Experts agree that sparkling water is generally safe to drink but could impact gut health depending on the consumer and their choice of beverage. Symptoms like bloating and exacerbation of conditions such as IBS or GERD could result from carbonation in seltzer. Additives like sugar or artificial sweeteners could also contribute to these symptoms, so choosing a seltzer that is purely carbonated water is essential.
Flavorings in sparkling water can disrupt the gut microbiome, aggravating uncomfortable symptoms in individuals with conditions like IBS, Crohn’s disease, colitis, or SIBO. While sparkling water has the potential to cause reflux symptoms, gas, or bloating in anyone, most people do not experience these symptoms when drinking it. Paradoxically, some individuals may find digestive relief by drinking sparkling water, as it can help the digestive process, encourage burping, relieve pressure, enhance hydration, and benefit overall gut health.
There is no unsafe amount of carbonated water consumption, but negative symptoms could indicate a need to decrease consumption or stop drinking it altogether. It is important to listen to your body and monitor for any unpleasant symptoms when drinking carbonated water. If well tolerated, carbonated water can be a health-conscious substitute for less healthy beverages like soda or sweetened tea, which can have negative effects on the GI tract and overall health.
Overall, sparkling water can trigger symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea in some individuals, particularly those with pre-existing conditions like IBS or GERD. Additives in seltzer can also contribute to these symptoms, making it crucial to choose a seltzer that contains only carbonated water. While most people do not experience negative symptoms when drinking sparkling water, those who do may need to decrease consumption or avoid it altogether to alleviate discomfort.
Despite the potential negative impacts of sparkling water on gut health, it can also provide digestive relief for some individuals, encouraging burping, relieving pressure, enhancing hydration, and benefiting overall gut health. Sparkling water can be a healthier alternative to other beverages like soda, alcoholic beverages, or juices that can have deleterious effects on the GI tract and overall health. It is important to monitor how your body responds to carbonated water and adjust consumption accordingly to maintain gut health.
