Helps with digestion, Constipation, Heart health, Keeps you hydrated, Keeps you feeling full, motion sickness, Increases productivity, Diabetes, Toxicity are some of the health benefits of Sparkling Water (Carbonated Water) During Pregnancy.
Sparkling water or carbonated water involves the dissolution of carbon dioxide under pressure. So, just like other carbonated beverages, the process gives a bubbly sensation to the water when it is drunk. Many people still wonder of the benefits provided by sparkling water in contrast to the regular water. However, we will discuss all the benefits provided by carbonated water to pregnant women in this article. Read below to find more:
Sparkling Water (Carbonated Water) During Pregnancy: 9 Health Benefits
Helps with digestion
Natural sparkling water is a rich source of calcium and magnesium. The natural bicarbonates help with most common issues of pregnant women, i.e. digestion and acidity. Pregnant women are also asked to increase their intake of calcium and magnesium, which can be gradually increased with the help of sparkling water.
Read More: Top 21 Calcium Rich Foods
Constipation
Constipation is the most common problem during pregnancy. It is believed that sparkling water can help relieve the symptoms of constipation and indigestion, such as stomach pain. There have been reports of several pregnant women who have had significant improvements in their digestive symptoms, constipation and gallbladder emptying.
Heart health
Although there hasn’t been much scientific evidence related to the effect of carbonated water on heart health but the existing ones show a positive outlook on the same. Thus, carbonated water is said to be beneficial for cholesterol, blood sugar and inflammation but there is more study needed to prove this statement.
Read More: Heartburn During Pregnancy
Keeps you hydrated
In contrary to the belief that carbonated water may dehydrate you, it has been said by the health experts that this is just a ‘myth’. In fact, filtered sparkling water helps in removing the contaminants, organic compounds and harmful chemicals, thus ensuring that as a mom-to-be, you are drinking healthy and clean water. Sparkling water and plain water both offer the same thirst-quenching benefits.
Keeps you feeling full
In case, if you have been asked by your doctor to control your weight during pregnancy, then this one might be beneficial for you. The tiny carbonation bubbles of carbonated water fill your stomach, which tricks your brain to feeling full. Consequently, you will eat less in that ‘full’ feeling.
Read More: Weight Gain During Pregnancy: How Much is OK?
Motion sickness
Another major problem faced by the expectant moms-to-be is motion sickness. It is believed by many people that drinking sparkling water during pregnancy can help to reduce the feelings of motion sickness and nausea. However, there isn’t any clear reason to support this.
Read More: How Much Water Should You Drink in a Day During Pregnancy?
Increases productivity
It is pretty common to feel tired at times and especially during pregnancy. And during this time, you can’t excessively rely on caffeine for the energy boost you require. In fact, even mild dehydration may adversely affect one’s productivity. So, the best option to rely on is carbonated water.
Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the major reasons people switch to carbonated water in order to avoid drinking sugar-rich sodas and carbonated beverages. Although, the bubbles in carbonated water may make you feel like you are drinking a soda but of course, without sugar. Thus, if you are suffering from diabetes, then this can be a good option.
Toxicity
It is not bad if you drink plain tap water, assuring that is filtered and free of toxins. But if you shift your choice to carbonated water, the risk of toxicity from tap water is subsequently reduced because the water was effectively treated and processed before being carbonated.
Side effects of carbonated water
Obesity
Not all carbonated water is created in the same way. Although plain carbonated water will not make you gain weight but some flavour enhancers do consist of sodium, natural and artificial acids, sweeteners etc that can further be high in calories. These additives can contribute in gaining weight over time.
IBS
In case you are sensitive to sparkling water, it may lead to IBS flare-ups. Thus, if you go through any sort of stomach issues after consuming carbonated water, it is better that you eliminate them.
Tooth decay
As long as it is plain carbonated water with no added sugar or citric acid, then it won’t cause any harm but if there are any added ingredients to it, then it may lead to an increased risk for tooth decay.
Can you make sparkling water?
The price of sparkling water is somewhat same to the cost of bottled water, so not many people try to make a DIY sparkling water. Although a few years ago carbonated water could not be produced at home and was something that could only be manufactured but now, there are a number of easy methods to make carbonated water. One of the widely used methods is through soda machines. These are most commonly used to turn the water into carbonated one.
Conclusion
Given the benefits provided by carbonated water, there arises no reason as to avoid its consumption. In fact, it somewhat helps in improving your overall health. A lot of people prefer sparkling water over regular water and as a mom-to-be; it is perfectly safe for consumption.
