“Still or carbonated water?”. It’s a question you often hear in a cafe or restaurant, and you probably already have a preference. But is there any difference for health?
If you love sparkling water, here’s why you shouldn’t give it up.
This article specifically focuses on comparing plain filtered water with carbonated filtered water (known as “sparkling water”). Mineral water, tonic water and flavored water are similar but not the same product.
What to drink for better health, still or carbonated water?
The bubbles in sparkling water are created by adding carbon dioxide to filtered water. This reacts and produces carbonic acid, which makes sparkling water more acidic (a pH of about 3.5) than still water (which is closer to neutral, with a pH of about 6.5-8.5) . Water is the best way to hydrate our body. Research shows that, in terms of hydration, drinking is just as effective as sparkling water.
Some people believe that water is healthier when it comes from a sealed bottle. But in Australia, tap water is monitored very closely. Unlike bottled water, it also has the added benefit of fluoride, which can help protect children against tooth decay.
Carbonated or still water is always a better choice than artificially flavored drinks or juices.
Soda and bones
There is no evidence that sparkling water. Although drinking many carbonated beverages is linked to an increase in fractures, this is largely due to their association with higher rates of obesity.
Carbonated water is more acidic than still water, and the acidity can soften tooth enamel. This is usually not a cause for concern, unless it is combined with sugar or citrus fruits, which have much higher levels of acidity and can damage the teeth.
However, if you grind your teeth often, the softening of the enamel could worsen the damage caused. If you undergo a whitening process at home, carbonated water could stain your teeth. In most other cases, it would take a large amount of carbonated water consumed over a long period of time to cause noticeable damage to their teeth.
Is drinking plain water better for digestion?
There is a myth that drinking water (of any kind) during a meal is bad. Although water could theoretically dilute stomach acid (which breaks down food), in practice, drinking it doesn’t seem to have any negative effects. The digestive system simply adapts to the consistency of the meal.
Some people find that carbonated drinks cause stomach discomfort. This is caused by gas build-up, which can cause bloating, cramping and discomfort. For people with an overactive bladder, acidity could aggravate the urinary system.
Water temperature
You chose still or carbonated water. But what can be said about its temperature?
There are surprisingly few studies on the effect of drinking cold water compared to room temperature. There is some evidence that colder water (at 2°C) may inhibit gastric contractions and slow digestion. Ice water can constrict blood vessels and cause cramping.
However, other research suggests that drinking cold water may temporarily increase your metabolism because the body needs energy to warm it to its temperature. This effect is minimal and unlikely to result in significant weight loss.
The bottom line is that water is essential, it hydrates us and has countless other health benefits. Water, with or without bubbles, will always be the healthiest drink you can choose.
And if you’re worried about the impact on your tooth enamel, a trick is to drink a glass of plain water after consuming sparkling water. This helps to rinse the teeth and return the acidity of the mouth to a normal level.
