Bubbles. Who doesn't love them?
Whether you are looking for a refreshing substitute for sugary sodas, or want to replace the cocktail at happy hour, fizzy water (with or without a squeeze of lime) is there for you!
But is it good for your health?
If you are already at the point in your self-care journey that you've opted to forgo the Coke / Pepsi / Sprite as well as to opt out of the alcohol - intoxicant scene, then it sounds like you've already done the grunt work of being pro-active in your beverage selection. Congratulations!
While plain water, in a highly purified state is unquestionably the healthiest beverage choice, research has shown that bubbly water is not bad for you in moderation, and is certainly leaps and bounds above sugary soft drinks. Here are some stats below:
What is Fizzy or carbonated water?
While there does exist some naturally occurring sparkling water such as Gerolsteiner, the majority of sparkling water products, including natural mineral waters, have added carbonation. The carbonation is what many people fall in love with; it provides a crisp, tingly sensation and when drunk cold is very refreshing.
Carbonated water is water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. This class of water includes club soda, soda water, selzter water and fizzy water.
Mineral waters, such as Perrier and Pellegrino, have naturally occurring minerals and have been carbonated after capture. Other brands of commercially produced soda or seltzer water will sometimes have sodium or other minerals added in addition to being carbonated. Tonic water is a carbonated water with added quinine (a bitter alkaloid). and sugar (or corn syrup).
pH of Carbonated Water
Carbonated or fizzy water is not an alkaline water, it's pH tends to be more around 4 instead of the balanced 7 or the ultra alkaline 9. It is the carbonic acid produced in the carbonation process that creates the acidity. It would be an interesting experiment to test the pH level of a naturally occurring carbonated water, (to see if it is less acidic). It is the carbonic acid which creates the tangy, prickly sensation in the mouth which people enjoy. The acidity of carbonated water actually make this water a better choice (than alkaline water) to accompany a meal or to be enjoyed prior to a meal. This is because there is no danger of stomach acids being neutralized. We actually want our stomachs to remain acid so we can digest our food!
Is Fizzy water bad for my teeth?
This question often arises because of the slight acidity of carbonated water. Although there is not a lot of research on this concern, one study showed that "sparkling mineral water damaged enamel only slightly more than plain water. Furthermore, mineral water was 100 times less damaging than sugary soft drinks". https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/carbonated-water-good-or-bad?c=1176232275463#bottom-line
Since sugar is highly acidic,even non carbonated sugar or corn syrup sweetened beverages, such as Gatorade, have been shown to erode tooth enamel. Sugar-rich soft drinks, therefore are of much more of a concern than plain sparkling water, which appears to be relatively harmless.
Summary: If you're concerned about your teeth, best to avoid sugary drinks in general.
Will Carbonated water interfere with my digestion?
According to oriental natural health traditions, such as TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) as well as Ayurveda, drinking an excess of water with or before a meal is generally not advised. Cold water, in particular, is to be avoided as it can negatively effect the digestive power of the the stomach (known as agni in Ayurveda). In Western terms, an excess of water prior to a meal can dilute digestive enzymes. As is obvious, in the West, most people are quite oblivious to this basic Oriental rule of digestion, with people often sloshing down iced drinks for up to two hours before eating.
In terms of carbonated water, if you're going to drink before a meal, the fizzy water is not your worst enemy. As mentioned above, carbonated water is acidic; it will not neutralize the hydrochloric acid in your stomach. Digestion is likely much more compromised by downing a few icy, sugary cocktails prior to a meal than (even) a tall glass of sparkling water. It really is a matter of balance.
Alkaline water enthusiasts who drink high alkaline water with or before there meal can be asking for trouble in regards to digestive disturbances. For a comprehensive look on how alkaline water can cause digestion issues visit:
Sparkling water however, has actually been shown that is may improve digestion in several ways. Some studies show that it may improve your ability to swallow. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24170038/
Other studies have shown that it can relieve constipation.
Another well known perk to fizzy water is that it can provide a feeling of fullness and satiety. Sparkling water is a favorite secret weapon of many who follow intermittent fasting.
To summarize: Sparkling water has been shown to have benefits for digestion. It may improve swallowing, increase feelings of fullness, and reduce constipation.
Is Fizzy water OK for my bone density?
People worry about carbonated water in terms of their bone health. The fear is that the acid content may negatively impact their bone density. In a study of over 2500 participants, it was found that cola was the primary beverage that affected bone integrity, with carbonated water having little to no effect. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17023723/
The problem with colas appears to be the presence of phosphorus which, if consumed in excess can deplete calcium from the bones. Colas are apparently drinks to be taken infrequently, and not without making sure there is plenty of bio-available calcium and magnesium in your diet.
In summary: Carbonated cola drinks may harm bone health, but plain sparkling water appears to have a neutral or positive effect.
For more more info on carbonated water as well as other waters visit:
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