Can fizzy or carbonated water help with weight loss?
According to a new study, carbonated water or fizzy water, devoid of additives or sugar, may help in weight loss by boosting metabolism.
Fizzy water or carbonated water has shown amazing results in aiding weight loss. A recent study showed that carbonated water boosts metabolism (the rate at which the body converts food into energy).
However, the effects were small, so, the researchers pointed out that fizzy water alone may not help you lose extra kilos.
Published in the peer-reviewed journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, the study showed that fizzy water is “filling” which is why it reduces hunger pangs, and even speeds up digestion. It also lowers blood sugar levels, which is known to potentially help with weight loss.
“Given this minimal glucose reduction, the carbon dioxide effect in carbonated water is not a standalone solution for weight loss. A balanced diet and regular physical activity remain important components of sustainable weight management,” the authors said.
Researchers have compared the process of drinking fizzy water to hemodialysis, in which the blood is filtered (dialysis) to remove waste and excess water when the kidneys are inactive.
Hemodialysis alkalizes the blood, producing primarily carbon dioxide. Similarly, the carbon dioxide in fizzy water is absorbed through the stomach lining and rapidly converted to bicarbonate in red blood cells.
This alkalinization process accelerates glucose absorption and utilization by activating key enzymes in red blood cells.
Previous observational studies show that as blood passes through the dialyzer, blood glucose levels fall, despite initially high glucose levels in the dialysate solution.
However, drinking carbonated water can have some effects on the digestive system such as bloating, gas and, in some cases, aggravation of certain symptoms associated with digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Therefore, moderation is important to avoid discomfort.
Professor Sumantra Ray, Executive Director, NNEDPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, which co-owns the journal, concluded that there is a hypothetical link between carbonated water and glucose metabolism, but yet to be well-designed. It has not been tested in human intervention studies. ,
“Although this study adds to the evidence base, it does not provide sufficient evidence on which to make recommendations for preventive or therapeutic use of carbonated water.” Sumantra Ray said.
It is important to note that carbonated or fizzy water is devoid of any additives like flavors or sugar.
