Indigestion and Your Carbonated Drink Habit: Is It Really Okay?

Hello, this is Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic.

When you eat fatty foods and feel bloated or heavy in your stomach, there's something you often reach for out of habit. That's 'carbonated drinks'. After taking a sip of that fizzy carbonation and letting out a refreshing 'burp,' it often feels like your congested stomach 'opens up.' You've probably thought to yourself, "Carbonation is definitely the best for digestion!" at least once.

But, this refreshing feeling. Is it truly a sign that our body is digesting well?

Or is it merely a pleasant 'misconception'?

What Happens When Carbonated Drinks Enter Our Bodies

To put it simply, the idea that carbonated drinks aid digestion is unfortunately not true. In fact, over the long term, they can put a strain on our digestive system.

First, The True Nature of That 'Opening Up' Burp

The burps we experience are not actually gas produced from food digestion, but rather 'carbon dioxide gas' that was originally in the beverage, exiting the body. It's like shaking an empty bottle to release the gas. While you might feel a temporary sense of relief as the pressure in your stomach decreases, it has no direct connection to promoting food digestion.

Second, They Loosen the Gate Between the Stomach and Esophagus.

A bigger problem is that carbon dioxide gas loosens the 'gate (lower esophageal sphincter)' located between the stomach and the esophagus. When this gate becomes loose, strong stomach acid can easily reflux into the esophagus. This is precisely 'reflux esophagitis'. In fact, according to one study, the habit of frequently drinking carbonated beverages can increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) [1]. What you intend to do to ease your stomach can actually worsen heartburn and the sensation of a lump in your throat.

Third, They Introduce 'Cold Energy' to the Stomach and Intestines.

In Korean medicine, digestion is likened to lighting a fire in a warm hearth. There needs to be warm energy, known as 'Yang Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Biwi Yanggi)', for food to be properly broken down and absorbed. However, cold carbonated drinks are like pouring cold water into this hearth. This extinguishes the warm energy of the stomach and intestines, ultimately weakening digestive function.

If You Want 'True' Digestive Comfort

So, what are some healthy ways to soothe a bloated stomach? Now, instead of carbonated drinks in your refrigerator, discover friends that help warm your body. The best option is 'warm water'. Simply sipping a glass of warm water slowly can gently relax your stomach and intestines, aid blood circulation, and significantly help digestion.

How about a cup of 'warm plum tea'? The abundant organic acids in plums are known to stimulate the secretion of digestive fluids and support gastrointestinal function. The sweet and sour taste is an added bonus that whets your appetite. If you frequently suffer from indigestion, 'ginger' can also be a good friend. Ginger's warm nature can comfortably warm your stomach and aid gastrointestinal motility, helping to alleviate bloating.

What's More Important Than Momentary Refreshment

The temporary relief offered by that fizzy refreshment can sometimes be the beginning of greater discomfort. What your body truly desires might not be artificial stimulation, but rather warm, comfortable 'true rest'.

From today, when you feel discomfort in your stomach, instead of a carbonated drink, how about listening to what your body tells you while sipping a warm cup of tea? That small habit alone could gift healthy peace to your digestive system.

References

[1] Johnson, T., Gerson, L., Hershcovici, T., Stave, C., & Fass, R. (2010). Systematic review: the effects of carbonated beverages on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 31(6), 607-614.