3 Reasons Your Stomach Is Sensitive to Carbonated Drinks

Fizzy beverages are satisfying to sip but, for those who are sensitive to carbonated drinks, they can cause more discomfort than they’re worth.

Sparkling beverages can cause digestive issues like stomach pain, bloating, and gas because they contain — you guessed it — gas.

“Carbonation, which adds a unique flavor and texture to beverages, is the process of trapping and dissolving the gas CO2 [carbon dioxide] in water,” says Amanda Blake, RDN, a nutritionist with Pacific Nutrition Partners in Los Angeles.

And carbonation is not the only reason you might be experiencing discomfort following a fizzy drink. Here are three reasons, according to experts.

1. It Can Fill Your Stomach With Gas

Think of swallowing a fizzy drink like swallowing a big gulp of only air. They’re more similar than you might think.

“Swallowing a carbonated beverage introduces air into the stomach, similar to eating too fast or drinking too rapidly,” says Blake. This can translate to stomach pain after drinking carbonated beverages.

“For some people, this can be extremely distressing and lead to discomfort,” says William J. Bulsiewicz, MD, a gastroenterologist in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and author of the book ‌Fiber Fueled.‌

It could take hours to pass the gas from carbonated water. “Flatulence usually occurs in less than 24 hours, but you will belch almost immediately after consuming carbonated water,” he says.

But according to Blake, gas (in this case, carbonation) does help digestion so, for some people, there are no side effects of drinking carbonated beverages. It can ease constipation and improve swallowing, both of which support healthy digestion.

“Individuals may react differently to carbonation,” Blake says. “Some may feel bloated and distended, others may not notice any difference or [may] release excess gas in the form of a harmless belch. Some may experience a feeling of fullness with a carbonated beverage, while it may drive the hunger of others.”

2. It May Contain Irritating Additives

Some carbonated beverages contain added sugars and caffeine, which adds to their potential negative health effects, Dr. Bulsiewicz says.

“Some people with [irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)] will have aggravation of their condition if they consume caffeine, and it will give them diarrhea,” he says. This can also be especially irritating if you drink the carbonated beverage during exercise.

“If you overdo it on sugar, you are going to get diarrhea,” Bulsiewicz says.

Diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners, which is why they are so low in calories, but they may also bring on stomach issues.

“Artificial sweeteners can cause a laxative effect,” he says. “They pull water into your colon and help to mobilize stool, which can lead to the runs.” This is especially true of the artificial sweetener sorbitol.

If you’re sensitive to carbonated drinks that contain any of these ingredients, it might be best to stick to drinks with natural flavorings or no additives at all.

3. It Can Aggravate Digestive Conditions

Although studies have not linked carbonated beverages to chronic health issues like IBS or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), those living with these and other conditions may find that drinking a lot of carbonated drinks makes their symptoms worse and causes more pain.

“It won’t cause IBS,” Bulsiewicz says‌.‌ “But if you are someone who is sensitive to carbonated beverages and you have IBS, the bloating and gas may cause a flare.”

“The acidity level and carbonation may aggravate [GERD] symptoms for some,” says Cassie Berger, RDN, a nutritionist with Pacific Nutrition Partners. “It’s best for individuals to assess their own tolerance levels and modify intake if needed.” She recommends diluting a fizzy drink with juice or coconut water to lessen the nausea effect.

“The bottom line,” Blake says, “is avoid carbonation if it causes you discomfort.”

The Takeaway

• The dissolved carbon dioxide in fizzy drinks fills your stomach with gas, causing bloating, fullness, and discomfort for many.
• Ingredients like added sugars, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners commonly found in carbonated beverages can further upset digestion and lead to issues like diarrhea.
• While carbonation doesn’t cause digestive conditions like IBS or GERD, it can significantly aggravate symptoms for those already living with these conditions.