Generality
What is carbonated water?
Sparkling water ( seltzer water ) is a mineral water that is particularly rich in carbon dioxide. Sometimes, its famous bubbles represent a characteristic of natural origin (it is the case of the effervescent water that flows from some springs), but in general it is an artificial peculiarity.
Production
How do you get carbonated water?
Some natural processes typical of artesian wells give mineral water an effervescence similar to the carbonated one. This is the case of Mihalkovo, in the Bulgarian mountains of Rodope, in Medzitlija in Macedonia, and especially in Selters in the German Taunus mountains.
If it is not natural effervescent, the carbonated water is produced by "carbonation" (carbonation). In the latter case, the sparkling wine is mainly due to the addition of carbon dioxide (also called CO 2, carbon dioxide or E290).
Other beverages can be made sparkling by the addition of sodium bicarbonate, sodium chlorite, potassium citrate, potassium sulfate, potassium citrate, etc., which however alter the flavor more.
Property
Properties from carbonated water
Sparkling water and sense of taste
Like mineral water and drinking water, carbonated water has no calories. Beyond its organoleptic characteristics, which can be more or less pleasant, the bubbles stimulate the taste receptors, to the point of anesthetizing them and thus giving a greater feeling of freshness to the palate. This is the reason why many people consider it more refreshing than ordinary water, even if in reality this effect is only temporary.
Carbonated water, stomach and intestines
If taken before a meal, carbonated water helps to dilate the gastric walls and reduce appetite. If sipped during meals, the dilation of the stomach walls, instead stimulates the secretion of gastric juices.
In a study carried out on people suffering from constipation and those suffering from a stroke, carbonated water improved peristalsis and intestinal regularity.
Carbonated water and acid / base balance
Some people, and many personal trainers, prefer to avoid carbonated mineral water because of its acidity because, inserted in a western dietetic context, typically rich in "acidic foods", it would favor the loss of minerals and the appearance of osteoporosis, dental caries, weakness and pictures of general malaise. These are groundless conjectures and, in this regard, we recall that a healthy organism is always perfectly able to maintain the physiological pH, guaranteeing the general state of health.
The acid pH of carbonated water is neutralized already inside the oral cavity, due to the action of saliva.
One study found a certain correlation between decreased bone mineralization in older women and consumption of carbonated drinks; on the other hand, the bond seemed to concern soft drinks, and not simple carbonated water.
Use
How much and when to drink carbonated water?
As a general rule, drinking only carbonated water is not recommended. Although lacking in nutrients and nutritional factors, it should be considered as an alternative drink and as such consumed in a reasonable manner.
A good compromise is the choice to drink carbonated water only with meals, for a total of about 3 glasses a day (300-450 ml).
Side effects
Side effects of carbonated water
The side effects of carbonated water are rather obvious. It can cause belching difficult to control, especially in the presence of:
- Hiatal hernia
- Incontinence of the lower esophageal sphincter.
Furthermore, to some people carbonated water can cause hiccups and coughs; this effect, trivial and almost amusing for healthy subjects, can instead prove very dangerous in other people (see below).
In order not to increase the risk of bad breath or worsen halitosis (especially for those who work in close contact with other people), it is recommended to totally avoid the association of carbonated water and strongly aromatic foods such as: garlic, onion, fish blue etc.
Fizzy drinks have a negative impact on tooth enamel; however, water does not contain added acids, so it should not be harmful to the teeth.
Precautions and Contraindications
Precautions
Who should reduce the consumption of carbonated water?
As specified, due to its effervescence, carbonated water has a certain effect on the taste buds. As such, if appreciated, it tends to completely replace traditional water, becoming almost irreplaceable. This occurs already in childhood, when a certain predisposition to sweet taste also arises. This is why most young consumers tend to quickly replace carbonated water with cola, orange juice, tonic water etc; needless to say, this is a negative aspect, to be avoided at all costs, since it is one of the major risk factors for overweight and obesity, first juvenile and then adult.
Contraindications
Who should avoid sparkling water?
Carbonated water must be eliminated from the diet of people who suffer from:
- Hiatal hernia
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Gastritis
- Ulcer.
Note: carbonated water does not seem to worsen the condition of gastroesophageal reflux disease; however, favoring gastric distension, it negatively affects hiatal hernia as a determining factor for the aforementioned disease. As such, carbonated water may accentuate the burning sensation typical of these stomach diseases.
Although the reasons for the prohibition are different, the same recommendation applies to those who suffer from:
- Colitis
- Inflammation of diverticula
- Flatulence
- Flatulence.
Carbonated water is also totally to be avoided in the event of dysphagia and impairment of general motor functions (which occur mainly in elderly people or those with neurological problems). This is because it increases the risk of hiccups and cough, factors potentially responsible for the penetration of food and drinks into the airways, also increasing the danger of infectious pneumonia.
