Many people question if carbonated water can negatively affect your dental, digestive, or bone health. However, it’s often considered to be a healthy way to stay hydrated.
Carbonated water is a refreshing beverage and a good alternative to sugary soft drinks. However, some people are concerned that it may be bad for your health.
This article takes a detailed look at the health effects of 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
- fizzy water
Apart from seltzer water, carbonated waters usually have salt added to improve their 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. They are often carbonated as well.
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.
This triggers a burning, prickly sensation that can be both irritating and enjoyable.
The pH of carbonated water is 5–6, which means it’s slightly acidic.
However, drinking an acidic beverage like carbonated water does not make your body more acidic.
Your kidneys and lungs remove excess carbon dioxide, keeping your blood at a slightly alkaline pH of 7.35–7.45 regardless of what you eat or drink.
One of the biggest concerns about sparkling water is its effect on teeth, as your enamel is directly exposed to acid.
Research shows that while it can be bad for your teeth, it is not as bad as other drinks, such as those that contain high amounts of sugar.
If you’re concerned about dental health, try drinking sparkling water with a meal or rinsing your mouth with plain water after drinking it.
Carbonated water may benefit your digestive health in several ways.
Can improve swallowing ability
Studies suggest that sparkling water may improve swallowing ability in both young and older adults.
A 2017 study showed that after drinking carbonated beverages, swallowing improved, particularly in older adults who had been hospitalized.
May increase feelings of fullness
Carbonated water may also extend feelings of fullness after meals to a greater extent than plain water.
Sparkling water may help food remain in your stomach longer, which can trigger a greater sensation of fullness.
However, further research is still needed to confirm these effects.
Many people believe that carbonated beverages are bad for bones because of their high acid content. However, there is currently no evidence to suggest that carbonated water can negatively affect your bone health.
In fact, the National Osteoporosis Foundation suggests that carbonated mineral waters may actually help to improve bone health.
Research suggests carbonated water may improve heart health, although the evidence is very limited.
A 2023 study found that drinking carbonated water could help increase blood flow to the heart, more specifically in the middle cerebral artery.
However, since this was only one small study, more research is needed before any conclusions can be reached.
No evidence suggests that carbonated or sparkling water is bad for you.
Interestingly, a carbonated drink may even enhance digestion by improving swallowing ability.
It’s also a calorie-free beverage that causes a pleasurable bubbly sensation. Many people prefer it over still water.
It can provide a great way to stay hydrated.