Carbonated water may assist in weight reduction by enhancing the absorption of blood glucose and metabolism—the pace at which the body utilizes and transforms energy—but the impacts are so minimal that drinking it cannot be depended upon solely to lose weight, as concluded by a short review published in the open-access journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health.
There are no instant solutions for shedding pounds and maintaining weight loss, indicates the author: consistent physical exercise and a healthy, balanced diet are still vital, in addition to the fact that the long-term repercussions of consuming excessive quantities of fizzy water are still unknown.
Because carbonated water is perceived as ‘satiating,’ thus assisting in diminishing hunger cravings, and is said to enhance digestion and reduce blood sugar levels, it has been promoted as a potential weight loss aid.
However, it remains uncertain exactly how sparkling water might decrease blood glucose or how this could factor into weight control, highlights the author.
In an effort to determine this, the author compared the act of consuming fizzy water to haemodialysis, a procedure in which blood is filtered (dialysed) to eliminate waste and excess fluid when the kidneys are unable to do so, based on previously published research.
Haemodialysis makes the blood alkaline, primarily generating carbon dioxide (CO₂). In a similar vein, the CO₂ from fizzy water is absorbed through the stomach lining and is swiftly converted into bicarbonate (HCO3) within red blood cells. This alkalinisation process accelerates glucose absorption and utilization by activating crucial enzymes in red blood cells, denotes the author.
Clinical observations during haemodialysis demonstrate that blood glucose levels decrease as blood flows through the dialyser, even though the initial glucose level in the dialysate solution is higher, he adds.
While these observations imply that sparkling water may indirectly facilitate weight loss by improving the absorption and utilization of blood glucose, context is crucial, stresses the author.
During an average four-hour haemodialysis session, approximately 48000 ml of blood circulates through the dialyser, resulting in roughly 9.5 g of glucose being consumed throughout the session, he clarifies.
“Given this slight reduction in glucose, the effect of CO₂ in fizzy water is not a singular solution for weight loss. A balanced diet and consistent physical activity remain essential elements of effective weight management,” he asserts.
“Furthermore, the consumption of carbonated water can produce various effects on the digestive system, particularly for those with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing gastrointestinal issues. The main concerns include bloating, gas, and, in some instances, aggravation of specific symptoms associated with digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease,” he notes.
“Practicing moderation is crucial to avoiding discomfort while still benefiting from the potential metabolic advantages of sparkling water,” he states.
In reference to the analysis, Professor Sumantra Ray, Executive Director of the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, which co-owns the journal, remarked: “While there is a theoretical connection between carbonated water and glucose metabolism, this has yet to be examined in well-designed human intervention trials.
“And though this study contributes to the evidence pool, it does not furnish sufficient evidence to make recommendations for the preventive or therapeutic applications of carbonated water. Additionally, any prospective benefits must be measured against the possible drawbacks of carbonated beverages that may contain sodium, glucose, or other additives.”