Is Carbonated (Sparkling) Water Bad for You?

Carbonated water is simply carbon dioxide infused under pressure into filtered or mineral water. The chemistry reaction between water and carbon dioxide creates a weak acid called carbonic acid. The pH is between 3-4 while regular water is about pH 7 (neutral). Don’t worry about the acidic beverage, your lungs and kidneys take care of the bubbles and the acid is used to rebalance your body back to slightly alkaline to a pH of 7.35-7.45.

Who doesn’t like some “champagne water” instead of just regular water? Have you ever asked yourself if carbonated water bad for you?

  • Bubbly water is ok in moderation if there is no added flavor (natural or artificial) and sugar. Always read ingredients listed on the bottle or box before you buy. Click on this link to know how to read labels.
  • It is a better option than sodas, hard seltzers, juices, and sport drinks such as Gatorade.
  • Cola beverages can cause loss of bone mineral density because they contain phosphoric acid. Calcium from bones is lost through kidneys. Bone loss doesn’t occur with sparkling water.
  • Carbonated water can cause teeth decay only it contains citric acid and sugar. It can create erosion of the enamel. Drink it with a paper straw. It goes further in your mouth and causes less damage to your enamel.
  • Sparkling water can cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) if you have a sensitive stomach and experience tummy flare-ups while drinking carbonated water.
  • It can help with the ability to swallow in both young and older adults.
  • It helps to increase feeling of fullness after meals.
  • It helps with constipation.
  • It can help with weight loss. Hydration is key for weight loss. The Mayo Clinic recommends that men consume 15 and a half cups and women 11 and a half cups of total fluids per day, about 20 percent of which will come from food. Plain sparkling water is a good substitute instead of sodas and juices.
  • The fizziness of the water makes me burp a lot! What about you?

Do you know the difference between carbonated, seltzer, sparkling, soda, and tonic water?

Read more here: What’s the Difference Between Club Soda, Seltzer, and Sparkling Water? (And Tonic, Too) by Vinepair

To keep safe, just read ingredients’ list and drink plain carbonated water (no added flavors and sugar). Instead, add your own flavors to it:

  • Quarter of lime or lemon.
  • Slices of cucumber.
  • Chopped strawberries or raspberries.

Indeed, you can make your own! Just buy the machine and small cartridges of carbon dioxide and you are good to go.

Drinking liquids, especially plain water, are key to stay hydrated and shedding extra weight. Try to stay away from drinking too much coffee and caffeinated teas, and alcohol. Drink carbonated water in moderation and just enjoy the fizzy effect in your mouth.

Read more:
19 Ingredients to Stay Away from by Abstract Fitness
12 Food Additives to Stay Away From by Abstract Fitness
10 Ways to Naturally Sweeten Your Food and Drinks by Abstract Fitness
10 Reasons to do a Sugar Detox by Abstract Fitness
Artificial Sweeteners Can Change Your Gut’s Microbiota by Abstract Fitness