Is Carbonated Water Bad for You?

Demand for carbonated water is higher than ever. Over the last several years, many people have enthusiastically incorporated this refreshing beverage into their diet. It can be found in most grocery stores across the United States, and it’s enjoyed by people of all age groups. 

According to the company Technomic, which tracks restaurant and foodservice trends, Americans spent about $1.7 billion on sparkling water at restaurants in 2018. The double-digit growth of carbonated water can be partially attributed to consumers who are looking for healthier alternatives to sugary soft drinks. As a result of its rise in popularity, many people are curious just how healthy sparkling water is. Is carbonated water good or bad for you? 

While there are some purported health benefits of sparkling water, there may also be side effects to consuming carbonated water. For those concerned about the potential health effects, this article will also provide alternatives to carbonated water.

The Benefits of Drinking Carbonated Water

While the taste of sparkling water, club soda, and seltzers varies because of the different types and amounts of minerals they contain, all of these beverages have similar nutritional profiles and health benefits. The main benefits of drinking carbonated water are as a healthier alternative to juice, and soda, improving digestion and improving hydration.

Is Carbonated Water Healthier Than Soda and Juice?

In a 20-ounce bottle of Coca-Cola, there are 65 grams of sugar (this is equal to approximately 16 teaspoons of sugar per bottle). When compared to the recommended daily intake of sugar for adults (nine teaspoons for men and six teaspoons for women), it’s easy to see why adults are encouraged to replace their soda intake with alternative beverages. 

When researchers at Princeton University fed high fructose corn syrup and water to male rats at half the concentration of most sodas, the rats experienced abnormal weight gain, an increase in triglycerides, and extra belly fat.

Although juice is sometimes marketed as a healthier alternative to soda, this messaging is ultimately misleading. Many brands of fruit juice contain added sugars (including high fructose corn syrup), in addition to the natural sugar found in fruit.

Sparkling water is a healthy alternative to other sugar and chemical-filled sodas. And for those concerned about their dental health, studies have shown that mineral water is 100 times less damaging than a sugary soft drink. Carbonated beverages that are sweetened with sugar can erode tooth enamel but plain carbonated water has relatively few impacts on tooth enamel.

Does Carbonated Water Improve Digestion?

There are several different reasons why carbonated water may improve your digestion. First, studies have shown that carbonated water can improve swallowing ability in people of all ages. When a group of healthy adults was asked to swallow different liquids, carbonated water showed the strongest ability to stimulate the nerves responsible for swallowing.

Second, carbonated water may also increase feelings of fullness. When compared to plain water, carbonated water may extend feelings of fullness after meals for longer. In addition, carbonated water may help food stay in your stomach for longer, leading to a greater sensation of fullness. 

Does Carbonated Water Hydrate You?

The consequences of dehydration are unpleasant: dry mouth, fatigue, headache, and impaired performance. Sparkling water is just as hydrating as still water. If you struggle to drink enough water throughout the day, sparkling water can be a great supplement to your hydration efforts.