Carbonated water is plain water into which carbon dioxide gas has been dissolved, giving it fizz and a tangy taste. The carbon dioxide can either occur naturally, as in sparkling mineral-water springs, or it can be added during the manufacturing process, such as the type of water used in sodas. Carbonated beverages like sodas have other ingredients added and are given a bad health rap, but basic carbonated water contains few side effects and may actually have some health benefits.
Acid Reflux
The main concern for all carbonated beverages is how they affect patients with acid reflux. A 2006 study at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine showed that 62 percent of healthy subjects in the study given carbonated beverages developed reduced strength of the lower esophageal sphincter. This in turn allowed stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, leading to reflux.
Some sources have linked acid reflux to esophageal cancer, but in 2006, the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute" reported that the consumption of carbonated drinks is instead inversely associated with the risk of esophageal cancer.
Some sources have linked acid reflux to esophageal cancer, but in 2006, the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute" reported that the consumption of carbonated drinks is instead inversely associated with the risk of esophageal cancer.
Cholesterol
In Italy, human subjects with high levels of total cholesterol and harmful LDL cholesterol were given either spring mineral water or tap water over a 9-week period. Those given the mineral water saw reductions in total cholesterol by 7.5 percent and LDL cholesterol by 12.5 percent. This led the researchers to conclude that salt-rich mineral water, which can include the carbonated version, may be effective in reducing cholesterol levels.
Dyspepsia
Thermal water is naturally-occurring warm water that is often carbonated and can contain various vitamins and minerals, depending upon the water source. A study published in "Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" in 2007 investigated thermal water comprised of bicarbonate, sulphate and calcium and its effects on patients with dyspepsia, or chronic indigestion, over a period of 12 days.
The majority of patients showed a reduction of the global symptoms score; decrease in the intensity of symptoms to a level that didn't interfere with everyday activities; and an improvement of ulcer-like dyspepsia symptoms. This follows on an earlier study in Pisa, Italy, which had discovered that mineral water could enhance gastric motor and secretory functions in patients with dyspepsia.
The majority of patients showed a reduction of the global symptoms score; decrease in the intensity of symptoms to a level that didn't interfere with everyday activities; and an improvement of ulcer-like dyspepsia symptoms. This follows on an earlier study in Pisa, Italy, which had discovered that mineral water could enhance gastric motor and secretory functions in patients with dyspepsia.
Heart Disease
A study on healthy post-menopausal women in Spain, published in the May 2004 issue of "The American Society for Nutritional Sciences," used two intervention periods of two months each during which women drank 1 liter per day of a control water with a low mineral content followed by 1 liter per day of a carbonated mineral water, rich in sodium, bicarbonate and chloride. Body weight, height, blood pressure and body mass index were all measured before and after each intervention period, and blood samples were drawn for cholesterol, glucose and other cardiovascular markers.
Not only were cholesterol levels decreased overall as in the Italian study above, but the cardiovascular markers were also greatly improved, and serum glucose levels decreased. The researchers concluded that carbonated mineral water may help prevent heart disease and also improve metabolic syndrome, the name for a group of risk factors that increase the risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Not only were cholesterol levels decreased overall as in the Italian study above, but the cardiovascular markers were also greatly improved, and serum glucose levels decreased. The researchers concluded that carbonated mineral water may help prevent heart disease and also improve metabolic syndrome, the name for a group of risk factors that increase the risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Osteoporosis
Cola beverages have been implicated in bone loss due to their high phosphoric acid content, which leaches calcium out of the bones. But plain carbonated mineral water contains high levels of bicarbonate and is an alkali beverage, the opposite of acid. A 2005 study in Spain, published in the "British Journal of Nutrition," showed that women who drank a liter of carbonated mineral once a day lost less calcium than when they drank tap water. The scientists concluded that when mineral-rich carbonation evens out acidity in the body, it helps keep the calcium locked inside bones.
Additonal Info from the Mayo Clinic website:
Is there any nutritional downside to drinking carbonated water? This is a question we are often asked. Carbonated water is purported to prevent calcium absorption, thus increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
In reality there's no good evidence that carbonated water causes harm to your bones. The confusion may arise because of research that found a connection between carbonated cola drinks and low bone mineral density. But this association wasn't seen with noncola carbonated drinks. So if you like the bubbles, you can keep sipping your carbonated water. If you're open to trying other types of water, there's some promising research that mineral waters with calcium may actually benefit your bones. Keep your bones healthy with calcium-rich foods such as low-fat dairy, fortified foods and vegetables. Regular weight-bearing exercise is important as well.
Both carbonated water and mineral water are usually calorie free, but check the label to be sure. If you're looking to add a little flavor, just add a squeeze of lime or lemon.
References:
MayoClinic.com - Carbonated Water:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/carbonated-water/MY01892
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