From the Guidelines
No, cola is not recommended to help with GERD symptoms and may actually make them worse. Cola contains caffeine, carbonation, and high acidity, all of which can trigger or worsen GERD symptoms by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter and increasing stomach acid production 1. Instead, try drinking water, herbal teas (like chamomile or ginger), or non-citrus juices. For GERD relief, consider over-the-counter medications like antacids (Tums, Rolaids), H2 blockers (famotidine/Pepcid), or proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole/Prilosec) for short-term use.
Key Lifestyle Modifications
- Avoid eating 2-3 hours before bedtime
- Elevate the head of your bed 6-8 inches
- Eat smaller meals
- Avoid trigger foods (spicy, fatty, acidic foods)
- Maintain a healthy weight If symptoms persist despite these measures, consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment 1. It's also important to note that an intensive medical treatment regimen, including an antireflux diet, acid suppression with a proton pump inhibitor, and prokinetic therapy, may be necessary for some patients 1. In severe cases, antireflux surgery may be considered 1.
From the Research
GERD and Carbonated Beverages
- Carbonated beverages, such as cola, have unique properties that may potentially exacerbate gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to their high acidity and carbonation 2.
- However, a systematic review found no direct evidence that carbonated beverages promote or exacerbate GERD 2.
- Another study found that intake of soda was associated with an increased risk of GER symptoms, and drinking water instead of soda reduced the risk of GER symptoms 3.
Lifestyle Modifications for GERD
- Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and smoking cessation, are often useful in managing GERD 4.
- Patients with typical GERD symptoms can be medicated empirically with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and lifestyle modifications can be recommended 5.
- There is no evidence to suggest that carbonated beverages, such as cola, can be used to feel better in GERD, and cessation of carbonated beverage consumption is commonly recommended as part of lifestyle modifications for patients with GERD 2, 3.
Treatment Options for GERD
- Medication with a PPI is the most common treatment for GERD, and after initial full-dose therapy, the aim is to use the lowest effective dose 4.
- Surgery with laparoscopic fundoplication is an invasive treatment alternative in select patients after thorough and objective assessments 4.
- Combination drug therapy with PPIs and histamine(2) receptor antagonists has been evaluated, but its role in GERD treatment is not well established 6.