Diet Coke can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
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Key Takeaways

Diet Coke does not improve digestion and may add extra gas to your stomach.
Claims that Diet Coke can dissolve undigested food masses are not supported by strong evidence and should not be relied on without consulting a doctor.
Most people can drink Diet Coke in moderation, but water is a healthier choice, especially if you experience symptoms like acid reflux or bloating.

For those who drink Diet Coke, the zero-calorie beverage is typically seen as a cold, refreshing treat rather than a medical treatment. But some social media users claim it’s actually good for digestion and may even help dissolve an undigested mass of food in the stomach caused by gastroparesis.

To get to the bottom of this, we asked Edmundo Rodriguez-Frias, MD, a dual-board-certified gastroenterologist and a medical contributor at Full of Life Recovery Center, whether Diet Coke actually offers any benefits for digestion.

*This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

Q: Can the carbonation and artificial sweeteners in Diet Coke improve digestion?

Rodriguez-Frias: Although carbonated beverages like Diet Coke create bubbles in your stomach when you swallow them, and although many people claim that those bubbles cause gas and “relieve” the sensation of being full, they do not improve digestion. Instead, they simply add additional gas to your stomach.

The artificial sweeteners in Diet Coke, typically aspartame and/or acesulfame potassium, differ slightly. Currently, there are conflicting results regarding the effects of non-caloric sweeteners, the gut microbiome, and how we digest our foods. While several studies suggest that certain types of sweeteners can shift populations of intestinal bacteria or even alter how the body processes energy, other studies have shown no significant impact.

At present, we cannot say with certainty whether drinking Diet Coke regularly will cause long-term damage to the gastrointestinal tract in most people. However, short-term side effects such as gas, bloating, acid reflux, stomach cramps, and diarrhea are possible in some people. Additionally, caffeine may worsen heartburn and make you have more bowel movements.

Q: Is there any truth to the claim that Diet Coke can dissolve an undigested food mass?

The claims that colas dissolve stuck or undigested food require context. It’s true that Coca-Cola has been used endoscopically to dissolve gastric phytobezoars (solid masses of plant material), but these findings are largely based on case reports and reviews. These findings do not indicate that Diet Coke would treat gastroparesis or food masses in the stomach. So, people should not use Diet Coke to treat these conditions without first consulting a doctor.

Q: Can I still drink Diet Coke in moderation?

In general, most people can safely drink Diet Coke in small amounts unless it triggers adverse symptoms. However, drinking water should remain your preferred choice. If you experience chronic symptoms such as acid reflux, bloating, or discomfort after drinking Diet Coke, then it may be best to limit your intake.

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We Asked a Doctor If Diet Coke Is Good for Digestion