Experts answer questions such as 'Is it true that carbonated water dissolves teeth?' and 'Is drinking water during meals bad for digestion?'
When you eat at a restaurant with a nice atmosphere, you may be asked if you want water or carbonated water, and some people may have had the experience of wondering which to choose. Experts have compiled the scientific evidence known so far about hydration with water and carbonated water, including which is better for your body, regular water or carbonated water, and whether the theory that 'drinking water during a meal dilutes stomach acid and is bad for digestion' is true or false.
Is still water better for you than sparkling water?
◆Which is better for your health: water or carbonated water?
According to Christian Moro, associate professor of medicine and biomedical sciences at Bond University in Australia, and Charlotte Phelps, a senior research associate at the School of Medicine, the best way to stay hydrated is with water.
However, since carbonated water and still water (i.e., regular water) have the same effect when it comes to rehydrating, carbonated water and still water are considered to be the same means of ingesting fluids.
Some people believe that drinking water in sealed bottles is healthier, but in Australia, the safety of tap water is strictly monitored, and fluoride is added to tap water to protect children from tooth decay. In Japan, fluoride is not added to tap water, but (PDF file) Japan is one of the few countries where the quality of tap water is good and tap water is drinkable as is , so you don't need to worry about whether it's bottled or not.
On the other hand, you should be careful about drinks that contain additives other than carbonation, especially sugar or sweeteners. 'Carbonated water or still water is always better than artificially sweetened flavored drinks or juices,' Moro et al. pointed out.
◆Is carbonated water bad for your bones and teeth?
First of all, regarding bones, there is no evidence that carbonated water damages bones. It is said that drinking a lot of soft drinks makes you more susceptible to fractures, but this is mainly related to obesity, and it is said that the carbonation does not directly affect bones.
On the other hand, carbonated water is more acidic than still water, and this acid can soften the enamel that protects the surface of your teeth. However, for carbonated water to have an effect on your teeth, your teeth would need to be exposed to a lot of it for a long period of time, so if you only drink carbonated water, you don't need to worry too much.
However, when you add sugar and citrus fruits in addition to carbonation, the acidity becomes much higher, which can put your teeth at risk.
In particular, people who have a habit of grinding their teeth are more susceptible to damage caused by softening of the teeth. Also, people who whiten their teeth at home should be aware that carbonated water can discolor their teeth.
If you drink a lot of carbonated water and are worried about its effect on your tooth enamel, Moro and his colleagues advise, 'You can also drink a glass of still water after drinking carbonated water. This will rinse your teeth and return the acidity in your mouth to normal.'
◆Is drinking beverages while eating bad for digestion?
Some people believe that drinking liquids during meals is bad for digestion, but this is a misconception. In other words, Moro and his team believe that there is no problem with drinking fluids during meals, whether they are water or carbonated water.
Theoretically, water may dilute stomach acid, but the habit of drinking water with meals is not harmful as your digestive system simply adjusts to the consistency of the food in your stomach.
For some people, carbonated drinks can cause stomach upset, which can lead to gas buildup and bloating and discomfort. Also, for people with
◆What are the effects of ice-cold water or carbonated water?
While water or carbonated water is fine to drink during meals, there are surprisingly few studies comparing the effects of room temperature water with cold water. Some studies have shown that very cold water can inhibit stomach contractions and slow digestion, and ice water can constrict blood vessels, causing cramps.
Other studies suggest that drinking cold water may temporarily boost your metabolism by using energy to warm your body, but the effect is minimal and you shouldn't expect any noticeable weight loss results.
Moro et al. conclude their report by saying, 'In summary, water is essential to life, and staying hydrated has countless health benefits. Whether carbonated or not, water is always the healthiest drink.' They once again recommended active hydration with water or carbonated water.
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