[Lewis Thomson (OP)]

Listener Ed wrote in this question to The Naked Scientists regarding this recommendation during a hobby that we all get up to during the intense summer heat.

"I have heard that some participants in wild swimming and other water sports drink coke to reduce the risks of getting stomach upsets if accidentally ingesting river water. We participated in some wild swimming during the recent hot weather and some members of the group came down with what I believe to be crypto symptoms a few days later, Diarrhea, Vomiting and fever which lasted around 48 hrs. Some person to person transmission occurred also in the following days. I think this is nothing but an old wives tale, but what are the true facts please?"

What do you think? Leave your swimming suggestions and science selections in the comments below...

[Origin]

I don't see how drinking Coca-cola could kill pathogens that you ingested.

[Colin2B]

I don't see how drinking Coca-cola could kill pathogens that you ingested.

It doesn’t, but in tests of direct contact vinegar had an effect on E. coli, but cola didn’t.
Best defence is not to swallow water, Also avoid swimming after heavy rainfall, as run-off from the land increases the concentration of E. coli bacteria in the water.

[Lewis Thomson (OP)]

This QotW has now been answered and is available to listen to through this link:

https://www.thenakedscientists.com/podcasts/question-week/should-i-drink-cola-after-swimming-river

[paul cotter]

Beware of fresh water swimming in warm weather. The amoeba naeglaria fowleri will eat your brain for lunch if it gets up your nose. I don't know how widespread this organism is but it certainly is a problem in the us.

[Niko43Gold]

I don't see how drinking Coca Cola in general will benefit you in any way

[dorothytetcher]

Beware of fresh water swimming in warm weather. The amoeba naeglaria fowleri will eat your brain for lunch if it gets up your nose. I don't know how widespread this organism is but it certainly is a problem in the us.

This applies only to freshwater bodies.

[EricNewman]

Drinking Coke doesn't help us much in the usual ways, let alone in this case of swimming.

[diverjohn]

I've never drank coca cola after a swim, but while running the marathon in Greece in 2018 Coca Cola was available at the drink stations along the route. Feeling curious, I grabbed one and spit it out after a couple of swallows. Definitely not recommended for curing runner's cramps or dehydration!

[rohite]

I've never drank coca cola after a swim, but while running the marathon in Greece in 2018 Coca Cola was available at the drink stations along the route. Feeling curious, I grabbed one and spit it out after a couple of swallows. Definitely not recommended for curing runner's cramps or dehydration!

I always get this coca cola craving after running long distance. Simple water just doesn't do it for me. I feel like the body needs electrolytes and minerals, after loosing so many during the run, that I can't get enough of the drink. It definitely doesn't help hydrate, I am just stuck there with my mouth all sticky and sweet.
I have tried water with a bit of lemon juice and some salt but I still get the cravings.