Do carbonated beverages expand your stomach?

Carbonated beverages may cause a temporary distension of a person’s stomach, says For Dummies, though sodas can create long-term issues. Seltzer water, for example, may cause bloating one to three hours after drinking it.

For Dummies explains that drinking soda can cause expansion of the stomach because of the sugar in the drink as well as the carbonation. Even diet sodas can cause bloating because of the artificial sweeteners they contain, which can trigger inflammation.

For people who enjoy carbonated beverages but not the bloat and health problems, For Dummies says the best bet is to limit intake to one drink a day of sparkling water, plain or flavored, and without artificial sweeteners.