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 constipation, as well as the symptoms of some forms of stomach aches. This is something that I had to learn 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. Suffering was my regular experience; then I started working 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 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 ailment. 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 promote the digestive process. Essentially, this is what I was making with baking soda and water. I discovered no information on which component — the bubbles or the mineral-rich carbonated water — is more effective.
I found some suggestions for stopping these problems before they develop, such as avoiding foods that cause you stomach problems, eating smaller meals, eating much less 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 head off 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.
Tags: digestion, indigestion, Overeating, stomach ache
