We think you're near Los Angeles

Currently in Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles Current temperature: 54°F: Current condition: Clear See Extended Forecast

Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble...Is Carbonated Water Bad For Your Health?

Whats all the fizz about?
Whats all the fizz about?
Credits: 
http://www.thechicecologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/sparkling-water-bottle.jpg

Though some believe carbonation can help alleviate upset stomach and constipation, carbonated water isn't necessarily any better or worse for you, nutritionally, than still water.

The perfect water would be rich in calcium and magnesium. Calcium to build strong and healthy bones and magnesium for proper nerve and muscle contractions, protein metabolism and most importantly, proper heart and circulatory health. According to a study in the American Journal of Medicine, that means more than 48 milligrams of magnesium and 85 milligrams of calcium per liter, and fewer than 195 milligrams of sodium per liter.  So just because water has bubbles, either because they've been forced in by the manufacturer or because they occurred naturally from a spring, doesn't mean it also contains more or less of certain minerals than still water.

Some believe carbonated water contains higher sodium levels than still water. This is not true. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. Oftentimes, you can find out how much sodium your carbonated water has by reading the label. The FDA doesn't require manufacturers to list levels, but many do. EU law requires their carbonated water to list sodium levels, so if you drink bottled European water you are in luck. If the water you're drinking contains a lot of sodium, it can contribute to high blood pressure. But it may also have health advantages. According to the Journal Of Nutrition, in 2004 it was found that carbonated waters with higher sodium levels reduced cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular problems in postmenopausal women.

The studies don't differentiate between any specific carbonated water. This is probably because terms such as seltzer water, club soda and soda water have no legal meaning. The only type of carbonated water the FDA has a standard for is sparkling water. It is defined as mineral water, purified water, sparkling bottled water and spring water, to name a few. It must come from its source naturally carbonated (though carbonation that's lost during processing can be added back artificially). Other kinds of carbonated water might be naturally or artificially carbonated, and may or may not have added mineral

Overall, it is not carbonation itself is a problem, and Perrier and other carbonated mineral waters are perfectly safe. It is more drinking carbonated drinks that contain sugar, artificial sweeteners and caffeine that are a problem.

Advertisement

By

Los Angeles Extreme Weight Loss Examiner

Carrie Gabriel has excelled at writing her entire life. She received her B.S in Broadcast Journalism from U of Colorado-Boulder in 2000 and her M.S...

Don't miss...