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Loading... Feb 15, 2022 · “Drinking sparkling water may lead to experiencing a short-term, immediate increase in satiety, or fullness,” Sullivan says. Some studies show that carbonated water keeps you feeling fuller for longer — and may even keep food in your stomach for longer than regular water.
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Why should you drink sparkling water?
Is sparkling water healthy?
Can you drink sparkling water all day?
Feb 14, 2023 · Sparkling Water Benefits. If you struggle to drink regular water, sparkling water may be a good alternative. Benefits include: Hydration. Sparkling water is just as hydrating as still water.
Nov 5, 2023 · Drinking sparkling water may cause uncomfortable gas and bloating in some people, especially when a straw is used to drink it. This is not true for everyone. Some people find that sparkling water helps improve digestion and reduce indigestion. Carbonated water may aggravate acid reflux.
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- Overview
- What is carbonated water?
- Carbonated water is acidic
- Does it affect dental health?
- Does it affect digestion?
- Does carbonated water affect bone health?
- Does it affect heart health?
- The bottom line
Many people question if this beverage may have a negative impact on your dental, digestive, or bone health. However, it’s often considered to be a healthy way to stay hydrated.
Carbonated water is a refreshing beverage and good alternative to sugary soft drinks.
However, some people are concerned that it may be bad for your health.
This article takes a detailed look at the health effects of carbonated water.
Carbonated water is water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure.
This produces a bubbly drink that’s also known as sparkling water, club soda, soda water, seltzer water, and fizzy water.
Apart from seltzer water, carbonated waters usually have salt added to improve their taste. Sometimes small amounts of other minerals are included.
Natural sparkling mineral waters, such as Perrier and San Pellegrino, are different.
These waters are captured from a mineral spring and tend to contain minerals and sulfur compounds. They are often carbonated as well.
Tonic water is a form of carbonated water that contains a bitter compound called quinine, along with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.
Carbon dioxide and water react chemically to produce carbonic acid, a weak acid that’s been shown to stimulate the same nerve receptors in your mouth as mustard.
This triggers a burning, prickly sensation that can be both irritating and enjoyable (1, 2).
The pH of carbonated water is 3–4, which means it’s slightly acidic.
However, drinking an acidic beverage like carbonated water does not make your body more acidic.
Your kidneys and lungs remove excess carbon dioxide. This keeps your blood at a slightly alkaline pH of 7.35–7.45 regardless of what you eat or drink.
Summary
One of the biggest concerns about sparkling water is its effect on teeth, as your enamel is directly exposed to acid.
There is very little research on this topic, but one study found that sparkling mineral water damaged enamel only slightly more than still water. Furthermore, mineral water was 100 times less damaging than a sugary soft drink (3).
In one study, carbonated beverages showed strong potential to destroy enamel — but only if they contained sugar.
In fact, a non-carbonated sweet beverage (Gatorade) was more harmful than a carbonated sugar-free drink (Diet Coke) (4).
Another study placed samples of tooth enamel in various beverages for up to 24 hours. The sugar-sweetened carbonated and non-carbonated beverages resulted in significantly greater enamel loss than their diet counterparts (5).
A review of several studies found that the combination of sugar and carbonation may lead to severe dental decay (6).
Can improve swallowing ability
Studies suggest that sparkling water may improve swallowing ability in both young and older adults (8, 9, 10). In one study, 16 healthy people were asked to repeatedly swallow different liquids. Carbonated water showed the strongest ability to stimulate the nerves responsible for swallowing (9). Another study showed that the combination of cold temperature and carbonation strengthened these beneficial effects (10). In a study in 72 people who felt a persistent need to clear their throats, drinking ice-cold carbonated water led to improvements in 63% of participants. Those with the most frequent, severe symptoms experienced the greatest relief (11).
May increase feelings of fullness
Carbonated water may also extend feelings of fullness after meals to a greater extent than plain water. Sparkling water may help food remain in your stomach longer, which can trigger a greater sensation of fullness (12). In a controlled study in 19 healthy young women, fullness scores were higher after the participants drank 8 ounces (250 ml) of soda water, compared with after drinking still water (13). However, larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
May help relieve constipation
People who experience constipation may find that drinking sparkling water helps relieve their symptoms. In a 2-week study in 40 older individuals who had experienced a stroke, average bowel movement frequency nearly doubled in the group that drank carbonated water, compared with the group that drank tap water. What’s more, participants reported a 58% decrease in constipation symptoms (14). There’s also evidence that sparkling water may improve other symptoms of indigestion, including stomach pain. One controlled study examined 21 people with chronic digestive issues. After 15 days, those who drank carbonated water experienced significant improvements in digestive symptoms, constipation, and gallbladder emptying (15). Summary Carbonated water has benefits for digestion. It may improve swallowing, increase feelings of fullness, and reduce constipation.
Many people believe that carbonated beverages are bad for bones because of their high acid content. However, research suggests the carbonation isn’t to blame.
A large observational study in over 2,500 people found that cola was the only beverage associated with significantly lower bone mineral density. Carbonated water appeared to have no effect on bone health (16).
Unlike carbonated water and clear soda, cola drinks contain a lot of phosphorus.
The researchers proposed that the cola drinkers may have been consuming too much phosphorus and insufficient calcium, providing a potential risk factor for bone loss.
In another study, teen girls who consumed carbonated drinks were found to have lower bone mineral density. This was attributed to beverages that replaced milk in their diet, resulting in inadequate calcium intake (17).
In a controlled study in 18 postmenopausal women, drinking 34 ounces (1 liter) of sodium-rich sparkling water daily for 8 weeks led to better calcium retention than drinking plain mineral water (18).
Research suggests carbonated water may improve heart health, although the evidence is very limited.
One study in 18 postmenopausal women showed that drinking sodium-rich carbonated water decreased LDL (bad) cholesterol, inflammatory markers, and blood sugar.
What’s more, they also experienced an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol (20).
Additionally, the estimated risk of developing heart disease within 10 years was 35% lower among those drinking carbonated water than those drinking the control water.
However, since this was only one small study, significantly more research is needed before any conclusions can be reached.
Summary
No evidence suggests that carbonated or sparkling water is bad for you.
It’s not that harmful to dental health, and it seems to have no effect on bone health.
Interestingly, a carbonated drink may even enhance digestion by improving swallowing ability and reducing constipation.
It’s also a calorie-free beverage that causes a pleasurable bubbly sensation. Many people prefer it over still water.
- Franziska Spritzler
- Zero Calories, Zero Sugar. One of the standout benefits of sparkling water is its lack of calories and sugar. Unlike regular sodas, which are notorious for their high sugar content, sparkling water offers a guilt-free option.
- Hydration. Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, and sparkling water can be a delightful way to achieve this goal. The bubbles can make it more appealing and refreshing, encouraging you to drink more water throughout the day.
- Improved Digestion. Some people find that carbonated water can help with digestion by promoting burping, which can relieve gas and bloating. It can be particularly useful after a heavy meal.
- Versatility in Mixing. Sparkling water serves as an excellent base for creating healthier beverage options. By adding a splash of natural fruit juice or slices of fresh fruit, you can transform it into a delicious and low-calorie fruit-infused drink.
May 24, 2023 · Often hailed as a healthier alternative to soda, sparkling water has seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years, and that trend is only expected to keep growing. This bubbly drink is now...
Apr 29, 2024 · Sparkling water is safe to consume for most people. If you experience digestive upset or have gas, belching, or heartburn when you drink sparkling water, switch to flat water. Work with a healthcare provider or a dietitian to see if drinking sparkling water may be contributing to your symptoms.
