Doctors say Coke breaks up gastric blockages
January 11, 2013
Physicians around the world are now bubbling over with enthusiasm for the use of Coca-Cola in solving some potentially serious stomach impactions, known as gastric bezoars. Lab results made news January 7, bringing relief to soda lovers and certain stomach sufferers alike.
What is a gastric bezoar?
Essentially, a bezoar is a mass of undigested food, fruit, hair, medicine, vegetable, or other matter that forms inside the gastrointestinal tract. These buildups are usually diagnosed by endoscopy or x-ray.
Although gastric bezoars may initially cause no unpleasant symptoms, they may eventually lead to such troubles as bad breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, pain, ulcers, internal bleeding, unexpected weight loss, and even intestinal obstruction.
"Take two Cokes, and call me in the morning."
Why would a carbonated beverage prove therapeutic for breaking down belly blockages?
Colas contain bubbles, as well as carbonic and phosphoric acids, which seem to aid in digesting and dissolving the dreaded gastrointestinal masses. Administered orally, nasally, or even injected directly into the stomach, these fizzy beverages may diminish or even dissolve bezoars. Basically, the cola components seem to mimic the stomach's own acids.
A recent 10-year study documented many cases, in which Coca-Cola proved to be a promising, economical, and non-invasive means of attacking gastric bezoars in more than 90 percent of the patients studied. Diet and sugared colas performed comparably in experiments.

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Posted by Ken at 12:00 AM