Drinking a glass of water before a meal is well-known advice for anyone who wants to eat less.
But now scientists believe that switching from wine to soda may be even more helpful for weight loss.
Research found that bubbles in carbonated water could help lower blood sugar and speed up metabolism.
Doctors compared the process of drinking carbonated water to hemodialysis, when blood is filtered to remove waste and excess water when the kidneys can no longer do so.
This process turns the blood alkaline, which primarily produces carbon dioxide, or CO2.
Similarly, CO2 from carbonated water is absorbed through the stomach lining and is quickly converted to bicarbonate in red blood cells.
This speeds up glucose absorption by activating key enzymes in red blood cells, according to findings published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health.
Blood sugar levels drop during this process, suggesting that sparkling water may indirectly promote weight loss by improving the absorption and utilization of blood sugar.
Scientists now believe that switching from still water to sparkling water may be even more helpful for weight loss.
Scientists say the CO2 from carbonated water is absorbed through the stomach lining and is quickly converted to bicarbonate in red blood cells.
Lead author Dr. Akira Takahashi, of the dialysis center at Tesseikai Neurosurgery Hospital in Japan, said the effects are small, so drinking it alone won’t be enough to lose weight.
Dr Takahashi said: “Given this minimal glucose reduction, the impact of COɼ in carbonated water is not a stand-alone solution for weight loss.
A balanced diet and regular physical activity remain crucial components for sustainable weight management.’
Drinking carbonated water may have some effects on the digestive system, especially in people with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions, experts warned.
They suggested that more research is needed before it can be recommended for therapeutic use.
Commenting on the analysis, Professor Sumantra Ray, from the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, said: “Any potential benefits must be weighed against the potential harms of carbonated drinks that may contain sodium, glucose or other additives.”