Can drinking soda worsen diarrhea symptoms?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Does soda make diarrhea worse? Yes, drinking soda can make diarrhea worse. Soda contains carbonation (gas) and high amounts of sugar, both of which can irritate your digestive system, draw water into the intestines, and worsen loose stools. Sugary, caffeinated, and carbonated drinks are generally not recommended during a bout of diarrhea.

If you're dealing with ongoing diarrhea, it's important to understand the underlying cause—whether it's diet, infection, or something else. Rather than guessing, take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights and clear guidance on your next steps. It only takes a few minutes and could help you decide whether home care is enough or if you should see a doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if soda worsens your diarrhea Discover likely causes of diarrhea symptoms See whether diarrhea needs care today Find OTC diarrhea relief options Find a doctor for diarrhea care Understand medically valid diarrhea home remedies Find out if diarrhea needs urgent care

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

Drinking soda, which is a carbonated beverage, can affect your stomach and intestines. The bubbles in soda are made from gas, and this gas can cause more bloating and discomfort, especially if you already have diarrhea. Also, sodas often have a lot of sugar, which can make your diarrhea worse by pulling more water into your intestines, leading to more frequent and watery stools.

Why Soda Can Be a Problem:

Gas and Bloating: The bubbles in soda can make you feel more bloated and uncomfortable.
High Sugar Content: The sugar in soda can draw extra water into your intestines, making diarrhea worse.

It's usually better to drink plain water or oral rehydration solutions if you have diarrhea, as these can help keep you hydrated without upsetting your stomach further. If you're experiencing persistent digestive symptoms, you can check your symptoms to better understand what might be causing your discomfort.

(References)

Cuomo R, Sarnelli G, Savarese MF, & Buyckx M. (2009). Carbonated beverages and gastrointestinal system. Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD, 19502016.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.