One of my patients with IBD told me she cut out seltzer because she saw it on a generic list of “Foods to Avoid with IBD”. 🚫
She hadn’t noticed if carbonated water made her symptoms worse, but figured it was an easy thing to skip.
YET… seltzer was her number one source of hydration, so now she’s struggling to stay hydrated and feels no different for cutting it out.
She’s one of many patients wondering about carbonated beverages, especially seltzer 🤔:
- Does seltzer cause inflammation?
- Is it as hydrating as water?
- Will carbonated drinks worsen bloating, gas, or reflux?
- Do they harm teeth or bones?
Here’s what I tell them…
👌 Plain seltzer is (mostly) fine
- Plain or naturally flavored carbonated water isn’t linked to inflammation or IBD flares.
- Some patients find bubbles worsen gas, bloating, or reflux; others tolerate them well or even find them helpful.
- Seltzer can be filling, so patients trying to gain weight or struggling to eat enough may be better without it.
- Plain seltzer is mildly acidic, but it’s much less erosive to teeth than soda or juice. And, there’s no solid evidence it harms bone density, either.
- Seltzer is hydrating, but it shouldn’t be the only source of fluids.
🚫 Not all carbonated drinks are equal
- Drinking soda frequently, whether it’s regular or diet, is associated with greater risk of IBD, inflammation, dysbiosis, and other negative health outcomes.
- Even “sparkling water” can have artificial sweeteners. Example: Sparkling Ice contains sucralose (Splenda), which I steer patients away from.
Bottom line:
Having IBD isn’t a reason by itself to avoid plain or naturally flavored seltzer. If a patient tolerates it well, and it’s not replacing key nutrients, it’s fine.
This is exactly why our patients need us: to personalize what actually works for them, not just follow blanket recommendations.
