Should you quench your thirst with carbonated drinks?

I usually quench my thirst by drinking carbonated water, but many people advise me to stop because this drink causes pain and stomach ulcers. Please advise me, doctor. (Nghi, 24 years old, Ho Chi Minh City)

Reply:

Carbonated drinks are not harmful to your stomach if you drink them in moderation and have no history of stomach pain, indigestion, vomiting or diarrhoea. However, carbonated drinks can cause the stomach to expand and increase pressure, causing bloating, indigestion and stomach pain. If you have these symptoms, you should reduce your consumption of carbonated drinks.

Carbonated water contains saturated CO2, sweeteners, flavorings, colorings, additives, and preservatives. Usually, this type of drink also contains acids such as malic, tartaric, citric, phosphoric, plus sugar, long-term use will affect your general health.

Specifically, carbonated water often contains fructose, which the body does not need insulin to turn into excess fat, causing obesity. Over time, the body lacks calcium, preventing calcium absorption, leading to osteoporosis, tooth decay, and oral diseases. Low blood calcium levels prevent the body from absorbing potassium, making it susceptible to fatigue, weakness, and convulsions.

Drinking carbonated water for a long time, the risk of metabolic diseases, diabetes is twice higher than normal. This type of drink also often contains caffeine, so when drinking it can cause sleep disorders, headaches.

Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative in carbonated water, but is thought to be a carcinogen because it mixes with vitamin C to form benzene.

Therefore, if you want to protect your stomach and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you should reduce carbonated drinks and increase sugar-free drinks such as green tea, filtered water, natural fruit juice, and yogurt.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan
Deputy Director of Digestive Surgery, Head of Digestive Surgery Department
108 Central Military Hospital

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