It looks healthier than soda, but sparkling water can upset your digestive system if you ignore these details...
It sparkles, refreshes and has always accompanied our meals. Some drink it to "digest better", others shun it for fear of bloating. So, is sparkling water really good or bad for digestion? The answer is more nuanced than you might think. It all depends... on how you drink it and the type of bubbles it contains.
What exactly is sparkling water?
Before we talk about it, a little science (I promise, just a little).
Carbonated water is water to which carbon dioxide (CO₂) has been added or preserved. This gas forms the bubbles we love to feel crackling on the tongue.
➡️ There are two main categories:
- Naturally carbonated waters: the gas comes directly from the source. Examples: French Badoit, Italian San Pellegrino.
- Artificially carbonated waters : CO₂ is injected after bottling (like some table waters or diet sodas).
In both cases, these are the same bubbles, but their effect on the body may differ slightly.
What sparkling water does to your stomach
✔️ Gas stimulates gastric production.
When you drink sparkling water, the bubbles distend the stomach slightly. This little "balloon" activates the secretion of gastric juices - which explains why many people feel lighter after a hearty meal.
➡️ In other words, for some sluggish digestion, a glass of sparkling water can help to get things moving again.
✔️ Encourages belching.
Yes, less glamorous, but true: ingested CO₂ must come out, often in the form of a burp. This relieves abdominal pressure and helps evacuate the air swallowed during the meal.
❌ Conversely, however, in some sensitive individuals (particularly those prone to bloating, gastric reflux or irritable bowel syndrome), bubbles can accentuate discomfort. Too much gas means more volume in the stomach - and therefore more pressure.
Carbonated water and bloating: it's all up to you
It's all a question of personal tolerance.
Some people drink a liter of sparkling water without any problem, while others swell up at the first glass.
✔️ If you're sensitive to stomach bloating:
➡️ Choose water with a low carbonation level, such as Badoit or Quézac.
➡️ Drink it chilled, but not iced: cold water constricts the stomach.
➡️ Avoid drinking it with a meal - prefer a glass before or after.
✔️ If you often have reflux:
CO₂ increases intra-abdominal pressure, which can promote acid reflux. In this case, it's best to choose still or lightly mineralized water.
The myth of "permanent swelling
We often hear that "drinking sparkling water makes your stomach grow". Not true.
➡️ Gas does not make you gain weight : it contains no calories or sugar.
➡️ On the other hand, some people do feel bloated, especially if they drink quickly or in large quantities.
✔️ Tip: pour your water into a glass and let it stand for a minute. Some of the gas escapes naturally, leaving the drink fizzy but softer on the stomach.
What it really does
Beyond its bubbles, sparkling water has nutritional benefits that are often overlooked.
✔️ Some contain natural sodium bicarbonate, which helps neutralize gastric acidity and promotes more comfortable digestion.
✔️ Waters rich in magnesium and calcium (such as certain mineral springs) can help make up for slight deficiencies.
➡️ This is why, after a rich or heavy meal, many people feel a sense of "cleansing" when they drink a glass of sparkling water: it's not just a sensation, it's a little chemical boost.
In a nutshell
✔️ The good news is that sparkling water is not bad for digestion.
In some people, it even stimulates the production of gastric juices and helps you digest faster.
❌ But for others, it can cause bloating and discomfort, especially if it's too carbonated or consumed at high speed!
Adèle Peyches
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