Drinking carbonated water like regular water can impair digestion.

 

 

Sparkling water is popular among people who want to enjoy the refreshing sensation of carbonated drinks in a healthier way. Recently, many people are purchasing water purifiers or machines with carbonation functions to make their own sparkling water and drink it instead of plain water. Is it okay to drink water containing carbonation instead of plain water?

 

Drinking carbonated water instead of regular water can negatively affect stomach health. Carbonated water is water containing carbon dioxide, which dissolves in water and makes it acidic. Consuming carbonated water can impair the function of the lower esophageal sphincter, which connects the esophagus and stomach, leading to reflux esophagitis or decreased digestive function. Those who have gastrointestinal disorders, have weakened stomach walls, or produce excessive stomach acid should be especially cautious.

 

Huh Jung-yeon, Director of Nutrition at Gachon University Gil Medical Center, said, "Although carbonated water is not highly acidic, it can irritate the stomach lining and increase stomach acid secretion, which may cause problems."

 

Carbonated drinks can cause bloating symptoms and should be avoided by patients with irritable bowel syndrome. It is also advisable to avoid consuming carbonated water before exercise. Gas can easily build up and increase stomach acid secretion, which may cause abdominal pain during exercise.

It is also not good for dental health. When the acidity is at pH 5.5 or below, it can dissolve the outermost enamel layer of the teeth. The acidity of commercially available carbonated water is around pH 3 to 4, which is mildly acidic and can sufficiently dissolve enamel. When calcium and phosphate molecules in the enamel leach out, small holes can form, leading to damage sites where food debris can accumulate, increasing the risk of cavities. Additionally, carbonated water with added artificial fruit flavoring can have even lower pH, making it more acidic. This is often because artificial flavorings containing citric acid are added to the carbonated water.

 

Sparkling water is a good alternative to carbonated drinks rather than regular drinking water. Sparkling water contains no calories, sugars, or fats, making it easy to replace carbonated beverages. Nutritionist Heo Jeong-yeon said, "People have only recently started drinking sparkling water, so research on the long-term side effects is still limited," and advised, "It's best to drink sparkling water within a range that does not harm your health." When drinking sparkling water, using a straw can reduce the contact area with teeth, helping to prevent tooth erosion.

 

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Sugar-free carbonated drinks appear to have many calories.

If you're going to drink it anyway, because of the carbonation.

 

It's much better to drink sparkling water.

Rinsing your mouth with water after drinking carbonated water is also said to be helpful.