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

Carbonated water eases the symptoms of some forms of stomach complaints, as well as easing constipation. Unfortunately, this is something that I had to learn the hard way (the usual way I learn all my lessons).

The main symptom of stomach problems that I have is feeling bloated or fullness in the upper abdominal region after overeating — something I do a lot. Suffering was my typical experience; 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 markedly better.

As a result, I did some studying 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 each and every pain, or ache, 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 problems 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 baking soda and water. I discovered no information on whether the mineral-rich carbonated water or the bubbles are 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, reduce eating a lot of fat, and if you smoke, stop 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. 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. By making this homemade drink with water rich in minerals, you have produced 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.