Pier 5 Condo

Who among us has not had an unpleasant experience with overeating? Stomach aches, and other digestion problems, are something we all want to avoid. But, failing to prevent such problems, we will welcome anything that offers fast relief!

Carbonated water eases the symptoms of some forms of stomach complaints, as well as easing constipation. I learned this the hard way, which, unfortunately, is usually how my lessons are learned.

The main symptom of stomach problems that I have is feeling bloated from fullness in the upper abdominal region after overeating — something I do a lot. Normally, I 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, really miserable, I tried his remedy; after a short while, I felt noticeably better. 

So, 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 ache, or stomach ailment, 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 difficulties 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 discovered studies showing that both the bubbles of carbon dioxide and the presence of high minerals can stimulate the digestive process. This, basically, is what I was making with baking soda and water. There was no other information on whether it is the bubbles or the mineral-rich carbonated water that is the more effective component.

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

I read about some devices to make homemade carbonated water, which you can use for drinking. Adding a number of flavors creates an option to regular soda pop, which is especially great if you want to avoid the calories. If you make 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.

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.