<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Still or sparkling? It’s one of the most common questions you hear when you visit a restaurant – and most of us have a preference. But is one type of water better than the other when it comes to health? A new study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has found fizzy water could support weight loss by boosting metabolism, yet some experts aren’t convinced.
Fizzy Water And Weight Loss: Is There A Link?
There have long been rumblings that fizzy water may lead to weight loss because the bubbles make you feel fuller, therefore curbing hunger pangs, while others have claimed it speeds up digestion.
And now, a new study undertaken by scientists at Tesseikai Neurosurgery Hospital in Japan has examined another theory: whether drinking fizzy water causes weight loss by speeding up glucose consumption in the blood. To do this, they compared the process of drinking carbonated water with hemodialysis, a process where blood is filtered to remove waste and excess water when the kidneys no longer can. During hemodialysis, carbon dioxide enters the blood – just like it does when fizzy water is consumed.
Researchers concluded that the alkanisation process that occurs when carbon dioxide – found in fizzy water – is absorbed by the stomach and into the bloodstream, therefore accelerating the use of blood glucose.
However, they ultimately concluded that the impact is not enough to have a significant impact on weight loss. Lead author Dr Akira Takahashi said: ‘The impact of CO2 in carbonated water is not a standalone solution for weight loss. A balanced diet and regular physical activity remain crucial components of sustainable weight management.’
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Is Still Or Sparkling Water Healthier?
When it comes to hydration, research – such as this study from 2016 – has found still and sparkling water are equally effective. It is thought that your body absorbs carbonated water slightly more slowly, but this won’t affect your hydration levels.
So what about the rumours that sparkling water is bad for your teeth? Well, sparkling water is more acidic than still, which can soften the enamel of the teeth – but usually this is not something to worry about, unless you already have a high-sugar diet. Generally, it’s thought it would take a lot of sparkling water to see any noticeable damage to your teeth.
However, there are risks of overdoing it on the fizzy water – particularly for people prone to digestive issues. ‘Drinking carbonated water can have some effects on the digestive system, particularly for individuals with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions,’ explained Dr Takahashi. ‘The primary concerns include bloating, gas and, in some cases, exacerbation of certain symptoms associated with digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.’
