Is Carbonated Water Bad For You?

It is a well-known fact that the risk of drinking soda on a daily basis is high. Consuming liquids that contain high glucose content, such as fruit juice and drinks that claim to be sugar-free, obviously poses a huge adverse health effect. 

Nowadays, people prefer to consume carbonated drinks as a substitute for sugary drinks. However, individuals that are more concerned about their health worry about what these types of drinks might do to them.

Let us investigate further!

What is Carbonated Water?

Carbonated beverages such as seltzer water, soda water, sparkling water, and tonic water are all examples of drinks that include carbon dioxide dissolved in water. The presence of this gas produces bubbles that make a hissing sound when exposed to air.

Carbonation can happen naturally underground or be induced artificially by applying pressure. Carbon dioxide is dissolved into the liquid under high pressure to make beverages artificially carbonated. When the pressure is released, small gas bubbles form.

Carbonation can also happen naturally when CO2 is dissolved in a liquid, such as spring water, and the CO2 is absorbed underground. Because carbon dioxide is produced during the fermentation process, beer is another naturally carbonated beverage.

Carbonated Drinks Has an Acidic Feature

Carbonic acid is formed when carbon dioxide and water mix chemically, a weak acid that has been demonstrated to stimulate the nerve receptors in your tongue. This causes a prickly, burning sensation that can be both annoying and pleasant to people. 

Although carbonated water is slightly acidic, it has no effect on your body’s pH. Carbonated water is a fantastic alternative to sugary sodas since your kidneys and lungs eliminate excess acid and carbon dioxide, respectively. However, because carbonated water is acidic, it may increase acid reflux or GERD symptoms.

Does It Have An Impact on Oral Health?

Because your enamel is directly exposed to acid, one of the most serious concerns regarding carbonated water is its impact on your teeth. Although there isn’t much research on the subject, one study indicated that carbonated mineral water damages enamel only slightly more than still water—and here’s why.

Researchers evaluated whether carbonated water attacked tooth enamel more aggressively than standard lab water in a trial using teeth that were extracted as part of treatment and given for research. What’s the end result?

The effects of the two types of water on tooth enamel were similar. This shows that, despite the fact that carbonated water is somewhat more acidic than regular water, it is still all water for your teeth.

But not all carbonated water drinks are created equal. Some have added sugar or artificial sweeteners, which can increase calorie intake, damage teeth, and cause certain health problems.

Is Carbonated Water Good for People Who are Trying to Lose Weight?

People who are trying to reduce weight should drink plenty of water. Carbonated water hydrates you properly, and it’s a far better option than ordinary soda or even diet soda. However, people who are trying to lose weight should be cautious about the type of carbonated water they consume.

According to the data provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one 12-ounce (366g) serving of tonic water, for example, contains roughly 32 grams of sugar, which is about a sixth as much as the sugar in a standard soda. 

As a result, consuming a lot of tonic water isn’t the best idea. Instead, opt for club soda or sugar-free carbonated water. 

Can It Affect Your Digestion?

Carbonated water can help you feel more satisfied after a meal. Sparkling and carbonated water, according to one study, can help meals remain in your stomach longer, lowering your desire and preventing overeating. 

As a result, drinking carbonated water after a meal can help you manage your hunger and avoid gaining weight. Another controlled study conducted by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) found that fullness scores were higher after drinking 8 ounces (250 ml) of carbonated water than after drinking still water by19 healthy young women.

Is It Possible to Lose Bone Density by Drinking Carbonated Water?

Because of their high acid content, many people feel that carbonated beverages are hazardous to the bones. Carbonation, however, does not appear to be the cause, according to research.

According to a large observational study involving over 2,500 adults, Cola was the only beverage associated with significantly reduced bone mineral density. Bone health appears to be unaffected by sparkling water.

The health of your bones does not have a negative effect when it comes to drinking carbonated water. Dark colas are the only drinks that induce bone loss because they contain phosphoric acid, which causes calcium loss in the bones.

Calcium is present in sparkling mineral water, which can help to promote bone health. Carbonated mineral drinks containing magnesium and calcium can also help to strengthen bones.

Does It Have an Impact on Heart Health?

Carbonated water has been shown to lower cholesterol, inflammation, and blood sugar levels, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease. However, more research is required before arriving at any conclusions.

Final Verdict

In the end, there isn’t much proof that sparkling water — carbonated beverages with no added sugar or other chemicals — is bad for you. Those with gastrointestinal difficulties may be an exception, as it may have a negative effect on their digestive tract. 

A glass of plain carbonated water, on the other hand, is just as hydrating as regular water and can even be a good substitute for sugary drinks. Sugar, artificial sweeteners, and sodium, all of which can have potentially detrimental effects on your body, should always be kept in mind when drinking carbonated water.

The number of extra ingredients varies by brand, so it’s always a good idea to read the nutritional label. But if in doubt, the safest and healthiest option is to drink plain water. It is still the finest form of hydration and nothing can go wrong with that unless it is from a contaminated source.

We hope that we were able to add value to your life and help you understand topics that were previously unclear. Share this article with your family and friends to educate them about carbonated water and its health effects.

Please contact us if you have any additional queries. It would be a joy for us to assist you in learning more about these topics.