Dangers of Carbonated Drinks & Carbonic Acid
Dangers of Carbonated Drinks & Carbonic Acid
You probably already know that drinking certain carbonated drinks regularly, like some energy drinks and soda, contributes to weight gain. What you may not realize it’s not just the calories and sugar in these beverages that cause health problems. A lot of carbonated beverages also contain acids, including carbonic acid, that can cause damaging health problems.
by Jon Bender
About Carbonic Acid
Carbonic acid is the hydrated version of carbon dioxide. It’s actually essential for both the health of the human body and the environment. That said, it only exists for a fraction of a second before transforming into a mixture of bicarbonate and hydrogen. Carbonic acid remains an enigma health wise.
Although the fizz associated with carbonated beverages makes them more enjoyable to drink, most contain several types of acids. Manufacturers add acids to carbonated beverages to add a tart, fresh taste. Most of these carbonated beverages are also loaded with sugar, adding to their problematic appeal.
Dangers of Acids in Beverages
Wears Down Dental Enamel
Washing the teeth in acid is detrimental for dental enamel and can also lead to cavities. However, carbonic acid, compared to most acids found in sodas, isn’t all that acidic. Studies have shown carbonated beverages play a role in dental erosion. Also, a major problem is the sugars they contain. Both ingredients can damage your teeth (cavities and enamel wear).
The most effective way to protect your teeth from enamel wear and tooth decay is to avoid excessive exposure to acids. For instance, those found in soda.
May Reduce Bone Density
According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006), phosphoric acid in carbonated drinks can end up preventing the body from absorbing calcium over time. This tends to damage teeth and bone by reducing bone density. Thus, potentially resulting in osteoporosis and preventing calcium from maintaining bone strength. The National Osteoporosis Foundation has stated that the best way to protect your bones is to limit the consumption of soft drinks and carbonated energy drinks.
Gas Expansion
Carbonated beverages can cause the distension of the stomach. Besides causing minor problems like hiccups, carbonated beverages can trigger irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition, the stomach distension can end up reducing the performance of stomach acid when it comes to digesting food that calls for sufficient acidity. Individuals with IBS are advised to cut carbonated drinks from their diet (along with other things) to let the GI lining recover. The best way to avoid acid reflux and heartburn is to eliminate acidic, carbonated beverage consumption altogether.
Avoid Acidic Energy Drinks
Although many energy drinks don’t have as much caffeine as a “coffee house” coffee, most are packed with sugar. They also contain a lot of other “bad for you” ingredients, including carbonic acid. The good news is that there are other options that don’t contain damaging acids. Our E3 Energy Drink is a revolutionary, multivitamin beverage made up of powerful nutritional “energizers” with NO carbonation and NO carbonic acid!
Click here for more information on E3 Energy Multivitamin Drink!
Bottom Line
There are just too many other, healthier beverage options available today to chance drinking carbonated versions that contain carbonic and other acids. This is especially the case because the most popular carbonated drinks (like soda) contain other chemicals and loads of sugar.
Wow! This is crazy, soda is dangerous!