I have a friend who drinks a lot of seltzer water and I worry this is adding acidity to his body. What’s your opinion about this?
"A friend drinks a lot of seltzer water and I worry it's adding acidity to his body. What's your opinion?"
Seltzer water is made by dissolving carbon dioxide under pressure into water, which makes it effervescent. It was first designed as a low-cost alternative to naturally carbonated European mineral waters. In the carbonation process, carbon dioxide dissolves in the water and creates carbonic acid, which gives seltzer a slightly sour taste and a pH between 3 and 4. Plain seltzer water is acid-forming and does add to one's acid load, as you suspected.
Be aware that soda water is slightly different. In soda water, an alkalizing agent such as sodium bicarbonate or a potassium-based alkaline compound is generally added to the artificially carbonated water. This reduces the acidity to some degree and can add a slightly salty taste.
If you enjoy bubbles, balance them with plenty of mineral-rich, alkalizing foods across your day.
