To Your Health: Carbonated Water

Some forms of stomach aches, as well as constipation, can be eased by carbonated water. I learned this the hard way; unfortunately, this is usually how my lessons are learned.

The main symptom of stomach problems that I have is feeling bloated or fullness in the upper abdominal region after overeating; admittedly, overeating is something I do a lot. Suffering was my typical experience; then I started working for a man who would always take water and baking soda whenever he had these symptoms. One day, really miserable, I tried his remedy; after a short while, I felt noticeably better.

As a result, I did some studying to learn why this works so well. This was long before antacid medications were sold over the counter (OTC) and also long before people could run to the doctor with every stomach problem, ache, or pain. Basically adding baking soda with water produces carbon dioxide gas with bubbles and somehow the bubbles and the ingredients form a solution that aids the movement of the digestive tract, relieving some of the problems from overeating – that bloated feeling goes away.

This adding baking soda and water actually forms which has been used for years to treat digestive complaints, yet no research exists if it is effective or how it works. I did find some information about studies showing that both the bubbles of carbon dioxide and the presence of high minerals can make a positive difference to the digestive process. This, essentially , is what I was making with water and baking soda. There was no other information on which component — the mineral-rich carbonated water or the bubbles — is more effective.

I found some suggestions for stopping these problems before they develop, such as: eating smaller meals; reduce eating a lot of fat; avoiding foods that cause your stomach problems; and if you smoke, stopping as soon as possible. Also everyone should drink a healthy amount of fluids to maintain movement of your GI tract and reduce the chance of constipation.

I read about some devices to make homemade carbonated water, which you can use for drinking. Add a number of flavors to carbonated water to create options to regular soda pop; this is especially great if you want to avoid the calories. If you make this homemade drink with water rich in minerals, you have made a very healthy and low calorie drink, called sparkling water, which is good for your whole family. A large assortment of calorie free flavors to flavor sparkling water to great taste is sold at allfreight.com.

Here is what I do know from personal experience: when you have overeaten but must work for the rest of the day, and feel absolutely miserable, carbonated water does help.