How often do you buy or order sparkling water at a restaurant? What happened to ‘ tap water’ or ‘water in a bottle without fizz ? “Sparkling water, with its effervescent charm and variety of flavors, has surged in popularity as a refreshing alternative to still water and sugary drinks. This fizzy beverage, often seen as a healthier choice, is surrounded by a mix of opinions regarding its impact on health. While some tout its benefits, others raise concerns about its effects on dental and bone health
Sparkling water, often synonymous with effervescence and refreshment, is essentially water that contains dissolved carbon dioxide gas, either naturally occurring or artificially added. It comes in various forms, including natural mineral water, club soda, tonic water, and flavored sparkling varieties.
Sparkling water also increases the production of a hormone called gherilin Gherilin is a hormone primarily produced by enteroendocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach, and is often called a "hunger hormone" because it increases the drive to eat. Blood levels of ghrelin are highest before meals when hungry, returning to lower levels after mealtimes .Ghrelin may help prepare for food intake by increasing gastric motility and stimulating the secretion of gastric acid It is often called the Hunger hormone
A study was done in 2022 It had 20 male participants drink either carbonated or plain water, and the results matched those of the rodent study. The men who drank either unsweetened or artificially sweetened carbonated water had triple the blood levels of ghrelin than did those who drank either plain water or degassed sparkling water. This could lead to obesity and weight gain - another problem with sparkling water
One of the primary benefits of sparkling water is its ability to hydrate the body just as effectively as still water. This is particularly beneficial for those who find the taste of regular water bland and are looking for a more palatable option to meet their hydration needs. So drink regular water. I’d rather see my patients have more regular flat water than carbonated water !