Coke can irritate the stomach lining, especially in people with pre-existing digestive conditions like GERD.
Sugar Exacerbates Problems: High sugar content and artificial sweeteners in sodas can disrupt gut health, cause diarrhea, and promote bacterial fermentation, leading to more gas.
Healthier Remedies Are More Effective: Natural alternatives like herbal teas (peppermint, ginger), staying hydrated with water, and gentle exercise offer safer, more sustainable solutions for gas relief.
Focus on Diet for Prevention: A nutritious diet that gradually incorporates fiber, limits processed foods, and identifies trigger foods is key to long-term gas prevention.

For generations, people have reached for a cold, bubbly Coke to soothe an upset stomach and relieve gas. The idea is so ingrained in folk medicine that it's often the first suggestion given for digestive distress. But what does the science say? The answer is more complex than it seems, with the short-term feeling of relief masking a longer-term risk of increased discomfort for many.

The Temporary Comfort of Carbonation

The immediate relief some people experience from drinking a carbonated beverage comes from its ability to force belching. The bubbles, which are trapped carbon dioxide gas, expand in the stomach and increase pressure. This mechanical effect triggers a burp reflex, which can release some of the built-up air and provide a brief sensation of relief from bloating. While this might feel like a solution, it's not actually addressing the root cause of the gas problem.

The Dual-Edged Sword of Carbon Dioxide

The same carbon dioxide that can induce a belch can also contribute to more gas. While some is expelled, the rest of the gas from the soda travels through your digestive tract, potentially leading to further bloating and discomfort, particularly in the intestinal tract. This can turn a temporary solution into a long-term problem for those with sensitive digestive systems.

Chemical Effects of a Cola Drink

Beyond the bubbles, the ingredients in a soda like Coke can have chemical effects on your stomach. These effects are often misunderstood and can exacerbate digestive issues, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Phosphoric and Citric Acids: Cola contains phosphoric acid and citric acid, which can add to the stomach's already acidic environment. While some older studies suggested these might aid digestion by helping break down food, modern dietary science warns against relying on sugary, acidic beverages for digestive aid. These acids can potentially irritate the stomach lining, especially for those with conditions like Gastritis or GERD.
High Sugar Content: Sugary sodas can cause major problems for the digestive system. The high amount of added sugar is difficult for the body to process and can disrupt the gut microbiota. For some, this can lead to osmotic diarrhea, where water is pulled into the intestines, causing bloating and discomfort.
Caffeine's Impact: Coke also contains caffeine, a stimulant that can cause digestive muscles to contract, leading to diarrhea in sensitive individuals. This can create a cycle of digestive upset that further worsens gas and bloating.

Healthier Alternatives to Treat Gas

For effective and healthy gas relief, shifting away from sugary sodas and adopting natural remedies is the best approach. A nutritious diet focused on whole foods can prevent gas and promote a healthy gut environment.


Remedy Type	Soda (Coke)	Natural Remedies
Immediate Effect	Belching: Can provide temporary relief from stomach gas by inducing burping, but risks worsening intestinal gas and bloating.	Herbal Tea: Peppermint, ginger, and fennel teas relax digestive tract muscles and expel trapped gas.
Long-Term Effect	Detrimental: High sugar, acidity, and artificial ingredients can disrupt gut health, worsen reflux, and lead to weight gain and other health issues.	Beneficial: Support overall digestive function, reduce inflammation, and promote a balanced gut microbiome.
Mechanism	Mechanical and Chemical: Carbonation triggers burping; acids and sugar can irritate the gut and ferment, producing more gas.	Soothing and Probiotic: Ingredients like ginger and probiotics calm intestinal muscles and improve gut flora balance.
Nutritional Value	Minimal: High in empty calories, added sugars, and artificial ingredients with no significant nutritional benefit.	High: Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and dietary fiber essential for gut health.
Risk Factor	High: Regular consumption can lead to acid reflux, tooth decay, and other metabolic issues.	Low: Safe for most individuals; offers targeted, gentle relief without the negative side effects of sugary, acidic drinks.

Better Choices for Long-Term Gut Health

Herbal Teas: Peppermint, ginger, or fennel teas are excellent for easing digestive discomfort. Peppermint has antispasmodic properties that relax the muscles in your digestive tract, while ginger is a well-known digestive stimulant.
Stay Hydrated with Water: Drinking plenty of plain water is crucial for preventing constipation, which is a major cause of gas and bloating. Unlike soda, water helps move food through your system smoothly without introducing extra gas.
Gentle Movement: After eating, a short walk can stimulate gastric motility and help expel trapped gas. Gentle yoga poses like the Child's Pose or Cat-Cow can also provide relief by applying gentle pressure to the abdomen.
Dietary Adjustments: Consider a food diary to identify trigger foods that cause gas and bloating. Common culprits include beans, lentils, and certain cruciferous vegetables. Gradually increasing fiber and avoiding processed, fatty foods can also make a significant difference.
Probiotics: Incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or kefir can help rebalance the gut bacteria, which can aid digestion and reduce gas buildup over time.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Coke and Gas

The folk remedy of drinking Coke to help with gas is a misleading one. The immediate relief comes from induced belching, which simply expels gas from the stomach. However, the added gas from the carbonation and the negative digestive effects of sugar, acids, and caffeine can worsen intestinal gas, bloating, and other long-term digestive problems. Relying on soda for digestive health is not a sustainable or healthy practice. For effective and lasting relief, healthier, evidence-based alternatives like herbal teas, proper hydration, and dietary adjustments offer a more beneficial path toward a truly settled stomach and a healthier gut.

For more information on digestive health, you can visit the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often perceive Coke as helping with gas because the carbonation can trigger a burp, releasing some pressure from the stomach and providing a temporary sensation of relief. This effect is purely mechanical and does not address the cause of the gas.

Yes, carbonated drinks can worsen bloating. The dissolved carbon dioxide in the beverage introduces more gas into your digestive system, which can become trapped in the stomach and intestines, increasing feelings of fullness and discomfort.

Healthier alternatives for gas relief include sipping on herbal teas like peppermint, ginger, or fennel. Drinking plain water, getting some light exercise like walking, and making dietary adjustments to avoid trigger foods are also effective strategies.

No, while drinking flat Coke avoids introducing extra carbonation, its high sugar content and acidity can still aggravate an upset stomach. Many health experts advise against using soda, flat or otherwise, as a home remedy for stomach issues.

While some studies have explored the effect of acids on digestion, the amount of phosphoric acid in a beverage like Coke is not a reliable or healthy way to aid digestion. The negative effects of the high sugar and overall acidity outweigh any potential benefit.

Chronic gas and bloating are often caused by dietary factors. Foods high in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) and those that are difficult to digest can lead to excess gas production. Adopting a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and identifying food sensitivities can significantly improve symptoms.

Yes, relying on soda for digestive relief can lead to several risks, including dental erosion due to acidity, worsening of acid reflux symptoms, disruption of gut bacteria, and other metabolic issues associated with high sugar intake.