Carbonation Information

[MCWTRAINER]

I wanted MC to try to do one on how carbonation (specifically carbonated soft drinks) may or may not effect diet, supplement absorption, weight loss, water retention etc.

Here you go jkeith...


Carbonation

Carbonation comes from dissolving carbon dioxide in water, a process also used for sparkling waters as well as soft drinks. In addition to the pleasing sensory effect, carbonation is beneficial - it keeps soft drinks safe from bacteria and microbes.

We know the results of carbonation when a beverage is opened or poured, but what about inside the body?

Easy Absorption
The carbon dioxide (CO2) in a carbonated beverage is readily and rapidly absorbed through the wall of the gastrointestinal system. But not all of the CO2 originally in the drink actually gets to the stomach. Some is lost in the fizz of opening the can or bottle, and some may combine with swallowed air to cause a belch.

The truth is, most CO2 in the beverage typically doesn't reach the digestive tract. The amount that does arrive there is quickly absorbed. In the process, it also enhances the absorption of the liquid that contains it, which causes the gastrointestinal tract to empty at a faster than usual rate. This helps to account for the long-time belief, recorded as early as 1914, that carbonation can promote digestion and ease nausea.

Carried to the lungs
The absorbed CO2 goes into the bloodstream, where most of it is carried to the lungs for exhalation. The CO2 is transported in one of three ways. Approximately 10 percent dissolves in the blood. About 20 percent becomes bound to hemoglobin. The rest, roughly 70 percent, is carried by red blood cells in the form of bicarbonate, which occurs when CO2 combines with water contained in the red blood cells.

Normal organic processes
Most of the CO2 in our blood is produced not by carbonated beverages, but by the body's conversion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy. In other words, having CO2 moving through the blood is a routine metabolic action.

When we exercise, we can feel the effects of CO2 in our bloodstream. As your workout builds in intensity, the level of CO2 in your blood rises because you are generating more energy. Your respiratory system responds by eliminating more CO2 and taking in more oxygen – which you experience as breathing harder.

Whether exercising or at rest, a healthy body's natural chemical reactions efficiently remove carbon dioxide from the blood. This maintains a normal acid/base balance. Carbonation does not raise the acid level of the blood and cannot dissolve bone.

Nor does carbonation have any impact on the lumpy-appearing fat sometimes called "cellulite," which is body fat pulled tight by the connective tissue that attaches skin to underlying muscle. Myths to the contrary are just that – myths.

THE EFFECTS OF CARBONATION ON YOUR HEALTH
by Steve Edwards

Concern over drinking carbonated beverages has been escalating in recent years. It’s rumored to inhibit athletic performance and has been linked to osteoporosis. But is there any truth to these rumors?

Carbonation in sodas comes from dissolving carbon dioxide in water, a process also used for sparkling waters. While many people seem to enjoy the effect of carbonation in their beverages, one can’t help wonder how this odd sensation affects the body.

Most of the carbon dioxide (CO2) is lost before the soda even reaches your mouth. Of that ingested, most (around 70%) is carried by the red blood cells in the form of bicarbonate. Since this is the natural bodily process of metabolizing carbohydrates, the effect of added CO2 is not drastic for the body to deal with.

Some studies in the early 1990’s suggested a link between carbonation and osteoporosis due to urinary excretion of calcium. However, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition disproved this claim showing instead that this was due more in part to caffeine in soda.

Further health claims, such as carbonation neutralizing stomach acids and impairing the breakdown and absorption of essential nutrients, seem to hold more validity. Since you are adding bicarbonate to the blood stream, it should somewhat upset the body’s chemical balance. For this reason, it’s logical to assume that the common claim of carbonation effecting performance during athletics has some relevance. While its effects are probably not great enough to worry about in general, it is certainly good protocol for athletes to refrain from drinking carbonated beverages when attempting to achieve optimal performance.

When it comes to soft drinks, carbonation can hardly be considered a concern since virtually everything else on most soda’s ingredient lists is more cause for concern. But since soft drinks are so unhealthy in general, this should be considered more fuel to the fire in your fight to avoid them whenever possible.

Carbonation

• Carbonation reduces the amount of calcium in your bones, and that means earlier onset of osteoporosis.
• Carbonation in soda, diet or regular, along with the acid in the drink, can cause the breakdown of the tooth structure. This can occur around the root surface or around tooth structure that has had gold or porcelain crowns. It also can breakdown weak areas of tooth structure especially along the gumline areas.
• Alli Parker explains other risks involving carbonation including eso****us irritation leading to bloating or indigestion.
• There isn't one study that says drinking soda causes any disease. This applies to the ingredients in soda, whether it's high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweetener, as well as to the carbonation itself.

[jtmOBX]

Good read, thanks.

[MCWTRAINER]

No prob.

[jkeithc82]

Damn MC, didn't even see this until now. Ah the power of SEARCH-Tech.

Good job dude!

[MCWTRAINER]

Damn MC, didn't even see this until now. Ah the power of SEARCH-Tech.

Good job dude!

I'm insulted that it took you so long to read this thread... My feelings are hurt after all the hard work I put into it and after a few weeks you finally read it. Not acceptable mister!

[Blap Blaow]

thanks for bumping this. Interesting read! Good job MCW. Makes a lot of sense but I've never connected the dots until now...

Better go off and make that order for effervescent creatine asap...

[MCWTRAINER]

thanks for bumping this. Interesting read! Good job MCW. Makes a lot of sense but I've never connected the dots until now...

Better go off and make that order for effervescent creatine asap...

Thanks man!