Heartburn is a painful burning sensation in the chest that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. This happens when the muscle at the end of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), doesn’t close properly.

Common causes of heartburn include eating spicy, oily, or acidic foods, stress, obesity, smoking, and certain medications.

Carbonated water, also known as sparkling water or soda water, is water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. This creates a fizzing sensation and makes the water slightly acidic.

Some people believe that carbonated water can reduce heartburn symptoms, but is there any scientific evidence to support this claim?.

How does carbonated water affect heartburn?

There are several theories about how carbonated water could help reduce heartburn symptoms:.

1. Neutralizes stomach acid

One theory is that the carbonation in sparkling water can neutralize stomach acid. When you drink carbonated water, the bubbles in the water release carbon dioxide gas, which can mix with the acid in your stomach and neutralize it.

This could help reduce the amount of acid that backs up into the esophagus and causes heartburn.

2. Speeds up digestion

Another theory is that the carbonation in sparkling water can speed up digestion.

When you drink carbonated water, the fizzing sensation can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and increase the flow of stomach contents through the digestive system. This could help reduce the amount of time that acid stays in the stomach and the likelihood of it backing up into the esophagus.

3. Increases saliva production

A third theory is that the carbonation in sparkling water can increase saliva production. Saliva is a natural antacid that can help neutralize stomach acid and protect the esophagus from damage.

When you drink carbonated water, the fizzing sensation can cause you to produce more saliva, which could help reduce heartburn symptoms.

What does the research say?

Despite these theories, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the claim that carbonated water can reduce heartburn symptoms.

Most of the research on the topic has been done on carbonated soft drinks, which are high in sugar and can actually worsen heartburn symptoms. However, there are a few studies that have looked specifically at carbonated water:.

1. A 2002 study published in the journal “Digestive Diseases and Sciences” found that carbonated water had no effect on acid reflux symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The study involved 16 patients with GERD who were asked to drink either still water or carbonated water on separate occasions and then undergo esophageal pH monitoring, which measures the amount of acid in the esophagus.

The study found that there was no difference in acid reflux symptoms or esophageal pH between the two groups.

2. A 2017 study published in the journal “Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology” found that carbonated water was not as acidic as other common beverages and may be a better option for people with acid reflux.

The study compared the pH levels of 13 common beverages, including carbonated water, plain water, milk, and various soft drinks.

The study found that carbonated water had a pH of 4.5, which was higher than many of the soft drinks but lower than plain water and milk. The study authors concluded that carbonated water was a less acidic option for people with acid reflux.

3. A 2018 study published in the journal “Nutrients” found that carbonated water was less likely to cause acid reflux symptoms in people with GERD than still water.

The study involved 21 people with GERD who were asked to drink either still water or carbonated water on separate occasions and then complete symptom questionnaires.

The study found that carbonated water was less likely to cause heartburn, regurgitation, and belching than still water. However, the study did not measure stomach acid levels or esophageal pH, so it is unclear whether carbonated water actually reduces acid reflux or simply masks the symptoms.

Conclusion

Overall, there is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that carbonated water can reduce heartburn symptoms.

While some studies have suggested that carbonated water may be a less acidic option than some other beverages, such as soft drinks, and may be less likely to cause acid reflux symptoms than still water in people with GERD, more research is needed to confirm these findings. If you suffer from heartburn, it is best to avoid triggers such as spicy, oily, or acidic foods, and to talk to your doctor about other ways to manage your symptoms.