Sparkling water can temporarily relieve stomach ache by promoting gastric emptying, but it may worsen bloating or acid reflux in some people. The carbonation in sparkling water causes the stomach to stretch, which can trigger the release of digestive enzymes and speed up digestion.
When you drink sparkling water, the carbon dioxide forms bubbles that increase pressure in your stomach. This stretching sends signals to your brain to produce more digestive enzymes, like gastrin and cholecystokinin, which help move food through your digestive system faster.
A 2012 study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that carbonated water increased the rate of gastric emptying by about 1.5 times compared to still water. This effect can be beneficial for people experiencing mild stomach discomfort or indigestion.
Sparkling water comes in different forms, each with varying levels of carbonation and additives:
| Type | Carbonation Source | Additives |
|---|---|---|
| Naturally carbonated | Natural springs | None |
| Artificially carbonated | Forced CO2 injection | May contain minerals or sweeteners |
| Flavored sparkling water | Forced CO2 injection | Fruit extracts, sweeteners, or artificial flavors |
Plain sparkling water without added sugars or artificial sweeteners is the safest choice for stomach aches. Flavored varieties may contain ingredients that irritate the stomach lining or worsen discomfort.
Sparkling water can be helpful for mild stomach aches caused by slow digestion or constipation. The increased gastric emptying can alleviate feelings of fullness and bloating. However, it may worsen symptoms in people with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs.
If you have acid reflux, the carbonation can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. This can cause heartburn or worsening stomach pain.
Many people believe that sparkling water is bad for digestion because of its carbonation. However, research suggests that it can actually aid digestion in some cases. The key is moderation and choosing the right type of sparkling water.
Another misconception is that all sparkling waters are the same. As shown in the table above, different types of sparkling water have varying levels of carbonation and additives, which can affect their impact on digestion.
I once had a mild stomach ache after eating a heavy meal. I drank a glass of plain sparkling water and noticed that my discomfort eased within 15 minutes. The carbonation helped move the food through my digestive system faster, providing relief. However, I avoided flavored sparkling water, as the added ingredients could have irritated my stomach further.