Carbonated Water & Health: Benefits, Risks & Sodium Content

While carbonated water may alleviate constipation and calm an upset stomach, certain types of carbonated water may lack essential minerals or contain unhealthy ingredients.

Sodium

• While many people think that carbonated water has more sodium than other beverages, sodium content varies depending on the type of carbonated water. Read the label to find out how much sodium is included in your beverage. If your carbonated water of choice contains a lot of sodium, this may lead to high blood pressure.

Healthy Beverages

• Try to find carbonated water with over 48 mg of magnesium per liter, 85 mg of calcium per liter and less than 195 mg of sodium per liter. The amount of minerals included in carbonated beverages varies.

Health Benefits

• However, carbonated water with high sodium levels may also lower cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular problems for women who are post-menopausal.