Is it OK to drink sparkling water?

Is there such a thing as too much sparkling water? I typically consume around a bottle (1.5 litre) at night as I find it a lot easier to drink than still water. With thanks, Peter C.

Hi Peter. Carbonated water has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure, the result producing a bubbly drink. There are also natural sparkling mineral waters, typically captured from mineral springs, however, these tend to contain minerals and sulphur compounds.

Most of the research that addresses the consumption of carbonated drinks, is in soft drinks that also include sugar and are therefore not good for dental health. There’s no reason to give it up, but as with anything I would encourage a moderate consumption of sparkling water. That means not consuming it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Having a few sparkling waters at night in place of alcohol is obviously going to be far better for your health in the long term.

All carbonated beverages with or without sugar contain phosphorus. Blood calcium and phosphorus levels are both regulated by the parathyroid hormone. High blood phosphorus levels prevent your body from stimulating the conversion of vitamin D into its active form, and from absorbing adequate amounts of calcium.

This leads to a reduced blood calcium level and an increase in the release of the parathyroid hormone. High levels of parathyroid hormone stimulate bone resorption, or demineralisation, which can weaken bones.

However, poor bone health is more often seen when a high phosphorus diet is coupled with a low calcium intake. So enjoy sparkling water, but I encourage you to make still water your main drink.

I’ve noticed this wintermy skin has gone quite dry and flaky. What are some natural solutions to help this? Thanks, Georgie

Hi Georgie. Here are some ideas:

HYDRATE

Skin loves hydration! Your skin is your biggest organ and it needs a steady supply of fluid to stay hydrated, plump and glowing. Ensure that you are drinking plenty of filtered water, herbal tea, organic bone broth and vege juices to help keep your body and skin hydrated. Fluids also help to flush out any harmful substances from the body and prevent these substances from needing to be excreted through the skin, where they can cause damage.

NOURISH

Start by eating real food. Real

ASK DR LIBBY

Email your questions for Dr Libby to ask.drlibby@fairfaxmedia.co.nz. Please note, only a selection of questions can be answered. food, as it comes in nature is packed with a range of nutrients, all of which promote great skin. Avoid processed food, caffeine and alcohol and notice the difference this makes to your skin.

Vitamin C is particularly helpful for skin as it helps to combat free radical damage, which is part of the cause of ageing and wrinkles. Vitamin C rich foods include citrus fruit, kiwi fruit, capsicum and broccoli.

Skin loves fat! Fat helps the skin to maintain its moisture barrier which helps keep skin soft and prevent drying. Flaky and dry skin or cracked heels and cuticles can be a sign that you are lacking in essential fatty acids.

Omega 3 fatty acids are particularly helpful for skin, and is the type of fat that most people are deficient in.

Oily fish like sustainable sardines or salmon, chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts are all great omega 3 rich fats to include in your diet. Coconut oil also makes a great topical moisturiser to use on dry patches of skin.