Who among us has not had an unpleasant experience with overeating? This kind of stomach ache, and other digestion problems, is something we do not enjoy. But, if we cannot prevent such problems, we will welcome anything that offers fast relief!

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

My main symptom of stomach problems is feeling bloated from fullness in the upper abdominal region after overeating — something I do a lot. I normally just suffered; 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 markedly better. 

Consequently, I wanted to learn why this works so well. This was long before antacid medications were sold over the counter (OTC) and long before people became accustomed to run to the doctor with every ache, 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 assist the digestive process. Basically, this is what I was making with water and baking soda. I discovered no 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. Also everyone should drink a healthy amount of fluids to maintain movement of your GI tract and stop 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. 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.

My personal experience proves this: if you have overeaten but feel absolutely miserable and must work for the rest of the day, carbonated water does help.