7Up has long been recommended as a remedy for settling upset stomachs. While there is no definitive scientific evidence to support its effectiveness, many people swear by its soothing properties. So, why is 7Up good for an upset stomach?
One reason may be its ingredients. The original formula for 7Up contained seven ingredients, including sugar, carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, natural and artificial flavors, calcium disodium EDTA, and sodium benzoate. However, the formula has since been changed to remove high fructose corn syrup and use natural flavors instead of artificial ones. The current ingredients in 7Up are carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, natural flavors, potassium benzoate, and potassium citrate.
Of these ingredients, citric acid may be particularly helpful in soothing an upset stomach. It is a natural preservative found in many fruits, including lemons and limes. It has a sour taste and is often used to add tartness to foods and drinks. Citric acid may help to neutralize stomach acid and reduce the symptoms of an upset stomach.
The carbonated water in 7Up may also play a role in soothing an upset stomach. When you drink carbonated water, the carbon dioxide gas is released in your stomach, creating a feeling of fullness. This can help to ease the symptoms of nausea and vomiting, as it can help to prevent further ingestion of food or drink that may cause further stomach upset.
However, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), another ingredient in 7Up, is a controversial ingredient. HFCS is a type of sweetener that is made from corn starch. Some studies have linked HFCS to obesity and other health problems, while others suggest that it is no worse than other types of sweeteners. Nonetheless, in moderation, HFCS is unlikely to cause any significant harm to most people.
Potassium benzoate and potassium citrate are two other ingredients in 7Up that may be helpful in soothing an upset stomach. Potassium benzoate is a preservative that is commonly used in soft drinks and other processed foods. It is added to help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause spoilage. Potassium citrate is a source of potassium, which is an electrolyte that is important for maintaining proper hydration levels in the body. When you have an upset stomach, you may be losing fluids and electrolytes through vomiting or diarrhea. Drinking 7Up can help to replace these lost fluids and electrolytes, which can help to speed up the recovery process.
In addition to its ingredients, the carbonation in 7Up may also be helpful in soothing an upset stomach. When you drink a carbonated beverage, the bubbles can help to relieve feelings of nausea and vomiting. The carbon dioxide gas in the drink can also help to reduce the amount of gas in your stomach, which can cause bloating and discomfort.
Finally, drinking 7Up may help to rehydrate your body. When you have an upset stomach, you may be losing fluids and electrolytes through vomiting or diarrhea. Drinking 7Up can help to replace these lost fluids and electrolytes, which can help to speed up the recovery process. However, it is important to note that water is still the best option for rehydration, especially for children and older adults.
In conclusion, while there is no definitive scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of 7Up in soothing an upset stomach, there are several reasons why it may be helpful. Its ingredients, including citric acid, carbonated water, potassium benzoate, and potassium citrate, may all play a role in reducing symptoms of nausea and vomiting, relieving bloating and discomfort, and aiding in rehydration.