Who among us has not had an unpleasant experience with overeating? These kinds of stomach aches, and other digestion problems, are something we do not enjoy. But, if we cannot prevent such problems, we will welcome anything that offers fast relief!
Carbonated water eases constipation, as well as the symptoms of some forms of stomach aches. I learned this the hard way; unfortunately, this is usually how my lessons are learned.
My main symptom of stomach problems is feeling bloated or fullness in the upper abdominal region after overeating; overeating is something I do a lot. I normally just suffered; then I went to work for a man who would always take water and baking soda whenever he had these symptoms. One day, I was really miserable, so I tried his remedy; after a short while, I felt much, much better.
Consequently, I did some research 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 little ache, or pain, or stomach problem. Basically, adding baking soda with water produces carbon dioxide gas with bubbles; somehow the bubbles and the ingredients form a solution that aids the movement of the digestive tract, relieving some of the symptoms from overeating – that bloated feeling goes away.
This adding baking soda and water actually forms carbonated water 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 improve the digestive process. This, basically, is what I was making with water and baking soda. There was no other information on whether it is the mineral-rich carbonate water or the bubbles that are 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. By adding a number of flavors, a great option to regular soda pop is created, especially if you want to avoid the calories. By making this homemade drink with water rich in minerals, you have made available 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.
But, the information that I do know from personal experience is that carbonated water does help when you have overeaten and are absolutely miserable and are at work for the rest of the day.