Soothing Heartburn With Fizzy Water:
Q. I have stumbled upon a remedy for my acid reflux: sparkling water. I drank some and then noticed I didnt have acid reflux all day. I sip one can of bubbly water a day, and it pretty much controls the reflux.
My question is: will this much sparkling water be harmful to me? Im going to look for it in glass bottles so I wont be drinking out of aluminum cans.
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You May Feel Well Full
Drinking all of that bubble-filled water can make you feel full. For healthy individuals, this can be a valuable tool for weight management, helping to curb hunger. However, Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND, a Los Angeles-based dietitian and author of My Indian Table, says that for people with gastrointestinal diseases such as IBS, seltzer water may cause bloating and gas, so it’s best to avoid. And if you have issues with acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease, you may want to limit your intake of seltzer water as the carbonation may exacerbate symptoms.
Is Sparkling Water Bad For You In Some Way
Wait. Hold on. Could the rumors be true? Is sparkling water bad for you in some way? Given its recent explosion in popularity, the backlash against sparkling water was inevitable. It ruins your teeth. It wrecks your digestion. Its bad for your bones, according to the Internet and people airing their unsolicited opinions. But, OK, calm down. You dont actually need to give up sparkling water. Here, a few experts explain why.
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What Is Carbonated Water
Carbonated water is water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure.
This produces a bubbly drink thats also known as sparkling water, club soda, soda water, seltzer water, and fizzy water.
Apart from seltzer water, carbonated waters usually have salt added to improve their taste. Sometimes small amounts of other minerals are included.
Natural sparkling mineral waters, such as Perrier and San Pellegrino, are different.
These waters are captured from a mineral spring and tend to contain minerals and sulfur compounds. They are often carbonated as well.
Tonic water is a form of carbonated water that contains a bitter compound called quinine, along with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.
Summary
The pH of carbonated water is 34, which means its slightly acidic.
However, drinking an acidic beverage like carbonated water does not make your body more acidic.
Your kidneys and lungs remove excess carbon dioxide. This keeps your blood at a slightly alkaline pH of 7.357.45 regardless of what you eat or drink.
Summary
Carbonated water is acidic, but your body should maintain a stable, slightly alkaline pH no matter what you consume.
What Is Alkaline Water
All liquid solutions have a pH level, which refers to how acidic it is. The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14 . Tap and bottled water have a pH of around 7, which is neutral, although it can vary slightly in either direction.
Waters marketed as alkaline have a higher pHusually between 8 and 9. They may have nutrients added to them to reach the desired pH, according to the Mayo Clinic. Consumers can also buy ionizing pitchers, or filters that attach to a faucet to make regular tap water alkaline.
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Does It Affect Heart Health
Research suggests carbonated water may improve heart health, although the evidence is very limited.
One study in 18 postmenopausal women showed that drinking sodium-rich carbonated water decreased LDL cholesterol, inflammatory markers, and blood sugar.
Whats more, they also experienced an increase in HDL cholesterol .
Additionally, the estimated risk of developing heart disease within 10 years was 35% lower among those drinking carbonated water than those drinking the control water.
However, since this was only one small study, significantly more research is needed before any conclusions can be reached.
Summary
Carbonated water may have beneficial effects on your cholesterol, inflammation, and blood sugar levels, potentially reducing your risk of heart disease. However, more studies are necessary.
No evidence suggests that carbonated or sparkling water is bad for you.
Its not that harmful to dental health, and it seems to have no effect on bone health.
Interestingly, a carbonated drink may even enhance digestion by improving swallowing ability and reducing constipation.
Its also a calorie-free beverage that causes a pleasurable bubbly sensation. Many people prefer it over still water.
Theres no reason to give up this beverage if you enjoy it. In fact, it may even improve your overall health.
Treating Reflux In A Natural Way
I am a huge believer in natural medicine. When I started giving my son natural remedies for reflux, they really worked! Aloe Vera, ginger, probiotics, and coconut oil, are my favorite natural reflux remedies. A while ago I posted about the properties and benefits of all of these in my 5 Natural Remedies For Acid Reflux article. You can learn in full detail how each one helps.
Please remember, though, that every person is different and what works for my son might not work for other kids. These are the natural remedies that really made a difference for him. And again, it goes without saying that we check with his pediatrician and GI specialist when we make a decision to treat a condition the natural way.
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How Does Seltzer Impact Digestion
As far as your gut goes, seltzer might actually be helpful. Carbonated water can potentially help with dyspepsia and constipation, says Laura Manning, MPH, RD, clinical nutrition director at the Susan and Leonard Feinstein IBD Clinical Center at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. This comes from a 2002 study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology since then, there hasnt been much research done on the subject. may be related to the carbon dioxide helping to move stomach and colonic contents along quicker, Manning says. Carbonation may also help to stimulate gastric acid to help increase digestion of food in the stomach.
That said, theres definitely such a thing as too much seltzer. A large intake of seltzer in a short period of time may cause gastric distress or bloating and can weaken a valve that typically keeps stomach contents down, Manning says. This can exacerbate gastroesophageal reflux disease , because carbonation can cause belching, which can cause acid reflux and heartburn, Manning says.
If youve been diagnosed with GERD or experience heartburn regularly, you may want to cut out seltzer to see if that helps. And if youre drinking so much that youre constantly bloated and burping, its time to cut back.
The #1 Worst Drink For Acid Reflux Says Dietitian
Acid reflux is not a fun feeling. It occurs when your stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach, also known as the esophagus. This backwash has the potential to irritate the lining of your esophagus.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic acid reflux is very common, as about 20% of the U.S. population has it. Anyone at any age can get it, but you’re especially susceptible to it if you are overweight or obese, pregnant, smoking or are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke, or are taking certain medications that may cause acid reflux.
Although common, if your acid reflux becomes more frequent, you may want to consider finding ways to prevent acid reflux from happening, such as changing what you eat and drink.
Sydney Greene MS, RDN, and a member of our medical expert board, says the worst drink for acid reflux is a can of seltzer.
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“The research evidence is mixed, however, anecdotally, I find that carbonated beverages can contribute to acid reflux in my clients,” says Greene. “If you’re drinking more than one can of seltzer per day this can have a negative effect on reflux.”
In order to prevent seltzers or other carbonated beverages from affecting your reflux, Greene suggests trying to swap out carbonated water for still water and sip it between meals.
For more information on health, take a look at Surprising Side Effects of Eating Peanut Butter, According to Science.
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There’s A Small Risk Of Infection
In 2017, medical experts from the popular TV show The Doctors tested the tops of aluminum beverage cans gathered from gas stations, vending machines, and grocery stores. Though most came up clean, some from the groceries were positive for E. coli, which can cause diarrhea, respiratory illness, and pneumonia.
In 2013, a CBS TV station in Texas took swabs of the top of cans in gas stations, restaurants, colleges, and vending machines and found that they were infected with stenotrophomonas maltophilia, pseudomonas luteola, and enterobacter cloacae. These harmful pathogens can cause illness and infections in immune-compromised folks.
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It Can Help With Digestion
Doctor Ava Williams, a primary care doctor who is board-certified in internal medicine with expertise in health and wellness and preventive care, has great news for daily seltzer consumers everywhere.
“You can get addicted to it without worrying about health hazards,” she says.
On top of that, it can actually have pretty major health benefits.
“Your digestive processes will benefit from it, from helping you to swallow better, to helping you with constipation problems,” she says.
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How Does Carbonated Water Cause Stomach Problems
General stomach discomfort is among the most minor side effects, but it may not seem so minor if you experience these issues. The fizzing bubbles found in carbonated beverages are gas. If you drink these bubbles, they become trapped within your stomach.
When this occurs, your stomach will develop bloating and more gas. If the gas is not immediately relieved, you can develop abdominal pain. Even if you like the taste of sparkling water, you surely do not want to cope with cramps after drinking it. In addition, the bloating can make your clothing feel too tight.
From jeans that zip to elastic waistbands, it can mean even more discomfort. It should be easy to decide that none of these problems are worth it, and choose a non-carbonated water instead.
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What Is Seltzer Water
What exactly is seltzer water and how is it made? Natural carbonated mineral and “fizzy” waters have been around since the time of ancient Greece. Because ancient Greeks believed this spring water held medicinal value, they not only drank it, but they bathed in it. Many years later, in the 18th century, a European scientist stumbled upon a way to create fizzy water without a natural spring. He discovered that he could infuse carbon dioxide gas into water, which created carbonic acid. This reaction gave the water its characteristic fizz. Flash forward to today, and seltzer water is still created using this same process. Plain versions of seltzer contain nothing else, but flavored varieties can contain citric acid or fruit juices as well as some form of sugar or alternative sweetener. Now that we know what seltzer is, let’s take a look at what happens to your body when you drink it.
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Potential Health Benefits Of Seltzer Water
Many people enjoy the sensation of drinking carbonated beverages, but unlike tonic water or soda, seltzer water has no sugar, making it a healthier alternative. Research has found several potential health benefits to drinking seltzer water:
Improved Dental Health
Seltzer water is slightly more acidic than still water, but it wonât damage your tooth enamel. In fact, studies have found seltzer water to be 100 times less damaging to your teeth than sodas, which are one of the leading causes of tooth decay and gum disease.
People who experience digestive problems may find some relief from seltzer water. Research indicates that consuming seltzer water may help soothe symptoms of constipation, such as stomach pain and irregular bowel movements.
Seltzer water also has shown promise in relieving indigestion.
Hydration
Early studies indicate that seltzer water is just as hydrating as still water. Seltzer water is an excellent choice for staying hydrated.
Healthy Weight Management
The most prevalent health benefit of seltzer water is its lack of sugar and calories. Seltzer water serves as a refreshing replacement for soda and other sugary drinks that raise the risk of conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, seltzer waterâs hydrating qualities help promote healthy weight loss and weight management.
Rumor #: Fizzy Water Weakens Bones
Thereâs some truth to the notion that fizzy drinks harm bones, but carbonation isnât to blame. Itâs the phosphoric acid found in many bottled beverages thatâs now linked to lower bone mass density. According to LaCroixâs FAQ page, a 12 oz. can of any flavor has about 5 mg of phosphoric acid . And the daily recommended intake for phosphorus is 700mg/day. Good news: Drinking LaCroix all day isnât turning our bones into breadsticks.
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Will Heartburn Go Away On Its Own
For many people, occasional heartburn is common. By watching what you eat and avoiding certain triggers , you may be able to prevent heartburn or manage it. If you find that you frequently experience heartburn and that it keeps getting worse, it could be a sign of a medical condition like GERD. In these cases, your heartburn will not go away without treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider so that you can develop a treatment plan.
Carbonated Beverages And Gerd Complications
Currently, there are no studies demonstrating any relationship between carbonated beverage consumption and complications of GERD such as oesophageal ulcers, peptic stricture, or Barretts oesophagus. However, three studies did evaluate carbonated beverage consumption and risk for oesophageal malignancy. In a study by Lagergren et al. that utilized Swedish nationwide population-based data, the authors demonstrated that frequency of intake of carbonated soft drinks was not associated with increased risk of oesophageal or cardia adenocarcinoma. However, high consumers were at a statistically nonsignificant decreased risk compared with newer users. In a U.S multicentre, population-based, case-control study, the authors found that high carbonated soft drink consumption was not associated with increased risk of any oesophageal or gastric cancer subtypes in men or women. In fact, the authors found an inverse relationship between carbonated soft drink consumption and the risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Ibiebele and colleagues also could not find any relationship between consumption of carbonated beverages and the risk of either adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus. The authors did demonstrate an inverse relationship between soda consumption and squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus .
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What Are The Benefits Of Sparkling Water Learn About The Health Benefits Of Drinking Sparkling Water
Although carbonated water has existed for over 200 years, the global thirst for sparkling water is only just beginning! As sparkling water grows in popularity, many have questioned the health effects of drinking the bubbly beverage. We did our research and here’s a breakdown of some of the scientifically proven benefits of drinking carbonated water!
The first step is to better understand fizzy water itself What is sparkling water exactly?
Lets Breakdown This Myth
There is much confusion around this myth because to get the answer, we must uncover 3 distinct parts. The first area to address is,Does drinking fluid/water impact stomach acid? The next concept to explore is, Should we drink or not drink fluid/water with a meal to optimize digestion?And then the final part is, Does any of this matter?
While researching this topic, I hit some roadblocks, realizing that there are many theoretical discussions based on human physiology, but little to no actual studies. Therefore, allow me to explain the theory behind this myth, and then well jump right into some of the research findings.
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Sparkling Water Is The Perfect Alternative To Soda Or Cola
At this point, we are all aware of the negative impacts the high levels of sugar in soda have on our health, but it is difficult to remove a beverage from your drinking habits. That change is easier if you have a healthier alternative, such as bubbly water. If you’re trying to cut back on your soda consumption, you might want to make sparkling water your new drink of choice!
How does a bubbly drink help reduce soda consumption?
Drinking carbonated water provides the same sensation as drinking a soda without the added calories, sugar, artificial colors and sweeteners. This familiar sparkling sensation is great to trick your body and move away from high-calorie beverages.
To add a little excitement and flavor to your sparkling water, try adding real ingredients like fruit, veggies and herbs. Infusions like cucumber & mint, orange & basil or strawberry & lemon can make your sparkling water more appealing without adding any artificial ingredients or extra calories. A great way to prepare delicious infused sparkling water at home is the Spärkel beverage system!
Keep Your Head Propped While You Sleep
When you sleep on your back, the acid from your stomach may flow up into your esophagus and cause a burning sensation. If you find yourself waking up in pain during the night, your sleeping position may be the problem.
Making a few changes to your bed may help keep the contents of your stomach from creeping up and burning your throat. You can prop your head up with extra pillows, bed frame extenders, or a foam wedge.
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