Carbonated water is a refreshing beverage and a good alternative to sugary soft drinks.
However, concerns have been raised that it may be bad for your health.
This article takes a detailed look at the health effects of carbonated water.
What Is 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.
With the exception of seltzer water, carbonated waters usually have salt added to improve the 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. These waters are often carbonated as well.
SUMMARY Carbonated water combines water with carbon dioxide under pressure. Sodium and other minerals are often added.
Carbonated Water Is Acidic
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.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.
SUMMARY Carbonated water is acidic, but your body should maintain a stable, slightly alkaline pH no matter what you consume.
Does It Affect Dental Health?
One of the biggest concerns about sparkling water is its effect on teeth since your enamel is directly exposed to acid.In one study, carbonated beverages showed strong potential to destroy enamel — but only if they contained sugar.
SUMMARY Sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages can erode tooth enamel, but plain carbonated water appears relatively harmless.
Does It Affect Digestion?
Carbonated water may benefit digestive health in several ways.It Can Improve Swallowing Ability
Studies suggest that sparkling water may improve swallowing ability in both young and older adults (8, 9, 10).It May Increase Feelings of Fullness
Carbonated water may also extend the feeling of fullness after meals more than plain water.It May Help Relieve Constipation
People who experience constipation may find that drinking sparkling water helps relieve their symptoms.In a two-week study in 40 elderly people who had suffered strokes, average bowel movement frequency nearly doubled in the group that drank carbonated water compared to the group that drank tap water.
SUMMARY Carbonated water has benefits for digestion. It may improve swallowing, increase feelings of fullness and reduce constipation.
Does Carbonated Water Affect Bone Health?
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.Unlike carbonated water and clear soda, cola drinks contain a lot of phosphorus.
Additionally, no negative effects on bone health were observed in the sparkling water group.
Animal research suggests carbonated water may even improve bone health.
SUMMARY Drinking carbonated cola drinks may harm bone health, but plain sparkling water appears to have a neutral or positive effect.
Does It Affect Heart Health?
Research suggests carbonated water may improve heart health, although the evidence is very limited.Additionally, the estimated risk of developing heart disease within 10 years was 35% lower for those drinking carbonated water compared to those on the control water.
SUMMARY Carbonated water may have beneficial effects on cholesterol, inflammation and blood sugar, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. However, more studies are necessary.
Is Carbonated Water Bad For You?
There is currently no evidence that carbonated or sparkling water is bad for you.It is not really that harmful for dental health and 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.
There’s no reason to give up this beverage if you enjoy it. In fact, it may actually improve your overall health.