Was this drink you drank while dieting actually the culprit?

When I'm on a diet and I want to drink something carbonated, I sometimes reach for carbonated water.

Because it has fewer calories than regular carbonated drinks. However,

Carbonated water can actually be the main culprit in ruining your diet. Why?

 

The carbonation in carbonated water can increase your appetite.

 

This is because the carbonation in carbonated water can stimulate the secretion of ghrelin, a hormone that regulates appetite. Indeed, research has shown that carbonated water actually stimulates ghrelin secretion. In 2017, a research team at Birzeit University in Palestine conducted an experiment in which 20 healthy young men drank carbonated water, a non-carbonated beverage, or tap water one hour after breakfast, and then measured their blood ghrelin levels.

 

As a result, the ghrelin levels of those who drank carbonated water were found to be three times higher than those who drank non-carbonated beverages and six times higher than those who drank tap water. The research team explained that carbonation increases stomach pressure, promoting ghrelin secretion.

Additionally, carbonated water can damage your teeth.

 

Carbonated water is made by injecting carbon dioxide into water, so it has a slightly acidic pH of 3-4. According to a research team at Yonsei University's Department of Preventive Dentistry, the six most popular carbonated water products sold in Korea have an acidity level of 3-5. The mouth normally maintains a pH of 6-7.

 

When the pH drops below 5.5, calcium and phosphate molecules in tooth enamel (the outermost layer) begin to leak out, creating cavities. In fact, a study conducted by the University of Birmingham Dental School in the UK found that 30 minutes of soaking teeth in carbonated water resulted in enamel erosion. Caution should be exercised when adding citric acid to carbonated water to enhance its flavor, as this increases the acidity of the water and can exacerbate tooth erosion.

 

Meanwhile, using carbonated water when washing your face can help maintain healthy skin. Pure carbonated water, free of additives, has a slightly acidic pH of 3-4. A high pH can quickly damage the skin barrier, making it prone to skin inflammation. The gas in carbonated water also promotes vasodilation, which aids skin metabolism.

 

However, if you have any skin injuries, it's best to avoid it, as it can cause irritation. You should also pay attention to the temperature of the carbonated water before use. If the temperature of the carbonated water is higher than room temperature, the gas within the water will escape into the air, potentially reducing health benefits.

 

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I didn't know that washing your face with carbonated water would help your skin.

I love carbonated water so much

My uncle even bought me a soda machine.

 

The carbonation is too weak, so I can't drink it.

 

I don't drink much these days.

 

Somehow, when I drink it, it tastes a bit carbonated

I think it tastes good

Carbonation can increase appetite,

Eating a lot won't help with dieting.