Can Carbonated Water Cause Stomach Pain And Make You Fart?
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This post was most recently updated on July 25th, 2023
If you have heard that fizzy water makes you gassy, here is what actually happens when you drink it.
Carbonated mineral water is a good choice for people who want a refreshing drink without added calories. Most people tolerate it well, but drinking a lot of it can leave some people bloated or uncomfortable.
Here are some truth points about carbonated water (sparkling mineral water):
Carbonated mineral water makes you burp more
Many people think that carbonated water mainly makes you fart. In reality, most of the gas comes back up as burps. If you have a digestive problem such as IBS or reflux and fizzy drinks bother you, limit them.
Carbonated water releases carbon dioxide (CO2) gas in your stomach. Burping is how the body lets this gas out through the mouth.
According to the NIDDK, gas you swallow from carbonated drinks that you don't burp out can move into the intestines and pass as gas. So carbonated water can add a little to farting, but it is not the main cause.
Farting is usually caused by bacteria that cause gas in the intestines
Most intestinal gas comes from bacteria in the large intestine. They break down carbohydrates (sugars, starches, and fiber) that the stomach and small intestine did not fully digest, and they make gas in the process.
If you like fizzy drinks, plain carbonated water is a better choice than soda. Many soft drinks contain high-fructose corn syrup, which the NIDDK lists among foods and drinks that may cause excess gas.
How should you drink carbonated mineral water?
Carbonated mineral water is a popular drink for gatherings and parties. It is fine for most people in normal amounts. Plain sparkling water is mildly acidic, and flavored versions with citric acid are more acidic, so frequent all-day sipping of acidic drinks can wear tooth enamel over time.
To reduce gas, drink it slowly and in smaller amounts. Skip the straw and avoid gulping, since both make you swallow more air.
If you do not have digestive problems, sparkling mineral water is a better choice than soft drinks or alcohol. You can add strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, oranges, or lemon for flavor.
It can help you cut calories if it replaces sugary drinks, but it does not "detox" the body or burn fat on its own.
So for most healthy people, sparkling water is not a major cause of farting. If it gives you pain or bloating, cut back, and see a doctor if stomach pain is severe or keeps coming back.
