Tea Time: The Seltzer Craze

• Different kinds of carbonated water (water infused with carbon dioxide under pressure)
  • sparkling mineral water (naturally occurring) - like Perrier (pH 5.5) or San Pellegrino (pH 7.7)
  • seltzer water (made with CO2 cartridges like a Soda Stream creating an acidic pH of 3-4)
  • club soda - has salts added to neutralize pH
  • soda water - sometimes means seltzer, sometimes means club soda
  • tonic water - not water but a sweetened soft drink, used most commonly with gin
• Pros
  • promotes hydration
  • no sugar, usually
  • might help with fullness (temporarily)
  • might help with swallowing/persistent throat clearing
  • might help with constipation
  • acidic foods/drinks do not affect the pH balance of your body
• Cons
  • carbonation can cause bloating, which might be a problem for people with IBS
  • effect on tooth enamel is unclear
    • studies show more damage than water, but many times less than sugary drinks (carbonated or not)
    • unsweetened is probably fine, but drink with a meal or rinse your mouth after to be safe
    • or buy pH papers and test your carbonated water
• Carbonated Water and Bone Health
  • No effect on bone health
  • studies on sweetened carbonated drinks (colas) which contain phosphorus show bone loss (also d/t replacement of milk in diet)