One study investigating the role of sparkling water in weight loss showed it could boost glucose metabolism, similar to effects seen in hemodialysis. However, this benefit is minimal and does not replace the basic weight management pillars of diet and exercise.
A new analysis published today (Jan. 22) in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health suggests that sparkling soda may support weight loss by slightly enhancing blood sugar absorption and metabolism - the body's energy conversion process. However, the effect was minimal, meaning carbonated water alone is not reliable for weight loss.
The author believes there are no shortcuts to effective weight loss. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet remain vital, while the long-term effects of heavy soda consumption remain unknown.
Sparkling water is often considered a potential weight loss aid because it creates a feeling of fullness, helps suppress hunger, and is thought to speed up digestion and lower blood sugar levels.
However, the authors stress that the exact mechanism by which carbonated water lowers blood sugar levels and aids weight control is not fully understood.
To find out, the authors used previously published research to compare the process of drinking soda to the process of hemodialysis, a process in which the blood is filtered (dialyzed) to remove waste products and excess water when the kidneys can no longer perform dialysis.
Hemodialysis makes the blood alkaline, producing mainly carbon dioxide (CO2). Similarly, the CO2 in soda is absorbed by the gastric mucosa and quickly converted into bicarbonate (HCO3) in red blood cells. The authors explain that this alkalizing process speeds up glucose absorption and utilization by activating key enzymes in red blood cells.
He added that clinical observations during hemodialysis have shown that blood glucose levels fall as blood passes through the dialyzer, despite initially higher glucose levels in the dialysate.
The authors stress that while these findings suggest that soda may indirectly promote weight loss by improving blood sugar absorption and utilization, the key is to look at the specific situation.
He explained that during a typical 4-hour hemodialysis session, approximately 48,000 milliliters of blood flow through the dialyzer, so approximately 9.5 grams of glucose are consumed during the dialysis process.
"Given the minimal decrease in glucose, the effects of CO2 in carbonated water are not a stand-alone solution for weight loss. A balanced diet and regular physical activity remain important components of sustainable weight management," he said. "In addition, drinking carbonated water can have some effects on the digestive system, especially in people with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions. Major problems include bloating, gas, and in some cases exacerbating certain symptoms associated with digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or gastroesophageal reflux disease."
"Moderation is key to avoiding discomfort while still enjoying the potential metabolic benefits of carbonated water," he says.
Commenting on the analysis, Professor Sumantra Ray, Executive Director of the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, which co-owns the journal, said: "While there is a putative link between carbonated water and glucose metabolism, this link has yet to be established in well-designed human intervention studies. "
Compiled from /ScitechDaily