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Does Coca Cola cause any GI problems for you?

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Posted 10/9/2018 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
Can you drink it as much as one liter a day, for example, without getting GI problems? I don't mean the Coca Cola made with HFCS, but the "Mexican Coke" that is made with sugar.

/www.coca-colaproductfacts.com/en/faq/hfcs/high-fructose-corn-syrup-vs-sugar/

/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_Coke
Posted 10/9/2018 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
People with ostomies use Coke as a tool to clear their blockages. I can’t imagine that CC is good for your digestive tract.
Posted 10/9/2018 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Why would I do that? Coke is bad for your bones. You don't want that especially if you're already taking steroids.
Posted 10/9/2018 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
It's an interesting question. Curious, what do you experience? and why are you asking about it?

I haven't drank soda in those quantities since I was a teenager. Just an occasional treat now for health reasons (high calorie and bad for teeth).

I know some say sugar is inflammatory and we should limit the intake. I have the world's worst sweet-tooth, and crave sugary things: cookies, brownies, etc.
Posted 10/9/2018 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
I have had only a few sodas since my diagnosis, and I can't remember how they affected my digestive system and the inflammation.

I am asking because I think it might be a good (and enjoyable) source of sugar, and help with low energy. The phosphoric acid shouldn't be a problem if you are not on steroids and if you're getting enough calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K2 in your diet (or through supplementation, sunlight) and if your diet isn't particularly high in phosphorus.

Post Edited (xy123) : 10/9/2018 2:22:59 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/9/2018 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
1L of Cola a good source of sugar? Uhh....what?

330mL is probably more sugar than you should consume in 1 day....
Posted 10/9/2018 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
I created this thread to learn about UC-CD patients' experiences with coke; not to start a discussion about diet and nutrition. Let's keep it that way.
Posted 10/9/2018 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
Besides the phosphoric acid I could see having problems with the caffeine and the carbonation. Carbonation in a flare doesn't do so well for me.
Posted 10/9/2018 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
My GI told me to avoid ALL carbonated beverages, especially during a flare. He didn't even mention the sugar, but the carbonation evidently adds to the 'gas' factor.
Posted 10/10/2018 1:37 AM (GMT 0)
I've had exactly ONE Coke in the last 16 years because my gut would've punished me so bad. But in strong remission I took a chance a couple weeks ago and had one, not the Mex type, the regular sugar Coke. OMG it was heaven, a real guilty pleasure. No desire to have another, would rather use my "fun" high calorie allowance for chocolate desserts. But it was fun....

I drink seltzer water regularly (no salt kind) and my gut does not mind carbonation.
The Coke I had was maybe 16 oz and no gut reaction at all which was surprising. Cured!
Posted 10/10/2018 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
I don't drink soft drinks often, they are simply too sweet for my liking. I used to when I was younger though. I was a big soda drinker as a child and it really messed up my teeth. It's something I avoided when I had UC, because I blamed it for a lot of problems I was facing, but overall, i don't think it was related. It's certainly not good for you, too high in calories and sugar, but it probably was unrelated to my IBD. I just chose to believe that it was related to make myself think i was doing *something* positive for myself by avoiding it. I am happy I got off it regardless. I will still, or should I say again, drink coke here and there, especially when I am at the movie theater. I prefer the mexican coke.
Posted 10/10/2018 11:55 AM (GMT 0)
When I get the craving for Coke, I opt for the caffeine free variety, as the caffeine has the potential to be problematic for me. (A majority of other UCers too)

My go to carbonated drink is Ginger Ale, but even then I just limit my intake as a special treat on the weekends.
Posted 10/10/2018 12:52 PM (GMT 0)
To answer the OP's original question. I'll indulge in coke or other sweet soda perhaps once a week due to craving it (and me having zero willpower to say no). Get one of those large drinks at a quick eatery, and that's gotta be close to a liter of soda. There's no adverse affect or positive affect on my UC from this guilty-indulgence directly following, or the next morning.

I was just at my remicade infusion last night, and they always ask if I want a beverage, and I had several cups of pepsi while I waited for the IV drip to complete.

Given, I am likely not drinking the mexican variety. I am drinking regular pepsi or coke from a convenience store, greasy spoon, etc.
Posted 10/10/2018 1:02 PM (GMT 0)
The only time I'll drink a coke is either with pizza or chinese food. And that's not often. Water is my beverage of choice.
Posted 10/10/2018 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
I found it never caused any real issues during a flare up it certainly didn't start any. I would enjoy one the odd time when I am out for dinner or like NSSG I enjoy it at the movies.
Posted 10/10/2018 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
When I have it, it's either with popcorn or in an ice cream float. I stir out the bubbles when drinking it....the only side effect would be gas.
I can't imagine drinking it daily....let alone a litre.

q
Posted 10/10/2018 6:40 PM (GMT 0)

quincy said...
When I have it, it's either with popcorn or in an ice cream float. I stir out the bubbles when drinking it....the only side effect would be gas.
I can't imagine drinking it daily....let alone a litre.

q

ice cream float....................root beer for that! YUM!
Posted 10/11/2018 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
I am a Diet Coke addict, though way better than I used to be. I have one can a day with no ill effects. I have never been able to do regular Coke --- makes me jittery.
Posted 10/11/2018 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
I used to be a Diet Coke addict too! I had to force myself to stop drinking my daily glass... and now I am happy to say that, unlike smoking which I still miss after 20+ years of quitting, I don't miss the DC at all.
Posted 10/11/2018 2:53 PM (GMT 0)

xy123 said...
I created this thread to learn about UC-CD patients' experiences with coke; not to start a discussion about diet and nutrition. Let's keep it that way.

the problem it it is a bad question, and you are implying the cans sugar vs HFCS makes any kind of difference. You put a lot out there.

Excess sugar from any source, messes up my gut microbes

There is also the issue of the acid content. This could be changing the release point of acid-released medication coatings, and also irritating the GI tract.

There is also the issue of chemicals, especially if one did diet-coke.

I do drink about a liter of diet-coke each day, and do not seem to suffer. This may be individual.

I would be more worried about the sugar then anything else.
Posted 10/11/2018 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
Michele....try it with ginger beer....a shocking yumminess!
q
Posted 10/11/2018 6:39 PM (GMT 0)

quincy said...
Michele....try it with ginger beer....a shocking yumminess!
q

YES!!!! I'll have to get some at Trader Joe's.
Posted 10/12/2018 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
Keep me updated.....👍q
Posted 10/14/2018 3:43 AM (GMT 0)
Welp, I'm going to be the lone soda fan here and tell you that I LOVE caffeine-free coke, and drink it regularly. Zero issues and in fact it settles my stomach very quickly if I'm dealing with nausea or indigestion. I also drink seltzer and fruit-flavored non-caffeinated sodas (maybe 12-24 oz per day) with no issues.

HOWEVER - the sodas that do create issues, especially when flaring, are root beer and Pepsi - something about both of them causes VERY crampy gas and often urgency. I always sort of laugh at how individual this is for everyone - for example, I have to avoid dairy religiously, but can do gluten with no problems. Go figure 🤷‍♀️
Posted 10/14/2018 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all.
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