Carbonated drinks are beverages that have water infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. This produces sparkling water, club soda, soda water, seltzer water and fizzy drinks. It has salt and other minerals added to it to improve the taste and it has no nutritional value, it only adds excess sugar and calories to your diet.
According to Dr Mxolisi Xulu from Mthatha, numerous studies suggest that carbonated water stimulates the nerves responsible for swallowing, therefore improving swallowing ability.
“Carbonated water may also extend feelings of fullness after meals to a greater extent than plain water, which remains longer in your stomach. Sparkling water relieves constipation symptoms. Therefore, it has a benefit for digestion.”
However, quitting carbonated beverages should be part of your healthy lifestyle.
Asavela Mntumni (27) of Houtbay, a gym enthusiast, believes that sticking to water is the best way to avoid carbonated drinks. Mntumni has been on a healthy lifestyle journey for years and she says it keeps her fit and healthy.
“Also, keep in mind that our bodies react differently to different things. As a result, some people may believe that carbonated beverages are harmless because they have glowing skin and light bodies.”
Health For Mzansi reader Asavela Mntumni
She also believes that alcohol is a serious problem among young people and it throws off their plans to live a healthy lifestyle.
“It is always a good idea to remind yourself why you choose to live the way you do. Inform close friends and family of your decision so that they can accommodate you at gatherings.”
Choose low-sugar beverages.
Hlumela Ntshakaza Mlondobozi (49), who follows a banting lifestyle, says she is fortunate not to consume alcohol, but the thirst becomes too much at times. She would then choose a Footys drink which is a range of sugar-free sodas. She says that it has a fizzy drink-like flavour.
“Booze lovers can have red wine and whisky, but not beer or cider because they contain sugar.”
Ntshakaza-Mlondobozi prefers tea and coffee. She says she stays away from sweet things because she used to be big and knows what sugar can do to a person’s body and self-esteem.
Carbonated drink-induced dependency
According to Xulu, carbonated beverage cravings can develop into dependence, leading to mental and physical health difficulties.
“Addiction is a mental and physiological disorder characterised by the continued use of a substance even though it affects you negatively. Articles suggest that there’s not enough evidence to suggest that carbonated drinks addiction is a true disorder.”
However, he adds that fizzy drink addiction can be characterised as the inability to quit or reduce one’s use notwithstanding the harmful effects on one’s health. Furthermore, addiction or dependence may affect your weight, cardiovascular system, bones, and liver.
If you are thirsty, stay hydrated with water.
“Avoid using carbonated drinks as a reward and emotional crutch.”
Xulu advises booze drinkers to begin by reducing their daily consumption. Regular exercise, meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and mindfulness can help to manage stress levels effectively.
‘More harm than good’
According to Xulu, a 2006 study found that women who drank carbonated drinks on a regular basis had 4% lower bone mineral density in the hip.
Another study found that carbonated beverages are associated with a 23% increased risk of developing kidney stones.
“Carbonated beverages can contribute to childhood obesity and adult obesity as they promote weight gain.
“People should, especially those living with sugar diabetes, stay away from carbonated beverages, as they have been linked to a host of health problems, including chronic liver issues, moderate to severe acne, and accelerated skin ageing,” says Xulu.
He adds that since these beverages are already hyperglycemic, the high sugar content of these beverages may produce a sharp increase in blood sugar levels.
Health concerns
Carbonated beverages can reduce nutrient intake, says Xulu. These beverages have been linked to weight-related diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular risk factors.
“Carbonated drinks contain high concentrations of simple carbohydrates: glucose, fructose, sucrose and other simple sugars. These simple carbohydrates are fermented by oral bacteria and produce acids that may dissolve tooth enamel and cause dental decay.”
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