Fizzy water has been explored for its possible role in weight loss. It may help boost how your body manages blood sugar and uses energy. However, a recent study in the journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health suggests the effects are minor. You can’t count on fizzy water alone to lose weight.
Experts agree that there are no shortcuts to losing weight and keeping it off. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are still your best bets. We also don’t yet know the long-term effects of drinking a lot of carbonated water.
Fizzy water is often seen as filling, which could help curb your appetite. It may also speed up digestion and lower blood sugar levels, making it popular among those looking to lose weight. But it’s unclear how exactly fizzy water might help with blood sugar or weight management.
The study compared drinking fizzy water to a process called haemodialysis. In haemodialysis, blood is filtered to remove waste and excess water when the kidneys aren’t working well. This process turns blood alkaline and produces carbon dioxide. Similarly, when you drink fizzy water, carbon dioxide is absorbed and converted in your body, possibly aiding glucose absorption.
During a typical haemodialysis session, a large amount of blood passes through a filter. This can lead to a notable reduction in blood sugar levels. Yet, the researcher points out that the amount of glucose reduced is small.
“The effects of CO₂ in fizzy water won’t lead to significant weight loss on their own,” the author stresses. A balanced diet and regular exercise are both crucial for lasting weight control.
It’s also worth noting that carbonated water may cause digestive issues for some people. Those with sensitive stomachs or certain gastrointestinal conditions could experience bloating, gas, or aggravated symptoms of disorders like irritable bowel syndrome. So, while you can enjoy fizzy water, moderation is vital to avoid discomfort.
Professor Sumantra Ray, Executive Director of the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, commented on the study. He noted that while there could be a link between carbonated water and blood sugar, further research in well-designed human studies is needed. Though the study adds to existing knowledge, it doesn’t offer enough evidence to recommend carbonated water as a treatment or preventive measure. Any possible benefits should be weighed against the potential drawbacks of carbonated drinks, especially those that contain additives.
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Glucose, Metabolism, Weight Loss, Blood, Diet, Digestion, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Red Blood Cells, Research
