Why do you have diarrhea soon after drinking a soda?
Carbonated beverages can cause diarrhea because of several reasons:
- Artificial sweeteners: Many diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sucralose, or saccharin. These sweeteners can have a laxative effect on some people, leading to diarrhea.
- Caffeine: Soda often contains caffeine, a stimulant that can increase the speed at which food passes through the digestive system. This can lead to loose stools or diarrhea.
- Sugar: Sugary drinks, like sodas, can cause an osmotic effect in the intestines. This means that the sugar draws water into the intestines, which can lead to diarrhea.
- Carbonation: The carbonation in soda can irritate the digestive system and cause diarrhea in some people.
- Underlying conditions: If you have an underlying medical condition that affects the digestive system, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn's disease, drinking soda may exacerbate symptoms and lead to diarrhea.