Carbonated water conveys a number of health benefits. From soothing indigestion to reducing cholesterol, carbonated water has reemerged as a sparkling, healthful alternative to tap water. How carbonated water does this remains rather shrouded. Gastroenterologists and hematologists believe the benefits have something to do with the combination of carbonation and minerals and sodium.
Indigestion
Bloating, commonly referred to as gas, can be alleviated by drinking a minimum of six ounces of carbonated water after a meal. This kernel of wisdom helped propel a number of soft drink manufacturers into mega-corporations. Coke, Dr, Pepper, and Pepsi all were originally marketed as tonic for indigestion and gas. In fact, Pepsi derived its name from dyspepsia. It is a forgone conclusion that the relief they provided had a great deal to do with the carbonated water they used and not the sugar, caramel coloring and caffeine.
Constipation
In addition to aiding indigestion, carbonated water also can relieve constipation. Six to eight ounces of carbonated water should help within 20 minutes of drinking. If symptoms of constipation persist, a second bottle or glass of carbonated water can be imbibed. According to a study on the effects of carbonated water published in the "European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology," carbon dioxide bubbles and high mineral levels in carbonated water can stimulate digestion and relieve constipation.
Cholesterol Reduction
According to an article in the "Journal of Nutrition," consuming sodium-rich carbonated water "decreased total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels by 6.8 percent and 14.8 percent, respectively, whereas HDL-cholesterol concentration increased by 8.7 percent, compared to the control period. The study concludes that risk indexes for cardiovascular disease (total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol) were markedly reduced as a result of drinking carbonated water. The study has validated the overall health benefits of carbonated water.
Misconceptions and Mineral Concentrations
Uninformed people tend to believe the high concentration of carbon dioxide in carbonated water is detrimental. The false belief is that the bubbles eat away at the stomach lining and increase acidity in the body. Neither claim has been substantiated in a double-blind clinical trial. In fact, the reverse seems to be the case. Research suggests the carbon dioxide can actually neutralize harmful bacterium in the digestive tract. It is worth mentioning that mineral and sodium levels vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. This is directly related to the springs and refinement processes that manufacturers may use for their source material.
Member Comments