Carbonation refers to dissolving carbon dioxide in water, creating weak carbonic acid. Carbonation only adds bubbles and it does not add calories, sugar, or any caffeine. Club soda, tonic water, and mineral water are all varieties of carbonated water. However, these have sodium, sweeteners or other ingredients added to them, so it is important to read the label before purchasing. Carbonated water is refreshing and a good alternative to sugary soft drinks. However, there are concerns that it might be harmful for your health.

Is Carbonation Bad for You?

Currently, there is no evidence that carbonation is bad for health. If you like the bubbly sensation, there is no reason to give it up. There are common concerns on the carbonation of drinks.

1.   Does It Affect Your PH Value?

Carbon dioxide reacts with water to produce weak carbonic acid. The PH of carbonated water is 3-4 which means it is slightly acidic. However, this will not affect body PH; it keeps slightly alkaline no matter what you consume. 

2.   Does It Affect Dental Health?

One of the main concerns about carbonated water is its effect on teeth. Exposure of enamel to weak acids may cause corrosion. A research showed that sparkling water damages the enamel slightly when compared to normal water. However, it is a hundred times less damaging when compared to sugary soft drinks. Actually, risk of plain sparkling water to dental health is so little that it can be neglected. If you are really concerned about it, rinse your mouth after drinking carbonated water or drink it with a meal.

3.   Does It Affect Digestion?

Is carbonation bad for your digestion? No. Studies show that carbonated water enhances nerves that help in swallowing. In addition, carbonated water induces a feeling of fullness than regular water. Research shows that carbonated water also relieves constipation because it evokes bowel movement.

However, if you are experiencing irritable bowel syndrome, it is imperative that you reduce intake of fizzy drinks because they increase bloating of the bowel. In addition, people with ulcers, hyperacidity, or acid reflux should avoid carbonated beverages because the conditions maybe aggravated.

4.   Does It Affect Heart Health?

According to recent research, subjects who drink sodium-rich carbonated water had a reduced level of low-density lipoprotein, blood sugar, and inflammatory markers. Moreover, their estimated risk of developing heart condition within ten years is 35% lower when compared to those drinking control water. But this is not carbonated plain water, so more researches need to be done.

5.   Does It Affect Bone Health?

Many people believe that carbonated drinks are bad for bone health because of the acid content. However, research shows that carbonation is not to blame if you are asking "is carbonation bad for you?" Research shows that it is consuming too much phosphorus and less calcium from carbonated cola water that results in poor bone health, not carbonation itself. Some studies even show that carbonated plain water may actually improve bone health. 

6.   Does It Dehydrate You?

Sparkling water is hydrating just like regular water. However, carbonated water tends to make the stomach more feeling, thereby lowering your water intake. So be sure to drink eight glasses per day for proper hydration.

Note

Is carbonation bad for you? Carbonation itself is not bad. If you like to drink carbonated water sold in shops, it is imperative that you look at the ingredients list to avoid some components such as sugar, sodium, caffeine, etc. Club soda has sodium; seltzer water does not have sodium; tonic water contains sweeteners and flavors; and flavored sparkling water may have additional natural sweeteners or citric acid along other components such as sodium and caffeine.

Here is how to make your own carbonated water at home.