Dangers of Carbonated Water

Carbonated water has been the subject of some controversy. Rumors abound that it will harm you and create nothing but trouble in your life. However, much of this is either unsubstantiated, exaggerated or a result of guilt by association to other possible issues.

Sodium

One supposed danger of carbonated water is its sodium level, which can be high in some bottled waters. If you have to watch your sodium intake, a high sodium level in water might pose a risk, as would anything high in sodium. A 2004 study in the Journal of Nutrition found possible cardiovascular benefits in some postmenopausal women who were first given low-sodium mineral water, followed by a carbonated water with a higher sodium level. Remember that this was a controlled study; the sodium levels in the test water may not mimic what you find in bottled carbonated water.

Acid Reflux

Carbonated beverages may aggravate acid reflux (heartburn), so if you are prone to heartburn or have gastroesophageal reflux disease, you may benefit from avoiding carbonated water.

Esophageal Cancer

Science Daily reported in 2006 that the Mayo Clinic found acid reflux could lead to a pre-cancerous condition of the esophagus in about 5 percent of study participants. Because of that association of acid reflux with esophageal cancer, you might draw the conclusion that carbonated water could lead to cancer. However, a 2006 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that carbonated beverage intake was not associated with an increase in esophageal cancer, despite any connection between carbonation and heartburn.

Osteoporosis

One alleged consequence of drinking anything carbonated, including water, is that the resulting acid reflux prompts your stomach to leach calcium from your blood and bones as a makeshift antacid, leading to osteoporosis. Dr. Andrew Weil notes that studies performed in the 1990s showed a connection between cola and calcium loss, but there was no association with non-cola carbonated water. The osteoporosis claim may be guilt by association.

Medication Reactions

A 2007 article in the Chicago Tribune noted that some medications require plain water--in other words, you can't take them with carbonated water, juice, tea, milk or other beverages. Discuss with your doctor or a pharmacist whether the medications they have given you have this requirement.