5+ interesting facts about the benefits and harms of sparkling water

• What is sparkling water made of?
• What are the benefits and harms of carbonated water?
• Does sparkling water help with weight loss?
• How harmful is sweet carbonated water?
• How to reduce the harm of sweet carbonated water

In the modern world, few people doubt the health benefits of sparkling mineral water. But not everyone can immediately explain how it affects the body. Of course, we are talking about water of natural origin, which does not contain sugar or other inedible components in the form of dyes and preservatives. In this article we will try to understand the benefits and harms of sparkling water.

What does it consist of?

The composition of sparkling water is very simple. It contains directly water and carbon dioxide. This is the composition of simple sparkling water. Whether it will harm or benefit the body is the subject of ongoing debate between supporters and opponents of proper nutrition. It all depends on what kind of water is in the composition. It can be simple, mineral or sweet with the addition of dyes and flavors.

Beneficial features

Natural carbonated water has been known to man since ancient times. Initially, it was used only as a remedy. Everyone could come to the natural spring, draw water and even swim in it. In the 18th century, water began to be bottled on an industrial scale. But since such an enterprise turned out to be unprofitable, since the liquid quickly fizzled out and lost most of its beneficial properties, it was decided to carbonate it artificially.

Only carbonated mineral water can have a positive effect on the body. The harm or benefit of this product will depend on the quantity and quality of the drink consumed. In general, natural mineral water is prescribed by a doctor for medicinal purposes. It is not recommended to abuse this drink, despite the fact that it promotes the production of gastric juice at low acidity, maintains the alkaline balance, activates the work of enzymes, and prevents the leaching of calcium from the body.

In addition to natural carbonated water, sweet drinks based on medicinal herbs (Tarragon, Baikal, Sayany) can also be beneficial for the body.

Negative effects and contraindications

Water that has artificially become carbonated due to the addition of carbon dioxide is of synthetic origin and does not contain any nutritional value. This is especially true for sweet drinks.

The harm of carbonated water to the human body lies in the fact that carbon dioxide, which is present in this product, causes flatulence, belching and bloating.

Carbonated water, the harm or benefit of which lies in its composition, can either restore and maintain the water-salt balance, or disrupt it.

How to choose and store mineral water

When purchasing this drink, it is better to give preference to glass bottles. They are more expensive, but the natural composition of the water in them is preserved better and longer.

The following information must be indicated on the container of a quality product: name of the water, its composition, well number or name of the source, degree and method of mineralization, manufacturer and his contacts, date of spill, conditions and shelf life.

Water should be stored in areas protected from the sun at a temperature of 3°C to 30°C.

Mineral sparkling water

Useful micro- and macroelements, as well as mineral compounds, make the product beneficial for the body. It should be noted that, in addition to the level of carbonation, such water has different mineralization. Weak and medium mineral water is suitable for daily use. It will not only perfectly quench your thirst, but also saturate the body with useful compounds. But carbonated water with a high degree of mineralization is intended for use for medicinal purposes. It should be consumed only in limited quantities, since the content of useful elements in it is high enough for everyday use.

What is mineral water

Carbonated water is the most common water with the addition of carbon dioxide, better known to us as carbon dioxide.

Mineral carbonated water is found in many natural sources, and its benefits have been known to people since ancient times.

Just one and a half to two centuries ago, mineral water was considered an elite drink, accessible only to wealthy people.

Today, it is produced en masse, actively advertised and used not only for medicinal purposes, but also as a replacement for regular drinking water.

There is salted and unsalted soda.

In salted water, in addition to the salt itself, small amounts of minerals are often added:

1. Sodium
2. Potassium
3. Calcium
4. Magnesium

Such water not only rehydrates the body, but also replenishes its reserves of nutrients.

True, this affects the taste - not everyone likes the peculiar bitterish saltiness.

Another important feature is that for the production of soda, water is taken from artesian sources - wells up to several hundred meters deep.

The water from these springs is particularly clean because it is not influenced by the polluted external environment.

Adding carbon dioxide to mineral water creates a chemical reaction, which results in the synthesis of carbonic acid.

According to various studies, this weak substance stimulates the same receptors on the human tongue as mustard - we feel a slight pungency and tingling sensation.

Some people find it annoying, others like it.

The pH balance of soda is three to four units. This means that the environment is slightly acidic.

However, drinking mineral water does not increase the acidity of the body: excess carbon dioxide is removed from the body by the kidneys and lungs.

The pH balance is maintained at just above seven units, regardless of food or water in our diet.

Sweet sparkling water

Carbonated drinks can be beneficial. It all depends on the contents of the bottle. Sweet carbonated water, the harm or benefit of which is the subject of debate among doctors, nutritionists and manufacturers, may contain artificial food additives or extracts of medicinal herbs.

“Duchess” and “Tarragon” contain tarragon, which is an effective vasoconstrictor, improves the functioning of the digestive system and increases appetite. Carbonated water “Sayana” and “Baikal” contains an extract of the Leuzea plant, which helps relieve fatigue, increase muscle activity and normalize the nervous system.

In addition to natural ingredients, water may also contain harmful food additives: dyes, preservatives, flavor enhancers. Such carbonated drinks can cause addiction, the appearance of rashes and allergic reactions, damage to the gastric mucosa, and damage to tooth enamel.

Types of mineral water by chemical composition

1. Alkaline mineral water is intended for athletes. It has a beneficial effect on the body, which is often worn out by regular physical activity. In addition, it restores blood alkalinity and is recommended for diabetes and various infectious diseases. For gastritis, alkaline mineral water is not used, as it provokes the secretion of gastric juice. If you really want, you can drink a glass of table mineral water 1-1.5 hours before meals.
2. Sulfate - recommended for people with liver problems, gall bladder, diabetes and obesity. Children, teenagers and pregnant women are prohibited from drinking this water. This is because sulfates block bone growth and prevent calcium from food from being absorbed by the body.
3. Chloride mineral water ensures high-quality functioning of the intestines and liver. However, it should be excluded from the diet if there are arrhythmias and high blood pressure.
4. Magnesium mineral water acts on the human body as an anti-stress, calming and stabilizing the nervous system. But if you exceed the norm, it can lead to stomach upset.
5. Mixed mineral water contains several active components, which are contained in minimal quantities. It is permissible to use it at will, but not exceeding the permissible limits. It is necessary to clarify that, depending on the presence of biologically active components and gas composition, water can be nitrogen, bromide, iodide, sulfide, etc.

The dangers of “fizzy” water for a child

In recent years, nutritionists and pediatricians have been sounding the alarm. Parents are increasingly buying carbonated drinks for their young children. The consequences of such unreasonable actions are obvious: the number of boys and girls suffering from obesity is steadily growing every year. What can abuse of soda lead to? Increased nervous excitability, problems with the skeletal and endocrine systems, bad teeth. All this is just a small part of the harm that sweet carbonated water can have on the body.

In addition to children, pregnant women and nursing mothers, as well as people who are struggling with excess weight, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and allergy sufferers should avoid sweet soda.

Harm of carbonated drinks. Myth or reality?

A bottle of sweet fruity fizz or an ice-cold glass of highly carbonated mineral water - what could be better as an aperitif on a hot summer afternoon? According to statistics, the world leaders in the consumption of such drinks are residents of North America. Literally each of them drinks up to 200 liters of soda per year. Residents of the post-Soviet space are significantly behind the Americans - 50 liters, respectively. It is noteworthy that the total consumption of gas water in the world is constantly growing, thereby causing concern among nutritionists, who note patterns between the development of a number of dangerous chronic diseases and addiction to sugary drinks.

Really, is carbonated water really that harmless? Let's try to understand the basic scientific approaches and assessments of this food product. So let's get started.

Sugary water and obesity

Lemonade, bottled in small 0.33 liter bottles, contains prohibitive sugar content - 12-16 teaspoons, which is three times the permissible daily consumption of this product. Once in the body, soda activates the pancreas, which, by producing insulin, in turn triggers the breakdown of glucose. At this moment, the liver is activated, which converts sugar into the main source of energy for our body - fat.

Due to the fact that most sweet carbonated drinks contain fructose, which, when it enters the blood, disorients the work of the important hormone leptin, which is responsible for controlling fat formation. Therefore, our liver continues to synthesize more and more new fatty structures, which, with uncontrolled consumption of soda, can cause the development of hypertension, obesity, coronary heart disease and diabetes. Moreover, it is enough to drink 0.5-1 liter of gas water daily to gain 1 kg in weight in just a week.

Carbonated drinks are like drugs

One of the components of most sweet carbonated drinks is caffeine. This component can not only raise blood pressure, but is also a fairly powerful stimulant of the central nervous system. Once in the blood, caffeine stimulates the release of the hormone dopamine, which is responsible for feelings of pleasure. The dopamine attack begins 40-45 minutes after drinking a glass of drink and lasts about an hour (until the blood sugar level drops). Thus, people with a sweet tooth develop a mental dependence on foods containing sugar, glucose and fructose. Each new glass of gas water brings with it joy, pleasure, and uplifting mood. Accordingly, the absence of your favorite drink is associated with loss of strength and drowsiness.

A few words about additives

Modern sweet soda is by no means a transparent drink made on the basis of natural ingredients and biological dyes. The base of any sweet gas water is weak phosphoric acid, which, when released into the body’s fluids, gradually washes away calcium, which leads to the development of diseases of the teeth and gums, and also affects the strength of bone structures.

Another constant component of such drinks is the sweetener aspartame (subjectively 200 times sweeter than natural sugar). There is still debate about its impact on the vital systems of the human body in the medical academic environment. However, it has been established that this substance disrupts protein metabolism at the level of cellular structures, which can cause the development of serious pathologies, including epilepsy and cancer.

Synthetic dyes also do not inspire confidence, many of which can cause the development of allergic reactions and asthma.

General conclusions

Based on the above facts and conclusions, it is obvious that regular consumption of sweet carbonated water can indeed cause metabolic disorders, and, consequently, a number of dangerous diseases. Therefore, in order to avoid risks, you should limit your consumption of such liquids to 2-3 glasses per week. In addition, we should not forget that some consumers should refuse this kind of treat altogether. In particular, these include:

• small children under 3 years of age;
• suffering from chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, allergies. Drinking sweet water can provoke another attack or worsen the patient’s general condition;
• suffering from gastrointestinal disorders. Sweet water can disrupt the normal functioning of the intestines, disrupt peristalsis, thereby causing problems with stool;
• people controlling or reducing their weight. If you have a sweet tooth, replace soda with water with honey and lemon, natural fruit drinks or compotes.

Mineral sparkling waters

Mineral medicinal or drinking water does not contain sugar or sweeteners, flavor enhancers and dyes, which makes these drinks stand out from the entire gas water niche. Carbon monoxide, used as a natural preservative used to keep water clean and potable, can irritate the stomach lining, thereby stimulating appetite and increasing acidity. Therefore, for people suffering from gastritis, stomach or intestinal ulcers, consuming such water is absolutely unacceptable.

Another important point. To quench thirst and restore the body's water balance, it is best to use drinking mineral water without gas or so-called natural carbonated water. Due to the high level of mineralization and the content of neutral molecules, this drink is able to supply the cellular structures of the body with all the necessary micro and macroelements, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are so necessary for normal metabolism.

It is advisable to use medicinal mineral waters (alkaline, hydrocarbonate and others) as prescribed by your doctor or nutritionist. Otherwise, you may upset the acid-base balance of the stomach, and this is the first step to gastritis and other troubles.

Carbonated water: harm or benefit for weight loss

Everyone knows that any diet is based on sufficient fluid intake, namely clean water. Otherwise the weight will stand still. Carbonated water does not provide any nutritional or energy value. It does not contain proteins, fats or carbohydrates, and its calorie content is also zero.

It will promote weight loss in the same way as plain water. It is known that liquid in the stomach gives a feeling of fullness. Therefore, it is a must for those who are actively fighting excess weight. At the same time, the harm of carbonated water can manifest itself in the fact that it causes bloating and flatulence, that is, some discomfort in the intestines. But if this does not cause inconvenience, then you can lose weight with any water, including carbonated water.

Soda makes you fat

Maybe yes. Soda contains a lot of sugar, and excess sugar is known to trigger the development of obesity, diabetes and heart problems. In general, if you consume sugary soda in large quantities, the risk of gaining weight increases significantly.

Some experts, however, believe that it’s not just the sugar contained in cola and other drinks – a sedentary lifestyle and an unbalanced diet in general contribute to the gain of extra pounds. True, a journalistic investigation conducted by New York Times employees showed that some of the experts who stated this worked for the Coca-Cola company. It also became known that the manufacturers of popular drinks, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, sponsored companies working in the healthcare sector (some of these companies took money from two giants at once).

Summarizing

It is difficult to unequivocally answer the question of what sparkling water will bring to the body, whether its consumption will be harmful or beneficial. First of all, when choosing this drink, you should pay attention to its origin: natural or synthetic. Natural mineral water contains useful microelements that contribute to the health of the body. Soda, especially sweet soda produced artificially, cannot be healthy. One should expect only negative consequences and deterioration of the body’s functioning from drinking drinks based on it.

Soda can irritate the stomach lining

Alas, this is true, and carbon dioxide bubbles are to blame. It is they, if soda is drunk on an empty stomach, that cause discomfort in the stomach and put unnecessary strain on the biliary system. That is why doctors usually prohibit those who suffer from chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, colitis, etc.) from drinking carbonated drinks, since they can often cause exacerbation and inflammatory processes. And often even mineral water intended for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases is advised by doctors to drink only after gas has been removed from it. Or choose lightly carbonated water (lightly carbonated water is considered to have a level of carbon dioxide from 0.2 to 0.3%; medium carbonated water contains from 0.3 to 0.4%; and, finally, highly carbonated water contains more than 0.4%).

nutritionist, presenter of the programs “Food with and without rules”, “Family Size”

Sugar dissolved in all kinds of drinks “sucks” water from the cells of our body, so we want to drink more and more. And the release of gases from highly carbonated drinks rapidly swells the stomach, leading to the so-called gastroesophageal reflux.

The effects of drink components on the body

To understand what exactly the negative impact of lemonade is, it is worth analyzing in more detail the nature of the influence of each individual element of the composition.

Important! It is worth taking into account that in some cases, carbonated drinks (even sweet lemonade) may be recommended in small portions. This is especially true for people suffering from anemia or chronic indigestion.

However, this product should only be consumed with the recommendation of a nutritionist or other treating specialist. In fact, the benefits and harms of sweet soda are closely related factors, determined by the characteristics of the chemical composition and the nature of the effect on the human body. Let us consider in more detail the nature of the absorption of each component and the possible pathologies caused by their consumption.

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So, from the table above, it becomes clear that such products pose quite a serious danger to the human body, and they must be, if not completely excluded from the diet, then at least minimized.

The healthiest soda is natural

That is, water from natural mineral springs, naturally carbonated. Mineral water is divided into table water, with a weak degree of mineralization (up to 1 g/l, usually not even more than 0.4 g/l); medicinal table (mineralization 1 g/l to 10 g/l - this is water such as Narzan, Borjomi, Vittel, Contrex, San Pelegrino, etc.) and medicinal - with a degree of mineralization higher than 10 g/ l or with a high content of various biologically active components, such as Karmadon with a high content of orthoric acid.

Types of mineral water by mineralization

• Table mineral water has a mineralization of less than 1 g per dm³ and contains minimal levels of biologically active components. It can be used daily in the drinking diet.
• Medicinal table water – mineralization more than 1 g per dm³. Often this figure reaches 10 g. There is a slight increase in biologically active components. This water is recommended for healthy people, but only occasionally. Also used for disease prevention.
• Medicinal - has indicators of over 10 g per dm³. It is maximally saturated with active ingredients and is prescribed only by a doctor for treatment and prophylactic purposes. It is not used for regular drinking.

Doctors do not advise drinking mineral water just like that

If table mineral water can be safely used for drinking and cooking, then medicinal table and medicinal water have a number of indications and contraindications. Medicinal table water, if its mineralization is more than 2-2.5 g per liter, is drunk after consultation with a doctor, usually no more than 2-4 glasses a day, in courses; medicinal mineral water can be drunk strictly according to medical advice. A simple example: for residents of those areas where the water is not chlorinated, but fluoridated, fluoridated mineral water, which is actively recommended all over the world for the prevention of caries and osteoporosis, will not help, but will do harm. Water with a high content of calcium (such as Vittel, Contrex, San Pelegrino) is usually recommended for those who eat little dairy products and women over 50 years of age (to prevent osteoporosis), water with a high content of magnesium (Narzan, Contrex) - accordingly, it can be prescribed by a doctor in case of its deficiency (for example, for those who are on a diet) or to improve the functioning of the biliary system, with a high sodium content (“Karmadon”, “Novoterskaya”) - to regulate the water balance in the body, bicarbonate (“ Essentuki No. 17") - for digestive problems, sulfate ("Lipetsk pump-room", "Novoterskaya healing", "Moskovskaya") - to facilitate the functioning of the liver, and so on.

How much mineral water can you drink per day?

I would like to immediately note that it should not replace ordinary water. It is used only for therapeutic and preventive measures.

At the time of its creation, mineral water was considered a medicinal drink that should be sold exclusively on pharmacy counters and as prescribed by a doctor. Over time, its availability led to its use at will, which contradicts the rules for taking this drink. However, it is allowed to drink water every day that has a minimum mineralization density. If we talk about athletes and people who are keen on physical activity, they are allowed to consume highly mineralized water in their diet every day. This is due to significant sweating, as a result of which salts actively leave the body.

Other people should adhere to the rules when drinking this drink: drink it irregularly and only when the body has lost salt. Situations that cause this process are stress, heat, physical activity or preventive measures.

According to experts, you can drink 500 ml of table water per day, provided there are no problems with digestion and kidneys. Before use, you should consult your doctor.

The daily intake of medicinal table and medicinal water should ALWAYS be prescribed by a doctor. Self-treatment of diseases with mineral water can lead to serious complications.

The first soda appeared in the 18th century

It all started when, at the beginning of the 18th century, the English chemist Joseph Priestley came up with a simple device that made it possible to saturate drinks with bubbles of carbon dioxide using sediment. In 1770, the Swedish scientist Tobern Bergman, based on his invention, designed a completely serious “working” apparatus for saturating water with carbon dioxide. More than ten years later, his compatriot Jacob Schweppe, who later founded the famous Schweppes company, improved the compressor and, to make the process easier and cheaper, began using soda for carbonation. And in April 1933, two enterprising Americans Jacob Ebert and George Dulty received a patent for an automatic dispenser for the production of soda, which they called soda fontain. Thus began the era of carbonated drinks.

Those who have long been interested in various methods of losing weight have probably noticed that almost any diet devotes a special place to increasing water balance. You need to drink water regularly, regardless of whether a person wants to lose weight or not. But is it possible to drink carbonated water while losing weight, and how does gas affect the general condition of the body?

Composition of sparkling water

To understand what soda consists of, you need to know its origin. Carbonated water is classified into several types:

In turn, there is water of natural (natural) carbonation and artificial. Natural water, which is extracted from springs, contains, in addition to salts, minerals and sulfur compounds. It is bottled only in glass containers, which is an indicator of a quality manufacturer on supermarket shelves. This is due to the interaction of salts and minerals with the plastic into which water is poured. Artificial soda differs from ordinary water only in the presence of carbon dioxide, which is marked on the bottle as a preservative E 290.

The benefits and harms of carbonated water

Mineral water for weight loss is used conditionally. That is, in some cases it can be beneficial, and in others it can harm the body. While on a diet, you can only drink non-carbonated water indefinitely. But some people who are accustomed to buying sparkling water and intend to use it for weight loss should know how it affects the body, both positively and negatively.

If you drink water with carbon dioxide moderately, that is, no more than 1-2 glasses a day, then it can:

• remove waste and toxins from the body;
• normalize digestion;
• provoke the production of gastric juice (useful for people with low acidity);
• increase blood pressure (useful for those who have difficulty waking up in the morning);
• restore breathing;
• thin the blood.

Depending on the composition of natural soda, it can even treat some diseases:

• water with chlorides - normalizes metabolism, breaks through the bile ducts, restores the liver;
• water with sulfates - recommended for obesity, diabetes, pancreatic diseases and hepatitis;
• water with bicarbonates – lowers blood sugar, removes kidney stones.

But if you use mineral water for weight loss as the main source of water and drink more than 1 liter of it per day, then the consequences may be as follows:

• irritation of the gastric mucosa;
• increased appetite;
• the occurrence of flatulence, fermentation, belching and heartburn;
• stretching of the stomach walls, subsequently you need to eat more to achieve a feeling of fullness.

The last point especially indicates why you should not drink sparkling water when losing weight in large quantities. The liquid moves further through the intestines, and the gas remains in the stomach.

You should also not drink soda if you have the following diseases:

• gastritis;
• stomach and duodenal ulcers;
• pancreatitis;
• ulcerative colitis;
• increased acidity.

We are talking only about carbonated water, no carbonated drinks and juices are taken into account, their unconditional harm to the body has long been known to everyone. During the period of weight loss, drinks with carbon dioxide further contribute to obesity, since the sugar they contain is not absorbed by the body at all and is stored as fat. In addition, drinks with CO2 can cause:

• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• damage to tooth enamel;
• hyperlycemia;
• renal failure;
• diseases of the genitourinary system;
• osteoporosis;
• diabetes.

It is precisely because of the risk of osteoporosis that carbonated drinks should not be given to children. They wash calcium out of the body, and the child’s skeletal bones do not develop, slowing down his growth.

Contraindications and harm of mineral water to the body

• mental disorders,
• children under 6 months,
• pregnancy,
• lactation,
• alcoholism,
• diarrhea.

It is advisable for pregnant women to completely avoid drinking this water, or to drink it in very small quantities. The sulfates included in its composition interfere with the absorption of calcium, which is very harmful for the development of the fetus. When mixed with alcohol or as a “treatment” after alcohol intoxication, it leads to disruption of the digestive process. Long-term use can cause esophageal cancer. When consumed cold or in a warm stomach, mineral water provokes ulcers. In rare cases, it leads to rupture of the esophagus. You should not abuse this drink. This is fraught with the formation of stones and sand in the kidneys, the appearance of edema, disruption of salt metabolism and other serious health consequences.

Carbonated water for weight loss

How much water should you drink per day to start the weight loss process? A person needs to drink 30 ml of water per 1 kg of his weight every day. To calculate this indicator for a specific person, you need to multiply 0.3 by the person’s body weight. Thus, a woman or man weighing 85 kg should drink 2.5 liters of water per day.

However, sparkling water is not included in this number. It can be used under certain circumstances, so that the effect of its use is beneficial and does not harm health.

Increased appetite

It would seem how increasing appetite can help with weight loss. However, to lose weight, you need to start eating more often. That is, you need to speed up your metabolism. People who naturally have low stomach acid often forget to eat because their body gives off very weak hunger signals. As a result, it turns out that they eat 1-2 times a day, and the body begins to accumulate reserves, fearing to die of hunger.

To regain a healthy feeling of hunger, you need to drink 150 g of sparkling water half an hour before meals. It acts as an aperitif, stimulating the pancreas to produce gastric juice. Thus, food will begin to be digested better. But mineral water during weight loss will not solve the problem with low acidity, and you will still need to eat by the hour or set an alarm clock so as not to forget to eat.

Decreased appetite

For those people who, on the contrary, are used to eating a lot and often, a mineral water diet may be a suitable option. If the feeling of hunger persists throughout the day or the stomach is so stretched that it becomes quite difficult to get enough, then you can use one method. You need to drink a glass of warm mineral water 20 minutes before meals.

This method will trick your stomach into filling it with water, leaving less room for food. Also, water will wash away excess gastric juice, and the feeling of hunger will decrease. The same technique can be used before bed or at night when your appetite increases. When losing weight, you should not allow yourself to feel hungry in principle, so that the body does not begin to accumulate, and gastric juice does not begin to digest the stomach itself.

Mineral water for weight loss should be table grade, that is, with a salt content of no more than 2 g per liter of water. You can also cook food on it. An increased amount of salt in the diet (and in water) does not contribute to weight loss, but, on the contrary, delays the removal of fluid from the body, which is deposited mainly on the stomach.

Quenching your thirst

Mineral water for weight loss can cope with thirst better than still water. But for this purpose, it is better to choose a natural, naturally carbonated or slightly carbonated product. At the same time, it should not be very cold, then it will be difficult to drink and strong belching will begin, it will be difficult to breathe during training.

Mineral water diet rules

According to experts, mineral water promotes weight loss. But for this purpose you should choose only proven brands, for example, “Borjomi”, “Essentuki No. 2”, “Arkhyz-Iod”, etc. It is good if the mineral water is enriched with iodine, potassium and magnesium, and carbon dioxide itself is present in minimal quantities. As a last resort, it should be released, that is, the water should be allowed to “fizzle out.” It will not lose its beneficial properties from this.

Next, you should follow a set of simple rules that will help you achieve the first results within a month.

1. In the morning on an empty stomach, half an hour before meals, drink 1 glass of mineral water, releasing the gas before doing so. To do this, you need to leave the water in the glass for 20 minutes.
2. You should drink 200 mg of water every hour, stop 3 hours before bedtime. During the day you need to drink as much water as you need at the rate of 30 ml per 1 kg of weight.
3. If after 2-3 days drinking the amount of water does not reduce hunger, the amount should be increased to 250 mg every hour.
4. You should not drink while eating. If you are very thirsty, you can take 2-3 sips of water to flush out the esophagus.
5. After a meal, you can drink it no earlier than half an hour later.
6. Reduce coffee and black tea to 1 cup per day. Both products dehydrate the body.
7. You should not mix a water diet with drinking alcohol. In this case, an additional load is created on the kidneys, not to mention the fact that alcohol itself is very high in calories.
8. You need to consume from 1200 to 1500 kcal per day; if a person is engaged in heavy physical labor, you can increase this norm to 2000 kcal.
9. It is advisable to combine a mineral water diet with fitness exercises, a visit to the sauna and massage. A sauna or hammam will help remove excess fluid from the body.
10. Eliminate foods from the diet that contain artificial flavor enhancers (monosodium glutamate, fructose, spices, lactose, sucrose) that increase appetite.

Attention! If belching, fermentation in the stomach or bloating appear during the first few days, the mineral water diet should be stopped. It is not suitable for this organism. There is no need to force yourself to feel discomfort and harm your health.

Proper menu planning for every day

You can choose which dishes to cook at your own discretion. It is not necessary to buy exactly the set of products that are often indicated in diets. Some of them may simply be unaffordable or not available on supermarket shelves. The main thing is to know the principle of creating a diet, which can include a wide variety of menus.

Breakfast

For breakfast, you can eat foods high in carbohydrates. It can be any porridge, tea with your favorite sweets, but in moderation. During the day they will be processed and will not be deposited on the sides. In addition, this technique will reduce the risk of relapse if you allow yourself to feel your favorite taste at least once a day.

You should add some fruit to the main dish. Porridges with fruit contain fiber, which takes a long time to digest in the body, maintaining a feeling of fullness. The porridge can be seasoned with olive or linseed oil.

After 3 hours, the first feeling of hunger begins after breakfast. At this time, you can start adding proteins to your diet and reducing carbohydrates. For lunch, you can eat cottage cheese or any fermented milk product with fresh or frozen berries; they are not as high in calories as dried fruits and are easy to digest. You can also eat an apple, orange or grapefruit.

For lunch they eat the largest amount of food than they eat all day. It should consist of the first and second. For the first step, you definitely need to prepare vegetable soup. If you cook it in broth, then only from lean meat (chicken, turkey, beef, rabbit, veal or horse meat) without by-products. The skin and veins contain more fat than other parts, so they need to be excluded.

For the second course, a meat dish is served: baked fish of white meat varieties (red meat is too fatty), chicken, steamed or oven-cooked, cutlets, meatballs, etc. You can prepare a salad with them from cucumbers, tomatoes and more of any greens. Season with 1 tbsp. a spoonful of unrefined oil of any origin.

Afternoon snack

Towards evening, the calories in the dish should decrease. The afternoon snack should consist of a light vegetable salad, perhaps with the addition of boiled eggs or cheese. It is also allowed to eat low-fat cottage cheese, seasoned with 1% sour cream, with berries (not jam) or eat 2 green apples.

For dinner you can prepare vegetable stew, mushroom julienne, stuffed peppers or cabbage rolls. That is, the base is boiled vegetables, preferably without oil or gravy. They add a fish dish from varieties with reduced fat content (hake, cod, flounder, river perch, blue whiting, pike and others).

If you still feel hungry before bed, it is better to have a snack than to go to bed hungry. You can limit yourself to a glass of warm mineral water with a slice of lemon. If this doesn't help, you can eat a few egg whites, a slice of low-fat cheese, cottage cheese or an apple.

Important! This article is for informational purposes only. Before going on a diet that includes drinking medicinal table water or medicinal water, you should definitely consult a gastroenterologist and be examined for contraindications.