Carbonated water, also called soda water or seltzer, is made by dissolving carbon dioxide gas in water. Some carbon dioxide reacts with water to produce carbonic acid, making the beverage acidic and slightly sour tasting. Bicarbonate powder or baking soda can be added to water to produce a fizzy effervescence, but this produces alkaline water and is different from carbonation. Pure carbonated water has few health risks, but most commercial soda water contains some salt and acid derived from sodium, potassium and phosphorus, which can pose health risks in large quantities. ACIDITY Even pure carbonated water is acidic due to the formation of carbonic acid. Since blood is alkaline and maintained at a pH level of around 7.35, adding acidic liquids into the body always creates an imbalance, however small, that must be compensated for. The body usually counteracts acidity by liberating minerals from bones into the blood or tissues. Acids of...
