The Surprising Role Of Sparkling Water In Dieting
A recent study from Japan offers partial support to the idea that sparkling water might help with weight loss by temporarily lowering blood sugar levels. This reduction in blood sugar could allow the body to burn fat more efficiently between meals. However, the benefits appear to be modest, as the drop in blood sugar is temporary and the overall impact on calorie consumption is minimal. Dr. Akira Takahashi, who led the research, cautioned that carbonated water is not a stand-alone solution for weight loss and should not be relied upon as a primary method for managing weight.
The study builds on earlier research from 2004, which observed that CO2 in the blood during hemodialysis, a process similar to the effect of drinking carbonated water, led to lowered blood glucose levels. While the new study found a similar effect with carbonated water, it concluded that the amount of glucose burned wouldn’t be enough for significant weight loss. Takahashi emphasized that a balanced diet and regular exercise remain essential for effective weight management.
Health enthusiasts have long championed sparkling water for its potential weight loss effects, with some citing a 2017 study that suggested carbonated drinks could stimulate appetite by increasing the hunger hormone ghrelin. However, that study’s small sample size and lack of replication have cast doubt on its findings. Takahashi’s recent research provides a more cautious view, indicating that while there may be minor benefits, sparkling water alone will not lead to significant weight loss.
Experts like Keith Frayn, a professor emeritus of human metabolism at the University of Oxford, suggest that the glucose burned by drinking carbonated water would likely be recycled by the liver rather than used for energy. He speculates that if sparkling water has any effect on weight loss, it would likely be due to feelings of fullness, rather than a direct metabolic impact.
Registered dietitian Lori Welstead added that sparkling water could aid weight management by helping people feel fuller, potentially reducing hunger between meals. However, she warned that excessive consumption could lead to uncomfortable side effects like bloating or gas. Moderation is key, she advised, as drinking too much carbonated water could cause digestive issues.
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