Get Rid of Your Stomachache
Tuesday, April 7th, 2009Who has not had an unpleasant experience with overeating? These stomach aches, and other digestion problems, are something we all want to avoid. But, if we cannot prevent it, we will welcome anything that offers fast relief!
Some forms of stomach aches, as well as constipation, can be eased by carbonated water. Unfortunately, this is something that I had to learn the hard way (the usual way I learn all my lessons).
My main symptom of stomach problems is feeling bloated or fullness in the upper abdominal region after overeating; overeating is something I do a lot. I normally just suffered; then I went to work for a man who would always take water and baking soda whenever he had these symptoms. One day, feeling really miserable, I tried his remedy; soon, I felt noticeably better.
Consequently, I wanted to learn why this works so well. This was long before antacid medications were sold over the counter (OTC) and long before people became accustomed to run to the doctor with every ache, pain or stomach ailment. Basically, adding baking soda with water produces carbon dioxide gas with bubbles; somehow the bubbles and the ingredients form a solution that aids the movement of the digestive tract, relieving some of the symptoms from overeating – that bloated feeling goes away.
This adding baking soda and water actually forms carbonated water which has been used for years to treat digestive complaints, yet no research exists if it is effective or how it works. I found some information about studies showing that both the bubbles of carbon dioxide and the presence of high minerals can stimulate the digestive process. This, basically, is what I was making with water and baking soda. I discovered no information on whether it is the bubbles or the mineral-rich carbonated water that is the more effective component.
I found some suggestions for preventing these problems before they develop, such as: reduce eating a lot of fat; avoiding foods that cause your stomach problems; eating smaller meals; and if you smoke, stopping as soon as possible. Everyone should drink a healthy amount of fluids to maintain movement of the Gastrointestinal tract and prevent constipation.
I read about some devices to make homemade carbonated water, which you can use for drinking. By adding a number of flavors, this seems to be a great option for drinks instead of regular soda pop, especially if you want to avoid the calories. By making this homemade drink with water rich in minerals, you have made available a very healthy and low calorie drink, called sparkling water, which is good for your whole family. A large assortment of calorie free flavors to flavor sparkling water to great taste is sold at allfreight.com.
What I know from personal experience is this: when you have overeaten but must work for the rest of the day, and feel absolutely miserable, carbonated water does help.