Are Fizzy Drinks Good for Your Stomach? An In-Depth Health Analysis

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

With around 30% of people reporting that they regularly experience bloating, many question whether their fizzy drinks are the cause. This article provides a comprehensive look at how these common beverages impact digestion and answers the critical question: are fizzy drinks good for your stomach?

Quick Summary

Fizzy drinks can cause or aggravate digestive issues such as bloating and acid reflux due to excess gas and acidity. High sugar and artificial sweeteners can disrupt gut bacteria and lead to discomfort.

Key Points

Carbonation Causes Bloating: The dissolved gas in fizzy drinks expands in the stomach, leading to uncomfortable bloating and distension.
Acidity Triggers Acid Reflux: The high acidity and pressure from carbonation can push stomach acid into the esophagus, causing heartburn and aggravating conditions like GERD.
Sugar Disrupts Gut Health: High sugar content and artificial sweeteners can imbalance the gut microbiome, impacting digestion and potentially causing diarrhea.
Not a Reliable Remedy for Upset Stomach: While some believe fizzy drinks help with an upset stomach, the effect is inconsistent and often relies on artificial ingredients that can make discomfort worse.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Opting for plain water, herbal teas, or kombucha is a more effective and reliable way to stay hydrated and support healthy digestion.

The Core Issue: Carbonation and Gas

At the heart of every fizzy drink is carbonation—the process of infusing water with carbon dioxide gas. While this is what gives these beverages their characteristic fizz, it is also the primary culprit behind digestive discomfort. When you drink a carbonated beverage, you swallow large amounts of this gas, which then accumulates in your stomach. For many, this leads to immediate symptoms.

The Impact of Carbon Dioxide on Digestion

Bloating and Distension: The gas in fizzy drinks expands in the stomach, creating a swollen, enlarged feeling known as bloating. This can cause a sensation of fullness and discomfort that lasts for hours as your body works to release the trapped gas through belching or flatulence.
Increased Gastric Pressure: The higher pressure in the stomach caused by carbonation can push stomach acid back up into the esophagus, leading to acid reflux and heartburn. For individuals with existing conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), this can significantly aggravate symptoms.
Aggravated Digestive Conditions: While carbonation doesn't cause conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), it can certainly trigger a flare-up. The bloating and gas introduce mechanical stress to a sensitive digestive system, worsening pain and discomfort for those already suffering.

More Than Just Bubbles: The Role of Additives

Beyond the gas, most fizzy drinks are filled with other ingredients that are detrimental to stomach health. The ingredients can vary greatly, but most fall into two categories: sugar-sweetened and artificially-sweetened.

Sugars and Sweeteners

High Fructose Corn Syrup and Sugar: These are a significant source of added calories and have a profound effect on the gut. Excessive sugar consumption can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiota, allowing harmful bacteria to thrive. This imbalance, known as gut dysbiosis, can interfere with digestion and lead to issues like diarrhea.
Artificial Sweeteners: Diet sodas and sugar-free fizzy drinks are not a healthier alternative for the gut. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sorbitol are notorious for their negative impact on the microbiome. Sorbitol, in particular, can have a laxative effect, pulling water into the colon and causing diarrhea and gas.

Acidity and Inflammation

Many fizzy drinks are highly acidic, often containing phosphoric acid, citric acid, or carbonic acid. This high acidity can be a problem, especially when consumed on an empty stomach, as it can overwhelm the stomach's protective lining and contribute to inflammation. The acidic nature can also trigger heartburn and discomfort in sensitive individuals.

The Mixed Evidence: Upset Stomach Relief

The idea of drinking fizzy beverages like ginger ale to soothe an upset stomach is a long-standing folk remedy. The reality is more complex and depends on the individual. For some, the carbonation may help facilitate belching, which releases some of the built-up gas and pressure, providing a temporary sense of relief. However, for others, the bubbles and acidity can make the upset stomach worse. Modern ginger ales also often contain very little real ginger, relying instead on artificial flavorings and high sugar content, both of which can irritate the gut further.

Healthy Alternatives and Better Choices

For those looking to improve their stomach health, there are much better options than traditional fizzy drinks. A simple switch can make a world of difference.

Better for your gut:

Plain Water: The best choice for hydration and digestion. It encourages the passage of waste through the digestive system and helps soften stool, preventing constipation.
Herbal Teas: Chamomile, peppermint, and ginger teas can be naturally soothing to the digestive system and aid in reducing discomfort.
Kombucha: This fermented tea is rich in beneficial probiotics, which can help promote a healthy gut microbiome.
Infused Still Water: Adding fresh fruit or herbs like cucumber and mint to plain water offers flavor without the gas or sugar.

Comparison of Fizzy Drink Types


Feature	Regular Soda	Diet Soda	Flavored Sparkling Water	Plain Water
Causes Bloating?	High	High	Low to Moderate	No
High in Sugar?	Yes	No	Varies (often none)	No
High in Acidity?	High	High	Low	No
Impact on Gut Microbiome?	Negative	Negative	Neutral	Positive
Risk of Acid Reflux?	High	High	Moderate (for some)	No
Effect on Digestion?	Can cause irritation	Can cause irritation/diarrhea	Minimal to neutral	Aids digestion

Conclusion

While a carbonated beverage may seem harmless, the evidence suggests they are generally not good for your stomach, especially when consumed regularly or in large quantities. The combination of dissolved gas, high acidity, and unhealthy additives like sugar and artificial sweeteners can cause bloating, acid reflux, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. For many, the negative effects far outweigh any perceived benefit. Choosing healthier, non-carbonated alternatives like water or herbal tea is the most reliable way to support long-term digestive health and reduce stomach discomfort. For more information on gut health, you can visit the NHS website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fizzy drinks are infused with carbon dioxide gas. When you consume them, you swallow large amounts of this gas, which becomes trapped in your digestive system and creates a feeling of uncomfortable bloating and pressure.

Yes, fizzy drinks can be bad for acid reflux. The carbonation increases pressure in the stomach, which can force stomach acid back up into the esophagus and trigger heartburn or other acid reflux symptoms.

Yes, diet fizzy drinks can upset your stomach. They often contain artificial sweeteners like sorbitol that can have a laxative effect, causing gas, bloating, and diarrhea. These sweeteners can also negatively impact your gut microbiome.

Sparkling water is generally a healthier choice than soda as it lacks sugar and harmful additives. However, the carbonation can still cause bloating and discomfort for people with sensitive stomachs, though it is less acidic than soda.

Long-term effects can include dental erosion from acidity, an imbalanced gut microbiome due to high sugar intake, and a higher risk of persistent digestive issues like acid reflux and inflammation.

While the carbonation in sparkling water has been shown in some small studies to potentially help with constipation, sugary sodas are not recommended. Plain water and high-fiber foods are a much more reliable and healthy solution for constipation.

Better alternatives include plain water, hydrating with herbal teas (like ginger or peppermint), or drinking kombucha, which contains beneficial probiotics for gut health.