BKC Solutions Corner

Carbonated water eases the symptoms of some forms of stomach ailments as well as easing constipation. This is something that I had to learn the hard way which is usually how I learn all my lessons.

The main symptom of stomach problems that I have is feeling bloated from fullness in the upper abdominal region after overeating and overeating is something I do a lot. Normally, I just suffered; 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 noticeably better.

Naturally, 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, pain or stomach problem. 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 misery 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 help the digestive process. Basically, this is what I was making with water and baking soda. I discovered no information on which component — the mineral-rich carbonated water or the bubbles — is more effective.

I found some suggestions for preventing these problems before they develop, such as: reduce eating a lot of fat; avoiding foods that cause your stomach problems; eating smaller meals; 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 head off constipation.

I read about some devices to make homemade carbonated water, which you can use for drinking. Adding a number of flavors to carbonated water 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 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 at work for the rest of the day and are absolutely miserable.