Maybe you are familiar with the name of this one drink, namely sparkling water. Not only fresh and delicious, the benefits of sparkling water are also varied for health, ranging from improving digestion to maintaining bone health.
Soda water or carbonated water is water formed from the carbonation process, so that in it there is foam of carbon dioxide gas. The carbonation process can occur naturally in springs or artificially by adding carbon dioxide gas to the water.
Generally soda also contains sodium, magnesium, potassium, or calcium. These various minerals are believed to make sparkling water have many health benefits.
Benefits of Soda Water for Health
Here are some of the health benefits of sparkling water that you need to know:
1. Smooth digestion
Several studies show that consumption of sparkling water can help and prevent a person from experiencing constipation. This is because of the presence of magnesium which is beneficial for digestion, so it will make it easier for you to defecate.
2. Prevent dehydration
In order to avoid dehydration you need to have sufficient body fluid intake, namely by drinking enough water. However, if you are tired of drinking water, you can consume other drinks, such as sparkling water, fresh fruit juice, tea, or infused water.
Soda water and plain water can both meet your body's fluid needs, so it's good to help overcome and prevent dehydration.
3. Gives a feeling of fullness and maintains weight
The third benefit of sparkling water is to provide a feeling of fullness and maintain weight. Research shows that drinking water or sparkling water at least 30 minutes before eating can make your body full faster, so you can reduce the portion of food and not overeat.
That way, it will be easier for you to control your appetite and your weight can be more easily maintained. However, for this benefit, choose sparkling water that does not contain a lot of sugar.
4. Helps overcome swallowing disorders
Soda water is rich in carbon dioxide gas which is good for improving the ability to swallow in the throat, especially in the elderly and people with dysphagia.
Research shows that consumption of carbonated water, namely sparkling water, can help clear the throat and stimulate the body's ability to swallow, which can help people who have difficulty swallowing to eat and drink more smoothly.
However, dysphagia swallowing disorders have not been proven to be treated with soda water. Therefore, if you experience swallowing disorders, you should consult a doctor for examination and treatment.
5. Maintain cleanliness and health of the skin
A study says that the content of carbon dioxide gas, minerals, and water in soda water is useful for improving blood flow to the skin and cleaning the skin from dust and germs.
Therefore, you can try using sparkling water for bathing and washing your face, to keep your skin clean and healthy. However, to be safer, you should consult a dermatologist first if you have or are suffering from certain skin diseases, yes.
6. Treating jengkol poisoning
The next benefit of soda water is to treat jengkol poisoning. Research shows that consumption of soda water can cure acute kidney damage caused by jengkol poisoning.
This is because sparkling water can increase the acidity (pH) in the blood, so that the pH levels of the kidneys that are too acidic can return to balance.
7. Maintain bone health
Soda water which contains calcium and magnesium is efficacious for maintaining bone health. According to a study, carbonated water containing these two minerals is said to help make bones stronger.
Even so, calcium intake from sparkling water alone is not enough, because the recommended calcium requirement for healthy bones is 1,200 mg per day.
To maintain bone strength, you need to consume sources of calcium and vitamin D, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, tofu, and spinach. In addition, to keep bones and joints strong, you also need to exercise regularly, for example by walking, running, swimming, yoga, playing tennis, or badminton.
Avoid consuming sparkling water that contains phosphoric acid, because this substance can actually interfere with the process of calcium absorption into the bones, so that the bones are at risk of being easily porous and weakened.
The Risk of Drinking Too Much Soda
Although sparkling water has various benefits, you still need to be careful, because excessive consumption of sparkling water can cause erosion or erosion of tooth enamel, flatulence, and belching.
Most bottled sparkling water also contains sugar and artificial sweeteners. To get the benefits of sparkling water, choose low-sugar or sugar-free sparkling water (sugar free), or sparkling water with healthier sweeteners, such as stevia and fruit extracts.
Those are the various benefits of soda water for the health of the body. If you still have questions regarding the benefits of soda water or the safety of consuming this drink on your body condition, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.
