There are individuals who enjoy soda water in its natural flavor, while others prefer it with added fruit flavors. Regardless of the flavor preference, carbonated water is a refreshing beverage that some may even prefer over regular water. This leads to the question: does choosing carbonated water over regular water have any negative effects on our health? Or does it offer any benefits that make it a recommended choice throughout the day? Today, we will address these questions and separate myths from facts to determine just how healthy or unhealthy it is to consume soda water instead of regular water.
Is soda water acidic?
Carbonated water, also known as soda water, is created by infusing water with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. This process triggers a chemical reaction that produces carbonic acid, a mild acid that activates the same taste receptors in the mouth as mustard. While some individuals find this sensation enjoyable, others may find it bothersome.
The acidity of soda water typically falls within the range of 3-4 on the pH scale, indicating a slightly acidic nature. However, consuming soda water does not alter the acidity levels of our body's cells. Excess carbon dioxide is eliminated by our kidneys and lungs to maintain blood pH levels between 7.35-7.45.
Is soda water bad for your teeth?
The potential impact of soda water on dental health is a major concern, particularly in regard to the enamel layer that can be affected by its acidity. Although there are only a few studies on this topic, one published in 2001 concluded that carbonated mineral water can cause more harm to teeth than regular water. However, it was also discovered that sugary drinks are 100 times more detrimental to dental health than carbonated water. It should be noted, however, that a separate study conducted in 2007 revealed sweetened carbonated beverages caused greater damage to teeth compared with non-carbonated sweet drinks. Therefore, if you prefer fizzy drinks to still ones and wish to prioritize your oral hygiene, it is advisable to consume plain soda water.
How does carbonated water affect our digestion?
Carbonated water has the potential to positively affect digestion in multiple ways:
Enhancing swallowing ability: Research indicates that consuming carbonated water can enhance the ability to swallow among both adults and younger individuals. A study involving 72 participants demonstrated that drinking cold carbonated water helped improve throat clearance sensation in 63% of cases when there was a need to do so. It is noteworthy that those who experienced the greatest relief were individuals with more severe symptoms.
Prolonging satiety: Carbonated water has been found to prolong the feeling of fullness compared to regular still water. One study discovered that it aids in food retention within the stomach, while another study observed increased levels of satiety among participants who consumed 250 ml of carbonated water after a meal instead of plain still water.
Preventing constipation: In a two-week experiment involving 40 adults who had previously suffered from a stroke, the consumption of soda water was found to nearly double bowel movements when compared to plain water. Additionally, participants reported a significant 58% reduction in symptoms related to constipation. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that soda water aids in preventing stomach discomfort. For instance, a 15-day study conducted on 21 individuals with chronic digestive issues demonstrated that those who consumed soda water experienced an improvement in their symptoms, including relief from constipation.
Is soda water detrimental to bone health?
Many individuals hold the belief that soda water negatively impacts bones due to its acidity levels. However, it is important to note that this assumption does not hold true and may even be contrary to reality as it could potentially contribute towards maintaining bone health. A comprehensive study involving 2,500 participants revealed that cola was the only beverage (among those examined) associated with decreased bone density while having no effect on overall bone health whatsoever. That
That said, one study has indicated that girls who consumed soda water had lower bone density levels, the reason behind this effect is believed to be due to the substitution of milk with soda water in their diet, resulting in a decrease in calcium intake. Additionally, a study involving 18 menopausal women discovered that drinking one liter of sodium-rich soda water for eight weeks actually reduced calcium loss compared to consuming mineral water.
How does carbonated water affect our heart?
Some studies suggest that carbonated water might have a positive impact on heart health, although the available evidence is quite limited. A study involving 18 menopausal women found that consuming sodium-rich carbonated water resulted in a decrease in levels of LDL cholesterol and blood sugar, as well as an increase in levels of HDL cholesterol. Researchers estimate that individuals who regularly consume carbonated water may have a 35% lower risk of developing heart failure within a decade compared to those who do not. However, it is important to note that this study was conducted on a small scale and further investigation is needed to fully understand the potential benefits.
The bottom line
Although previously thought to be harmful to the teeth, bones, stomach, and heart, there is no evidence that drinking soda water poses any significant health risks. In fact, it may even have some unexpected benefits. Soda water has been found to increase appetite and prevent constipation. Additionally, studies suggest that it may provide protection for the heart. As long as you stick with simple soda water without added flavors or high levels of sodium, there's no reason why you can't continue to enjoy it guilt-free, knowing that it is actually good for you according to research findings.
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