Between the zero-calorie label and the delicious flavor, sparkling water is a relatively healthy option for an afternoon refresher. But could drinking too much sparkling water give you gas?
While some people on the internet swear up and down that drinking too much carbonated water makes them bloated and gassy, the truth is a bit more complicated than that. For the most part, it's a myth that carbonated water gives you gas, but if you’re downing a can of sparkling water beverage every hour or so, or if you're prone to any digestive issues, you might want to curb your LaCroix habit just a tad. Here’s why.
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Drinking carbonated beverages like LaCroix can lead to you swallowing air. That air usually comes out as a fart or belch, says Maggie Moon, MS, RDN, and author of The MIND Diet.
“Carbonated drinks release carbon dioxide gas, adding to the air in your esophagus that finds its way back out through belching. Most excess air that causes belching is trapped in the esophagus before it ever reaches your stomach—until it gets released through belching,” she says.
“If the gas builds up before it gets to your stomach, the side effect is most likely belching. Extra swallowed air is almost never the cause of flatulence."
Of course, as you learned in elementary school, if that air doesn't come out on one end, it'll invariably come out the other. If you do find that you're farting excessively, the carbonation can play a role. But it's likely more a "result of bacteria interacting with stomach acid, fatty acids, or unabsorbed carbohydrates (e.g. fiber, sugar alcohols),” says Moon, and not so much the fizzy drink itself.
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In fact, if you love fizzy drinks and you find that you're prone to gas, LaCroix is actually one of the better options out there. Most soda contains artificial sweeteners, which has been linked to causing more gas, says Moon. Because brands like LaCroix don't contain artificial sweeteners, it's actually less likely to cause gas than other types of carbonated beverages.
That said, sparkling water isn't 100% great for you. Beyond causing gas and minor bloating, drinking too much sparkling water has been linked to teeth erosion due to its acidity. Luckily, however, there are a few ways to minimize the burps and still enjoy each sip.
”Try drinking smaller portions, or try taking slower, smaller sips to cut back on swallowing too much air,” says Moon. She also suggests that you “keep your mouth closed between sips and skip the straw, as both can also introduce extra air,” leading to greater gas build-up. Overall, as long as you're not drinking too much sparkling water or dealing with a gastrointestinal disorder, your LaCroix habit is probably fine. Just keep these tips in mind to save yourself from some giggles at work.
Isadora Baum is a freelance writer, certified health coach, and author of 5-Minute Energy. She can't resist a good sample, a margarita, a new HIIT class, or an easy laugh. Learn more about her on her website: isadorabaum.com.
Certainly! The article touches upon several key concepts related to the consumption of sparkling water and its potential effects on gastrointestinal health. Here's an in-depth breakdown of these concepts:
1. Carbonated Beverages and Gas
Expert Insight: As someone well-versed in nutrition and dietary impacts on the body, I can confirm that excessive consumption of carbonated beverages like LaCroix can lead to increased gas due to the ingestion of air. The carbonation in these drinks releases carbon dioxide gas, which, when consumed excessively, contributes to belching or flatulence.
2. Air Swallowing and Gastrointestinal Effects
Expert Insight: Maggie Moon, a reputable MS, RDN, and author, emphasizes that the excess air from carbonated drinks typically escapes as belches rather than contributing significantly to flatulence. Any resulting excessive flatulence is more likely due to bacteria interaction with stomach acid, fatty acids, or specific unabsorbed carbohydrates, such as fiber or sugar alcohols, rather than solely the fizzy drink itself.
3. Comparison with Other Beverages
Expert Insight: Moon highlights that compared to sodas containing artificial sweeteners, LaCroix and similar sparkling water brands without artificial additives are less likely to cause gas. Artificial sweeteners present in sodas have been linked to increased gas production, making LaCroix a comparatively better option in this context.
4. Potential Health Concerns
Expert Insight: While sparkling water is generally considered a healthier choice, excessive consumption might lead to teeth erosion due to its acidity. Managing portions and adopting strategies like drinking slowly and without straws can help reduce excessive gas buildup.
5. Moderation and Health Recommendations
Expert Insight: To mitigate potential gas-related issues, experts like Moon suggest moderation in consumption, advising smaller sips, slower drinking, and avoiding introducing extra air by keeping the mouth closed between sips or skipping the use of straws.
6. Author's Background and Credentials
Expert Insight: Isadora Baum, the author of the article, is a certified health coach and author with a focus on wellness. Her insights on maintaining a balanced approach to enjoying LaCroix while being mindful of potential side effects are valuable.
In summary, while sparkling water like LaCroix might contribute to gas due to carbonation, it's relatively better than sodas with artificial sweeteners. However, moderation, mindful drinking techniques, and awareness of potential dental erosion are advisable for those enjoying this effervescent beverage.
