What happens if you drink too much carbonated water?

October 22, 2025 •

5 min read

While carbonated water is often considered a healthy alternative to sugary sodas, drinking too much can lead to unintended consequences for some people. The dissolved carbon dioxide gas, which gives the water its satisfying fizz, is the primary reason for these side effects, which range from digestive issues like bloating to potential dental concerns over time. For most, plain carbonated water is harmless in moderation, but understanding its impact is crucial for those with sensitivities or pre-existing conditions.

Quick Summary

Excessive consumption of carbonated water can cause bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort, especially for individuals with sensitive digestive systems like IBS or GERD. The carbonic acid, while mild, can contribute to dental enamel erosion over time, though it is far less harmful than sugary beverages. Overconsumption may also affect appetite or, rarely, lead to overhydration. The health impact varies greatly depending on individual tolerance and the water's additives.

Key Points

Bloating and Gas: Excess carbon dioxide from carbonated water can accumulate in the stomach, leading to noticeable bloating, burping, and general digestive discomfort.
Dental Enamel Erosion: Due to its mild acidity (pH 3-4), prolonged and frequent consumption of carbonated water can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel over time, though it is far less damaging than sugary drinks.
Aggravation of GI Conditions: Individuals with sensitive digestive systems, such as those with IBS or GERD, may experience worsened symptoms like acid reflux due to the increased pressure from carbonation.
Impact of Additives: The side effects are often worse with flavored carbonated waters, which frequently contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and more acidic flavorings like citric acid.
Listen to Your Body: The amount considered 'too much' varies by person. Paying attention to your body's signals, such as discomfort, bloating, or increased gas, is the best way to determine your own limit.
Balanced Hydration: While carbonated water is as hydrating as still water, those who feel bloated after drinking it might consume less fluid overall. Switching between still and sparkling water can help maintain consistent hydration.

Digestive issues: bloating, gas, and IBS

One of the most immediate and common side effects of drinking too much carbonated water is gastrointestinal distress. The fizzy bubbles in sparkling water are created by dissolving carbon dioxide gas ($CO_2$) into water under pressure. When you drink it, you are ingesting this gas, which can accumulate in your stomach and digestive tract. This accumulation often leads to symptoms such as:

Bloating and Burping: The trapped gas in your stomach can cause a feeling of fullness and distension, often leading to repeated belching as the body tries to expel the excess air.
Stomach Pain and Discomfort: For some people, particularly those with sensitive stomachs, the gas can cause noticeable abdominal pain or general discomfort.
Aggravation of Existing Conditions: Individuals with gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are particularly susceptible. The carbonation can trigger or worsen symptoms by increasing stomach pressure, which may force acid back into the esophagus.
Diarrhea: In some cases, consuming large amounts of carbonated drinks containing artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol, can have a laxative effect, leading to diarrhea.

While some people might find that carbonated water helps with mild indigestion by releasing trapped gas, an excess amount can easily have the opposite effect.

Potential impact on dental enamel

Another significant concern with overconsuming carbonated water is its effect on tooth enamel. While not nearly as damaging as sugary sodas, carbonated water is more acidic than plain still water. The $CO_2$ reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which lowers the pH level to between 3 and 4.

This slight acidity can, over time, lead to enamel erosion, a process that wears down the protective outer layer of your teeth. The risk is elevated under the following circumstances:

Frequent Sipping: Continuously sipping on carbonated water throughout the day exposes your teeth to acid for prolonged periods, increasing the risk of erosion.
Adding Flavors: Plain seltzer is less harmful than flavored versions, which often contain citric acid or other additives that further increase acidity.
Varying Acidity: The exact pH can vary between brands and flavors, with some flavored options dipping lower into the acidic range.

To mitigate this risk, dentists recommend a few simple strategies, such as drinking carbonated water with meals to stimulate saliva flow, using a straw to minimize contact with teeth, and rinsing with plain water afterward.

Effects on appetite and hydration

The impact of carbonated water on your appetite and overall hydration is a topic with mixed evidence, and individual reactions vary. While it is just as hydrating as plain water, some of its effects can influence your intake and feelings of fullness.

On one hand, the bubbles can make you feel full more quickly, potentially suppressing your appetite and reducing calorie intake. This can be a useful tool for weight management. Conversely, for individuals with low appetite, this sense of fullness might deter them from consuming nutrient-dense foods, which is a concern for proper nutrition. There is also some evidence from animal studies suggesting a potential link to increased levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, though this has not been widely confirmed in human research.

As with regular water, excessive intake can lead to overhydration (hyponatremia), though this is very rare in healthy individuals with normal kidney function. It's more of a risk for those with certain health conditions or those participating in extreme endurance sports. Pay attention to signs like frequent urination and very clear urine, which can indicate you are overhydrating.

Special considerations for specific health conditions

For certain individuals, particularly those with pre-existing health issues, moderation is key. The carbonation and potential additives in sparkling water can exacerbate symptoms.

GERD and Acid Reflux: As mentioned, the pressure from gas can worsen acid reflux symptoms. If you experience frequent heartburn, reducing or eliminating carbonated beverages may be beneficial.
Overactive Bladder: Some research suggests a link between carbonated beverage consumption and overactive bladder symptoms, including urinary urgency and frequency.
Kidney Health: Plain carbonated water does not cause kidney stones. The myth stems from dark colas, which contain phosphoric acid. However, some sparkling mineral waters have varying mineral content, and individuals with kidney stone disease should be mindful of these differences, consulting a doctor for personalized advice.

Plain Carbonated Water vs. Flavored Seltzers and Tonic

Understanding the differences between types of carbonated beverages is crucial when assessing the risks of overconsumption. Many side effects are tied to additives rather than just the carbonation.


Feature	Plain Carbonated Water (Seltzer)	Flavored Seltzer	Tonic Water
Ingredients	Water + Carbon Dioxide	Water + $CO_2$ + Natural/Artificial Flavors + Acidic Additives (e.g., Citric Acid)	Water + $CO_2$ + Quinine + Added Sugars or Artificial Sweeteners
Acidity	Slightly Acidic (pH 3-4)	More acidic due to flavorings	Acidic and sweetened
Effect on Teeth	Low risk of enamel erosion in moderation	Higher risk due to increased acidity and sugar	High risk due to sugar and acid
Effect on Weight	No added calories or sugars	Check labels for sugars or artificial sweeteners	High sugar content leads to excess calories
Sodium Content	Typically very low or zero	Varies; some contain added sodium	Can contain significant sodium

Conclusion

For the average, healthy person, drinking carbonated water in moderation poses minimal health risks and is a far healthier alternative to sugary sodas. However, an excessive intake can lead to common side effects like bloating and gas due to the dissolved carbon dioxide. The slight acidity can also contribute to dental enamel erosion over time, especially with frequent sipping and the addition of acidic flavorings.

Those with sensitive digestive systems, such as individuals with IBS or GERD, should be particularly mindful, as excessive carbonation can trigger or worsen their symptoms. Similarly, patients with kidney concerns should be aware of the varying mineral content in different brands of mineral water and consult their doctor. Ultimately, the key is listening to your body and moderating your intake. If you experience discomfort, simply cutting back or switching to still water can provide relief while still maintaining healthy hydration levels.

What happens if you drink too much carbonated water? [Authoritative Outbound Link]

For more detailed information on the health effects of sparkling water, the Cleveland Clinic offers comprehensive insights into the pros and cons of this popular beverage choice.

Cleveland Clinic: Is Sparkling Water Bad for You?

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain, unsweetened carbonated water does not cause weight gain, as it contains no calories or sugar. However, if you drink versions with added sugar or sweeteners, you will be consuming extra calories that can contribute to weight gain over time. The carbonation may also suppress your appetite, which could negatively impact calorie intake for those trying to gain or maintain weight.

There is no evidence that drinking plain carbonated water causes kidney damage or stones in healthy individuals. This myth likely stems from a confusion with sugary dark colas, which contain phosphoric acid linked to certain kidney issues. However, individuals with pre-existing kidney disease or at high risk for kidney stones should consult a doctor, as mineral content can vary.

Yes, flavored sparkling water is generally more acidic than plain seltzer due to added flavorings like citric acid, which increases the risk of tooth enamel erosion. Some flavored versions may also contain added sugars, sodium, or artificial sweeteners, which can lead to additional health concerns.

To minimize the risk of enamel erosion, you can drink carbonated water with a meal to stimulate saliva, use a straw to reduce contact with your teeth, and rinse your mouth with plain water afterwards to neutralize the acid. Limiting frequent, all-day sipping is also recommended.

Yes, for individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a history of acid reflux, the gas from carbonation can increase stomach pressure, causing belching and pushing stomach acid into the esophagus. If you experience frequent heartburn, it may be best to limit your intake.

No, plain carbonated water is just as hydrating as still water. The bubbles do not affect your body's ability to absorb the liquid. In fact, for those who find it more appealing, carbonated water can help increase overall fluid intake, leading to better hydration.

Common signs of overconsumption include persistent bloating, excessive burping, stomach pain, and general digestive discomfort. If you have certain sensitivities, you may notice an increase in acid reflux symptoms or, over time, increased tooth sensitivity.