It looks as though drinking seltzer water doesn't contribute to osteoporosis or increase fracture risk in women. Is carbonated water bad for you? © 2010 - 2020 Harvard University. This goes for men and…. As long as it’s plain carbonated water with no added citric acid or sugar, then the answer is no. Some people over age 60 have few, if any, symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), while others experience the same symptoms younger people do. So perhaps, like many other people, you've turned to carbonated water to fill that cold, bubbly niche in your life. So perhaps, like many other people, you've turned to carbonated water to fill that cold, bubbly niche in your life. Also, these additives can lead to cavities and weight gain over time, studies show, so read labels carefully. It's a well-known fact that soda is bad for your health. Flavored sparkling water may have added citric acid or natural sweeteners, along with caffeine and sodium. But how valid are these claims? In a study using teeth that were removed as a part of treatment and donated for research, researchers tested to see whether sparkling water would attack tooth enamel more aggressively than regular lab water. So, is carbonated water just as bad for our bones as soda is? Learn about the symptoms, causes, and risk factors…, Researchers have uncovered a link between conception and soda: drinking it daily could harm your chances of becoming pregnant. All rights reserved. Image: © bhofack2 | iStock\Getty Images Plus. Do omega-3s protect your thinking skills? Drinking raw water is a relatively new health phenomenon, but are the rumors about its health benefits true, or is it dangerous? Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Warnings about the harmful effects of carbonated beverages on bone emerge from time to time. By now, everyone is well aware of the hazards of drinking soda, both sugary and sugar-free. But, OK, calm down. Hormone therapy and radiation may help with certain prostate cancer, Unlocking the mystery of chronic pelvic pain syndrome, Women with DCIS at increased risk for breast cancer death, A silent condition may be taking a toll on your health. There are claims that carbonation increases calcium loss in bones, causes tooth decay, causes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and can make you gain weight even without the calories, sugar, and flavor that are found in regular soda. A Journal of the American Dental Association study found that many popular sports drinks were "extremely erosive," while most sparkling carbonated waters ranked as "minimally erosive." Plain carbonated water won’t make you gain weight, but it’s important to note that not all carbonated water is created equal. Smokers may have higher risk of brain aneurysm, Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, Making the switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet, Salt shakedown: A boon for lowering blood pressure. Warnings about the harmful effects of carbonated beverages on bone emerge from time to time. It’s bad for your bones,” according to the Internet and people airing their unsolicited opinions. Always read the ingredient list and keep a look out for additives, like sodium and sugar, to avoid negative consequences for your teeth and body. By activating your account, you will create a login and password. Is Carbonated Water Bad for You? The two forms of water were about the same in their effects on tooth enamel. Tonic water contains added sweeteners and flavors. And if you suspect that by drinking seltzer water, coffee, colas, or other soft drinks you may be reducing your intake of healthy beverages — such as calcium and vitamin D fortified juices and milk. Flavored sparkling water may contain citric acid plus sweeteners and caffeine. What can we help you find? Get health information and advice from the experts at Harvard Medical School. All of these could contain hidden calories and extra sodium. Both articles and products will be searched. These antioxidants may help control blood pressure and fight cognitive decline. Find out here. A 2006 study involving 2,500 people set out to determine what effects consumption of colas and other carbonated beverages had on bone mineral density. Which is good — so it's not bad for you. Is this true? A. While researchers found that cola beverages were associated with low bone mineral density in women, other carbonated drinks did not appear to have the same effect. The Rumor: Every sip you take from your glass of demon-water — excuse me, seltzer water — wears down the enamel on your teeth, which means that after a few years of heavy seltzer … Bubbles, bubbles everywhere! So does minimally erosive equate to "bad"? Enter search terms and tap the Search button. This is due to the fact that cola beverages have phosphorus, which can increase the loss of calcium from the body through the kidneys. Q. I've heard that club soda, seltzer water, and sparkling mineral waters rob the bones of calcium. (White chocolate isn't one of them.) However, this is rare. We've all read the reports and articles detailing how the sugar in pop will rot our teeth, cause obesity, or give us diabetes. Here, a few experts explain why. Can acupuncture help my menopause symptoms? Some kinds of chocolate contain high amounts of flavonols. Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M.S., R.D., L.D., CDE — Written by Cara J. Stevens on July 25, 2017 Calcium loss in bones Researchers reveal that how we consume dietary acids, such as fruit juices and soda, can have a significant impact on our risk of tooth erosion.