IBS sufferers may want to stay away from hard mineral water, which could affect gut health and worsen symptoms, nutrition experts have warned.
Carbonation in drinks can cause bloating and gas, which can lead to flare-ups of irritable bowel syndrome that cause pain, constipation and diarrhea, according to Texas-based gastroenterologist Dr. Kenneth Brown.
The intestine expert expressed concern about the phenomenon in a new report about the harm of popular drinks to intestinal health.
It said sparkling water in drinks, which are often considered “healthy” alternatives to wine and beer, can have “negative effects on gut health, depending on individual sensitivity and the type of sparkling water consumed.”
This is because, Dr. Brown explains, just as carbonation creates bubbles in water, it can produce a similar effervescent effect in the gastrointestinal system.
Between 25 and 45 million people in the United States suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS.
IBS disproportionately affects women. Researchers believe it is due to a combination of fluctuating hormone levels and more sensitive intestines compared to men.
IBS is thought to affect up to 45 million Americans, the majority of whom are women. The condition is characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and irregular bowel movements.
The condition causes a variety of symptoms including bloating, pain, constipation and diarrhea.
According to New York City-based gastroenterologist Dr. Elena Ivanina, drinking carbonated drinks does not cause IBS, but it certainly can cause bloating and gas.
She said I live strong: “It makes sense because you’re literally drinking gas bubbles.”
However, many people opt for low-alcohol carbonated drinks, such as hard seltzer, under the impression that they have fewer calories and sugars than wine, beer, and mixer liquors.
Irritable bowel syndrome is not completely understood, but it is related to hypersensitivity of the nerves in the gastrointestinal tract, which communicate with the nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
This could explain why many cases of IBS are related to stress.
The problem could be due to a slower rate at which food moves through the digestive tract, causing changes in bowel movements and alterations in the balance of bacteria in the gas.
Gas in the digestive tract from carbonated and alcoholic drinks can be painful and cause uncomfortable bloating. If seltzers are flavored, they could especially irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Meanwhile, alcohol in hard seltzer can further irritate the intestine and cause contractions, leading to pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
Gas in the digestive tract from carbonated and alcoholic drinks can be painful and cause uncomfortable bloating. Alcoholic seltzers, often chosen as a “healthy” alternative to other drinks, can irritate the intestine and cause contractions, leading to pain, bloating and diarrhea.
Experts advise that people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should also stay away.
The condition causes stomach acid to rise to the throat, creating a burning sensation.
Those with the problem have a weakened sphincter muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that allows stomach contents to back up, causing heartburn.
Carbon dioxide bubbles in carbonated water can cause the stomach to enlarge and put pressure on the sphincter. Pressure can increase the chance of acid reflux.
Interestingly, experts say that some patients claim that the drink has helped relieve some of their digestive problems.
Dr Brown said: “For many, carbonated water can help the digestive process and relieve symptoms such as gas and bloating by stimulating belching, which relieves pressure.”
“It can also improve hydration and benefit overall gut health, especially for those who struggle to drink enough plain water.”
The key when choosing a drink is to pay attention to how you feel when you drink it and record this for later, cutting back on mineral water if you find that it makes you feel sick. In short, listen to your gut.