Is club soda bad for you? The real truth behind carbonated water

This fantastic article was written by Victoria Vito, MS, a professional nutritionist, columnist, and health blogger. We encourage you to check out her website here!

Drinking carbonated water has been popular since 1767, and it does not seem to be going anywhere. But is carbonated water actually safe to drink?

Carbonated water (also known as sparkling water, club soda, seltzer water, fizzy water, soda water, or “bubbly water”) is water in which carbon dioxide gas is added under very high pressure. Some carbonated waters have additives, such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium chloride, but seltzer water is always composed of carbon dioxide and water with no other additives.

This process causes the water to become effervescent and is known as carbonation. Most carbonated water is sold in carbonated beverages like soft drinks and ready to drink bottles as mineral water. However, it’s rather easy to make at home with soda makers.

Natural sparkling mineral waters, such as San Pellegrino and Perrier, are different. They are captured naturally from a mineral spring and have a tendency to contain sulfur compounds and essential minerals. These waters are usually carbonated as well.

Does Club Soda Cause IBS?

Club soda may cause gas and bloating, which could initiate IBS flare-ups in case you are sensitive to fizzy drinks.

So, if you have stomach problems and flare-ups after drinking club soda, you may be better off reducing them.

For sensitive stomach, check out these amazing natural remedies.

Does Club Soda Cause Tooth Decay?

The answer is no – as long as it is plain carbonated water with no any additions of sugar or citric acid. If you’re looking at carbonated beverages with some added ingredients, like soda, though, the risk factors go way up.

According to a 2009 case report, sugars and acids in these beverages have carcinogenic and acidogenic potential, which can cause erosion of the enamel. The carbonation process is simply the addition of carbon dioxide gas under pressure to plain water – salt, sugars, and acids are not being added. It is the addition of those components that ups the risk for tooth decay.

Can Club Soda Make You Fat?

Drinking plain carbonated water won’t make you gain weight, however, it is important to note that not every carbonated water is made equal.

While carbonated water is simply water and air, certain flavor enhancers and bottled seltzers contain natural and artificial acids, sodium, sweeteners, flavors, and some other additives. All of these could contain extra sodium and hidden calories. Moreover, these additives could lead to cavities and weight gain over time, research show, therefore, read labels carefully.

How to Keep It Healthy

You should always read the ingredient list. In order to avoid negative consequences for your body and teeth, take a look out for additives, like sugar and sodium. Be aware of the differences between the typical suspects:

Tonic water contains added flavors and sweeteners.
Seltzer water does not contain sodium, but club soda does.

Flavored sparkling water may have added natural sweeteners and citric acid, along with sodium and caffeine.

Experiment with adding combinations of honey, fresh fruits, cucumbers, and herbs to plain carbonated water to change up the flavor. Here are some great ideas.

So, Is Carbonated Water Good or Bad for You?

To sum up, there is currently no evidence that club soda is not good for you. It’s not really that damaging to dental health and seems to have no any effect on bone health.

Fascinatingly, a carbonated beverage may even enhance digestion by improving swallowing ability and decreasing constipation. It is also a calorie-free drink which causes a pleasant bubbly sensation. Many persons prefer it over still water.

There is no reason to give up this drink if you enjoy it. It may improve your overall health.

Top 3 Best Sparkling Water Brands for 2016

Image Credit: Emilio100 / Shutterstock.com

The bubbly bottled drinks are really nourishing!

Science has discovered that water is actually healthiest when it has natural carbonation. This is why carbonated water is uniquely significant for health conscious consumers.

Additionally, we offer you the top 3 bottle sparkling waters for 2016. These aqua sources are naturally filtered by environmental purification processes in underground aquifers. Therefore, the moisture is enhanced by plenty of beneficial minerals, and it’s extracted in a way that preserves near ecosystems.

The following companies have been reviewed based on a wide range of quantitative and qualitative statistics.

#1 Sparkling Water Brand: Perrier (sparkling, France)

This brand is often seen in television and movies. It is best known for its naturally occurring carbonation, higher levels of carbonation than its peers, and distinctive green bottle. Perrier has a long tradition of excellent quality and is recognized as an impeccable example of premium sparkling water.

#2 Sparkling Water Brand: Voss Sparkling (artesian sparkling, Norway)

What sets this brand apart from other sparkling waters are the unique flavors and crisp taste. In addition to this taste and clean look, Voss Sparkling Water is committed to Kosher certification for the flavored and original sparkling water and committed to not using any genetically engineered ingredients for the flavored club soda.

#3 Sparkling Water Brand: San Pellegrino (sparkling mineral water, Italy)

San Pellegrino is the choice for numerous top-tier chefs and sommeliers around the world. The brand exists more than 115 years. The water originates from a layer of rock about 400 meters (1,300 ft.) under the surface, where it’s mineralized from contact with volcanic rocks and limestone.

It emerges from 3 deep springs (located at the foot of a dolomite mountain wall that favors the replenishment and formation of a mineral water basin) at a temperature of around 22 °C (72 °F). The water seeps to depths of above 700 m (2,300 ft.) and then, flows underground to a distant aquifer.