Carbonated water is water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure.
This produces a bubbly drink that’s 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.
Carbonated water benefits your digestive health in several ways.
Improves swallowing ability
Studies suggest that sparkling water improves swallowing ability in both young and older adults (8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source).
In one study, 16 healthy people were asked to repeatedly swallow different liquids. Carbonated water showed the strongest ability to stimulate the nerves responsible for swallowing (9Trusted Source).
Another study showed that the combination of cold temperature and carbonation strengthened these beneficial effects (10Trusted Source).
In a study in 72 people who felt a persistent need to clear their throats, drinking ice-cold carbonated water led to improvements in 63% of participants. Those with the most frequent, severe symptoms experienced the greatest relief (11Trusted Source).
Increases feelings of fullness
Carbonated water extends feelings of fullness after meals to a greater extent than plain water.
Sparkling water helps food remain in your stomach longer, which can trigger a greater sensation of fullness (12Trusted Source).
In a controlled study in 19 healthy young women, fullness scores were higher after the participants drank 8 ounces (250 ml) of soda water, compared with after drinking still water (13Trusted Source).
However, larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
Helps relieve constipation
People who experience constipation find that drinking sparkling water helps relieve their symptoms.
In a 2-week study in 40 older individuals who had experienced a stroke, average bowel movement frequency nearly doubled in the group that drank carbonated water, compared with the group that drank tap water.
What’s more, participants reported a 58% decrease in constipation symptoms (14Trusted Source).
There’s also evidence that sparkling water improves other symptoms of indigestion, including stomach pain.
One controlled study examined 21 people with chronic digestive issues. After 15 days, those who drank carbonated water experienced significant improvements in digestive symptoms, constipation, and gallbladder emptying (15Trusted Source).
Does it affect heart health?
Research suggests carbonated water improves heart health.
One study in 18 postmenopausal women showed that drinking sodium-rich carbonated water decreased LDL (bad) cholesterol, inflammatory markers, and blood sugar.
What’s more, they also experienced an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol (20Trusted Source).
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.
I like to add Apple Cider Vinegar to mine for a little fun flavor and to add the additional weight loss benefits of ACV – Kitty