It's another Q&A edition of Optimal Health Daily, and I'm Dr. Neil Malik.

Hey there, happy Friday, and welcome to another Q&A edition of Optimal Health Daily,

where I answer your health questions related to fitness, diet and nutrition, and lots more.

You send me the questions, and I answer them for you.

All right, let's hear today's question as we optimize your life.

You've discussed artificial sweeteners before, but what are your thoughts on carbonated beverages

that contain only carbonated water and quote unquote natural flavors. For example, flavored

seltzer water. So apart from any sugars, artificial sweeteners, and other ingredients that you

typically find in soda, does carbonated water itself have any positive or negative effects

on our health? And do these seltzer water drinks have

a hydrating effect? And I'd like to consider any benefits or drawbacks apart from what might be

a useful strategy for some people to avoid consuming higher calorie drinks.

Thank you for your question, Garrett.

Some very close friends of mine are absolutely in love with sparkling water.

In fact, just the other night when we were hanging out, they pounded at least three cans each of this stuff.

Granted, they've never asked me about my opinions on its health effects, but you know,

I'm not offended that they haven't asked or anything. But should they have asked me about their opinions on its health effects, but you know, I'm not offended that they haven't asked

or anything. But should they have asked me about their regular consumption of this stuff?

Or maybe they should listen to this episode. Let's find out. The reason sparkling or carbonated water

comes under scrutiny is because it's acidic. Well, let me take a step back. The bubbles that you see in carbonated water

or soda, for that matter, are made up of carbon dioxide. Drink manufacturers basically force

carbon dioxide, a gas, into the water under high pressure. That high pressure pushes the gas

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