As kids head back to school each spring and fall in the U.S., parents brace themselves for an influx of illnesses like stomach flu, strep throat, and other gastrointestinal bugs. One mom is sharing a surprising remedy that helped her family—Coca-Cola.
A Surprising Tip Content creator Rose Jordan (@rosejordan_) took to TikTok to recommend keeping Coca-Cola on hand for children who catch stomach bugs like norovirus. Her video, which has garnered over 1.8 million views, highlights how the carbonated beverage may offer relief for upset stomachs.
A Personal Experience Jordan recounted her experience during pregnancy when she suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition causing severe, persistent nausea and vomiting. Despite being unable to keep water down, Coca-Cola surprisingly stayed down and eased her symptoms.
“I lost about 20 pounds during the pregnancy, was getting IVs constantly, and couldn’t keep water down,” she said. “But I could keep Coca-Cola down, which was weird because I was never a Coke person.”
From Pregnancy to Parenting Jordan’s son, who is now five, also found relief from stomach issues with Coca-Cola. She noted that her son, who drinks the soda daily, avoided symptoms when exposed to norovirus at school, unlike his sister.
“Now that I’m seeing all this stuff about norovirus and Coke, I think there’s something in it—maybe it reduces stomach acid or something,” she speculated. She urged parents to consider having Coca-Cola at home for similar situations.
Theories and Viewer Insights Viewers of Jordan’s video weighed in with their own theories and experiences:
- Some cited phosphoric acid in Coca-Cola as a key ingredient that helps with nausea and vomiting.
- Others noted the soda’s origins as a digestive aid, recalling how pharmacists once sold it as a remedy.
- Many shared personal anecdotes, from using Coca-Cola to alleviate migraines to treating morning sickness.
Why Coca-Cola Might Help Carbonated beverages like Coca-Cola are often believed to ease upset stomachs due to their fizz, which can help release gas and relieve pressure. Additionally, ingredients like phosphoric acid and the syrup’s soothing properties may contribute to its effectiveness for some people.
However, experts caution that results may vary depending on the individual and the nature of the stomach issue. While some find relief, others might experience worsened symptoms.
A Time-Tested Remedy? From pharmacists’ soda fountains to household remedies, Coca-Cola’s reputation as a stomach soother persists. While it’s not a universal solution, many parents and individuals continue to find it helpful in managing occasional nausea and discomfort.
