Carbonated water, including seltzer and club soda, is water infused with carbon dioxide gas, creating its characteristic fizz. When nauseous, many people instinctively reach for a bubbly beverage, believing the effervescence will settle the stomach. This common practice requires investigating the physical effects of carbonated water to determine if it genuinely offers relief from sickness.
The Role of Carbonation in the Stomach
The effect of carbonated water begins immediately upon reaching the stomach. Carbonation is achieved by dissolving carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)) under pressure into the liquid. Once the liquid enters the warmer stomach environment, the dissolved \(\text{CO}_2\) quickly converts back into a gas.
This rapid gas production leads to an accumulation of air inside the stomach cavity. The resulting buildup increases internal pressure and causes temporary distention of the stomach wall. This increased pressure is the basis for the potential relief mechanism.
Direct Effects on Nausea Relief
The primary way carbonated water may alleviate nausea is through gastric venting, or burping. The pressure created by the expanding carbon dioxide gas triggers the release of trapped air from the stomach. This expulsion of gas reduces stomach pressure and eases feelings of fullness or bloating, which often contribute to nausea.
The drink’s sensory input can also be soothing. The cool temperature and mild effervescence may create a distracting effect on the esophagus and stomach lining. Carbonation may also subtly stimulate gastric motility, the movement of contents through the digestive tract. This quicker transit time can reduce prolonged discomfort. Plain carbonated water is preferable to sugary fizzy drinks, as high sugar content can slow gastric emptying, potentially worsening sickness.
Important Considerations and Side Effects
While the burping mechanism is helpful, the increased gas volume from carbonation can also lead to negative effects, particularly for sensitive individuals. The pressure caused by the expanding gas may aggravate existing conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn. In these cases, the pressure can push stomach acid back up into the esophagus, intensifying the burning sensation.
The consumption of carbonated water may also increase general bloating and abdominal distension, which is counterproductive when trying to settle a queasy stomach. For those with a sensitive digestive tract, sipping slowly may mitigate some side effects, but complete avoidance might be necessary. Simple alternatives like slowly sipping plain, still water or clear, non-caffeinated broths are often recommended for severe nausea. These alternatives ensure hydration without the risk of gas buildup.