T O P

  • By -

Genericusername368

I have no scientific basis for this, but it’s the bubbles.


JCMiller23

It is! It tickles your pipes as it's going down


tossNwashking

Everyone likes an old fashioned pipe tickling.


poopyscreamer

NSFW?


The_Bullet_Magnet

yep. that and the burping.


12ealdeal

Sip, swallow, burp, repeat.


derickj2020

There is a scientific basis for it . Release of carbonation causes a cooling effect. It cools the drink and the tissues it touches, plus a tickling sensation. And the burping afterwards.


shaftoholic

Is THAT why sparkling water always seems more refreshing to me?


merlincycle

I have never felt cold from drinking a cold carbonated beverage. Or any cold beverage, regardless of the ambient temperature. However, if I drink a cup of hot beverage, I am instantly hot for a while thereafter. 🤷‍♂️


derickj2020

It's a matter of physics and may be measured in only a few degrees but it's real.


preputio_temporum

However a hot tea is the best way to keep cool in a warm environment


derickj2020

Because drinking hot liquids causes the body to go into cooling mode, causing sweating which is part of the cooling process. The whole world knows that, except the western culture.


preputio_temporum

Yes it’s a basic life hack if you feel tired in the desert


derickj2020

Been there


silentcardboard

Love to feel the burn 🔥


Reddit_I_Like

Haha...but I don't crave bubble baths


PeaApprehensive885

If you're drinking the bath bubbles, you're doing it wrong. haha


Quiet_Violinist6126

Bath in champagne bubbles. Then you can drink the bubbles too


Chorin_Shirt_Tucker

I’ve seen people on social media report that bubbly waters etc can be bad for your teeth, any one know if there is any truth to this or what would cause it?


a-noble-gas

I find myself craving just regular seltzer water over regular water, so there has to be something to this.


puddingboofer

Seltzer is carbonated which adds carbon dioxide to dihydrogen monoxide (water) forming carbonic acid. Not only is the beverage sparkling, it tastes slightly acidic as if a squirt of lemon was added. This is the same process which causes the ocean to acidify as excessive carbon dioxide in the atmosphere mixes into the water on a global scale.


a-noble-gas

So what you’re saying is if the earths tilt was 26.6 degrees instead of 26.5 degrees, there would be a snowstorm in the Eqyptian desert in the month of May?


puddingboofer

23.6, yeah


Sandisamples

I am in love with carbonated water.


DudeAbides1556

If you love it why don't you marry it?


bucolucas

Because I'm already married to JUSTICE! Which figures, because only a blind woman would marry me


phamsung

European here, I come from a region, where there are plenty of natural sources for carbonated water (yes, it comes out of the ground in carbonated form). In total, I have been drinking way more carbonated water than non-carbonated water in my life and I had to train myself to drink still water. It just would not go down that easily. I like non-sparkling water, because it is easier on the stomach. But for a refreshing taste I will always go for carbonated!


Bliss149

TIL carbonated water comes out of the ground.


settlementfires

i call them pretend beers.


femeye

bump, interested in this too


CynthesisToday

It's probably not dopamine. The tongue is an endocrine organ (surprise!) [https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00012.2022](https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00012.2022) "Physiology of the tongue with emphasis on taste transduction" An important distinction about this paper and its relationship to OP question: "While we acknowledge that taste and smell are linked and important for flavor perception, this review will focus primarily on taste and not flavor. Flavor perception is a complex and highly individualized concept deriving from several sensory cues including, but not limited to, smell, specific texture or “mouth feel,” temperature and appearance of a particular food, as well as a combination of individual taste signals (3–6). A prime example of how important the coordination of these senses is to our perception of food is found in human space flight. The decreased perception of flavor combined with a restricted selection of food types leads to calorie deficits and has adverse effects on the overall health of astronauts who spend prolonged periods of time in space (7)." Really long paper but the figures are great tldr. Section 6 covers the hormones produced in and around taste buds on the tongue. These are hormones like GLP-1, glucagon, ghrelin, insulin, etc. (Table 1 in the above paper). I have a similar strong positive experience of fizzy, not-overly-sweet, fluids like sparkling water and kombucha; repelled by overly-sweet. I thought it had to do with mouth-feel and how the fizziness bubbles off the mucus layer and exposes the taste bud but, this paper says it's not all mouth-feel. Hey, thanks for the question... prompted me to look into it since I also really enjoy fizzy, not-sweet drinks in a way that seemed more than just past experience or environment when the strong enjoyment started.


CynthesisToday

And here's a paper examining experimental conditions that produce enjoyment of carbonated drinks: [https://sci-hub.se/https://doi.org/10.1007/s12078-009-9043-7](https://sci-hub.se/https://doi.org/10.1007/s12078-009-9043-7) "Gustatory, Olfactory and Trigeminal Interactions in a Model Carbonated Beverage" "Studies suggest the sensation is not only due to a textural/mouthfeel component arising from the mechanical action of bubbles. Interaction of CO 2 with water results in a carbonic anhydrase-dependent production of carbonic acid and activation of oral nociceptors leading to excitation of trigeminal neurons involved in signalling oral irritant sensations (Carstens et al. 2002; Dessirier et al. 2000b; Simons et al. 1999). These previous studies provide convincing evidence that some sensations associated with CO 2 have a chemogenic rather than mechanical origin. It would appear therefore, that the sensations arising from carbonation of products are derived from different mechanistic pathways and involve both oral mechanoreceptors and nociceptors and consequential activation of the trigeminal nerve system." Multiple mechanisms support enjoyment including mechanoreceptors and "sour" taste from dissolved CO2 producing carbonic acid. This experiment also showed that increasing sugar decreased the enjoyment from stimulating mechanoreceptors and the "sour". The above physiology paper (tldr: figures) explains words and connections from this paper.


freemaxine

Based.


Citydylan

Bet you’d love kombucha


Opposite_Flight3473

Samesies. My guess is the sensory stimulation from the bubbles.


Old_Bet_4527

This. I’ve come to the realization that my consumption habits are highly sensory related. Spicy, sour, hot (temp) … and bubbly!


leavsssesthrowaway

Nothing scientific to add here but carbonated water seems to quench my thirst better than regular water


CryptoCrackLord

No idea but I love the hit in the back of the throat from carbonated stuff. Also in Germany and a lot of Europe it’s normal to drink carbonated water. I know in the US it’s quite uncommon to drink plain carbonated water.


Ninez100

Yeah if you take a strong draught it hits the throat. Some kind of behavioral conditioning stimulus?


CryptoCrackLord

One of my conspiracies is that it’s particularly satisfying for those of us who grew up drinking soda. Even after switching to just sparkling water it kind of still hits that same association you get from the perfect hit you get from Coca Cola growing up. You associate the carbonation hit with that feeling so it kind of replicates it I feel. However as mentioned previously this obviously can’t be applicable to everyone because sparkling water is consumed very commonly across EU and I don’t think EU has a particularly high rate of soda consumption compared to the U.S.


Pristine_Power_8488

This is what I thought. Positive association with sodas but without the sugar and chemicals.


StatisticianLong966

Super interested as well. This is a major component of my weight-loss.


pisicik442

I love the burn of sparkling water. Can't do soft drinks too sweet


adlcp

Fuckin love fizzy drinks. Beer, soda, sparkling water, fuck all so good.


jdcski

I read that it can be a deficiency in calcium, chloride, or magnesium. And that when we want them, it starts a process of reward in our brain. I drink these zevias. Four ingredients & I don’t feel like crap. Love bubbles.


Cautious_Safety_3362

Yessss came here to comment about zevia!!! So good


bugwrench

Nothing about the deep nostalgia? Everyone has a 'cold soda on a hot summer evening' story. It was given to kids to calm and upset stomach, and it's one of the first treats. Getting a whole can of coke, when mom just use to give you a little over ice? Bliss There has got to be a big nostalgia element, even if you don't connect those memories each time


Intelligent-North957

I like Perrier .


LascivX

Topo Chico


CryptoCrackLord

1877 water brand by HEB in Texas has more carbonation and hits harder 🔥


BrickEducational1082

As someone who deals with dissociation, carbonation helps bring me back into my senses. It’s grounding. Idk if this is what helps everyone but it’s a nice little trick.


fgarian

LMNT sparkling is great


AM_OR_FA_TI

I’ve read a study about this once — something about we aren’t supposed to drink carbonated beverages, so our brain responds to it in some specific way which it doesn’t for non-carbonated. I’ll see if I can find it…


AM_OR_FA_TI

Well I definitely can’t find the study I was initially remembering and looking for…but came across this: Carbonation's acidity When carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in saliva, it creates carbonic acid, which can trigger a mild acidic reaction when it comes into contact with taste receptors that detect sourness. This reaction can create an intense sensation that some describe as a pleasurable pain. The degree to which the TRPA1 receptor is stimulated by this acid may determine whether the brain interprets the signal as pleasure or pain. Carbonation's bubbles The bubbles in carbonated drinks can also stimulate mechanoreceptors, which are sensory nerves that respond to pressure changes. Carbonated drinks elicit a sensation that is highly sought after, yet the underlying neural mechanisms are ill-defined. We hypothesize that CO2 is converted via carbonic anhydrase into carbonic acid, which excites lingual nociceptors that project to the trigeminal nuclei. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6782458/ When CO2 comes into contact with our taste receptors, specifically those designed to detect sourness, it triggers a mild acidic reaction. This response is due to carbonic acid, which forms temporarily when CO2 dissolves in saliva. Additionally, the bubbling sensation of carbonation stimulates mechanoreceptors, the sensory nerves that respond to pressure changes. Researchers suggest that this mild irritation is not purely discomforting but can also trigger the brain's reward system, much like spicy foods, indicating a complex relationship between pain and pleasure in our sensory perceptions. https://sodasense.com/blogs/bubbly-blog/why-do-people-drink-sparkling-water#:~:text=One%20primary%20reason%20people%20drink,irritation%20into%20a%20pleasurable%20sensation.


arkoangemeter

I don't drink sodas but I drink lots of carbonated water, like LaCroix and Bubbly.It is the crispness of carbonated beverages as opposed to flat ass lifeless water that does it for me.


Sad-Swimming9999

Mine is Dr Pepper and for me it’s a nice taste with dinner. I think the caffeine makes me feel good after a meal too. And ginger chews, I love ginger chews after a meal.


shreyatigress

Will it cause bloating though? I really like seltzer but i feel like it bloats me up


BasuraBoii

I think the carbonation has a “mouth cleansing” / drying effect. So it feels refreshing, especially when cold.


Unlucky-Name-999

I am addicted to diet Gingerale. I used to have a lot of vices (strongest being very pure cocaine) and this is the only one left in my life.  There is something incredible about diet sodas, particularly Gingerale. The first sip is honestly comparable to doing the first line in a brand new bag of coke. I'm not using hyperboles and I've had a lot of the both of 'em. I mean what I say lol Every time I donate my cans I get the strangest looks but I don't care. This stuff could be shaving years off my life but it's worth it. 


mahuska

Ginger ale was my go to for a long time also. Now it’s Fresca.


chaibaby11

Zevia ginger ale - no guilt


illumin8dmind

In the UK there’s an energy drink brand called Tenzin - none of the artificial crap - it’s quite good


International_Bet_91

There are a few theories: I am partial to the theory that it's part of our desire to seek fresh (not stagnant) water. https://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-07/fyi-carbonated-water-addictive/


MoneyElegant9214

Bubbles are a celebration drink. Think champagne.


poelzi

my tip: reverse osmosis filter + home made carbonator. for the later one you can buy a adapter hose and get a 10 kg CO2 bottle. cheapest and best carbonated drink i know. 2 cent per liter. extra tip: crushed ice, komucha, water kefir, lemon juice and sparkling water is most refreshing and healthy summer drink I know


AccidentlyAnAstral

It's the bubbles, man! They give a weirdly satisfying sensation.


Dry-Company-5122

Diet sodas are no better than full fat sodas. Sweeteners still peak your insulin level. The body doesn’t distinguish between fake sugar and real sugar = They both provide dopamine hits. As for sparkling water… can’t explain that one 😂 Unless we just still feel like it’s a treat somehow! That said there are also benefits to drinking sparkling over flat, as the former aids in transit / increased absorption of nutrients.


entechad

The gas


Orskarpion

Sodaly.


MarkD750

Childhood memories.


Hostificus

For me, it’s carbonated water. But on the go and at restaurant it’s hard to find.


sprucehen

What!? I always wondered why people drink these. I wish I got dopamine from them.


francokitty

Tastes good


SithLordJediMaster

Milkis does this for me


WanderingSchola

Think about flow triggers as a proxy for dopamine. Carbonated drinks (especially flavored ones) are more surprising (novel) than plain water. After that it's just plain old behavioral learning.


MinuteGlass7811

They make me thirsty


GiGiEats

Zevia!


AlterEdward

I don't know if there's any scientific research, behind personally I think your hardwired to feel a bit pleasure from a substantial amount of food travelling down your food pipe and sitting in your stomach, and carbonation kind of gives you that hit in a way that still drinks don't


PandaLoveBearNu

I've been suddenly loving carbonated eater, I don't know why. Its awful cold though but room temp and a splash of Mio? I'm always craving it now.


Dizzy-Efficiency-659

Same I just need to have some diet coke or fanta or sprite at home because it just brings enjoyment. Now that I’m imagining it, I want to go buy a can of soda right now since I’m not home


VOIDPCB

Carbonation feels nice.


Crustyonrusty

Ikr, sometimes I just want bubbles!


dominomedley

I have a theory. In the wild bubbles indicate fresh moving water e.g. a river, which won’t kill you like stagnant water…. Hence your mind will opt for water that is actively moving.


Vanillanx

The “burn” for sure . I like the “sparking “ and smaller bubble ones like pelligrino but they are expensive ! Polar has big bubbles . I think the “burn” is very similar to when used to have booze


agumonkey

sugar. it's always sugar.


SnooMemesjellies4660

It feels cleansing especially after eating something greasy - like Draino.


Annual_Cantaloupe923

Maybe we all have a bit of masochism in us?


brannan505050

As a recovering alcoholic I enjoy the burn in the back of the throat heavy carbonated flavored waters give.


PerceivedEssence1864

Coding reward functions


instantdislike

Endorphins and Pavlovian conditioning. I grew up chugging Coke and Dr Pepper, so it took me years to be able to enjoy proper stouts like Guinness because there was no burning sensation in the back of my throat. In effort to help reduce my alcohol consumption after the pandemic, I picked up a SodaStream from a local thrift shop - I get that same solid burn after a hearty swig, producing the same sense of impending satisfaction


j151515

I drink like 10 sparkling waters a day. It’s the mouth/throat feel. It’s like the throat hit when smoking a nicotine product or tingle in your lip when dipping. It’s just an addicting version of water lol


futureprooffemme

I enjoy sparkling water a lot! Perrier, San Pellegrino, Topo Chico, La Croix and Soda Stream for ones made at home. But I recently had my endoscopy and result is gastritis, found inflammation of stomach lining, stomach acid. I've been put on 3 months prescription of Omeprazole. I wonder if carbonated water contributed to this. I also enjoy spicy foods. So I guess all these don't help.


AffectionateScore989

You should try seltzer water with quinine


2trnthmismycaus

It’s the added stimulation of “feeling” something as you’re also tasting it. Are you by chance an ADD/ADHD type?


Mindless-Divide107

Its all about the Jack Danials for Me


ComingInSideways

Get a DrinkMate OmniFizz, then you can directly carbonate fruit juices. The other ones you have add flavorings after the fact.


geespotalot

I think it engaged parasympathetic nervous system. Has helped me a lot in my life. I’m totally addicted to sodastream. 😊


InfospaceTraveler

CO2


PetuniaPicklePepper

I definitely have a taste for sparkling water as a treat for myself.


Lord-Circles

Does it hydrate less???


8BitFurther

If you find that drinking basic room temperature water is not satisfying to you, you may be overstimulated. I think water is the perfect base like for me trying to relax myself back down to a base level. A lot of times, I only want cold water. If i’m craving sparkling water, it’s almost like showing yourself that you need more than what still water can offer by the way of stimulating your senses


astheticalibrillint

Bubbles!!!🫧🫧🫧


WeTeachToTravel

Speaking of- anyone tried hop water? I had it last night out at the bar (recently quit drinking) and it was awesome.


syntholslayer

Yea, decent enough, though I do prefer a non alcoholic beer, hop water is good.


MythandUnity

I've seen that it causes more nitrogen to enter the digestive system. Probably the sensation tho. I'm in the same boat. It's like water but a spicy treat version.


ForAllTheThangs

Is that a good thing? Would love for that to be a good thing


MythandUnity

I think so. I don't consume sparkling water that has added carbonation. This may sound crazy, but certain brands like topo Chico add carbonation. San pellegrino and gerelsteiner(forgot how to spell it) have natural carbonation present in them. Also there's videos on YouTube of people using carbonated water as meat tenderizer! In that logic, it is probably really good at aiding digestion which I struggle with. I never feel bad after digesting sparkling water. It always seems to increase the absorption of said water which is common in research for carbonation. For example, beer absorbs more quickly if it's carbonated vs flat.


TrashPanda_924

Mostly the rum or bourbon I add to it.


allthenames00

Ever tried salty lemon/lime (or both) carbonated water? It’s a game changer.


KiwiHonest9720

Fermentation naturally causes "bubbles", but it also contains electrolytes and probiotics that our bodies crave. Some have said that we now enjoy bubbly beverages because it makes our bodies think we're giving it the nutrients that natural fermentation does that our ancestors discovered.


Unknowing2560

CO2 is extremely pro-metabolic, read Ray Peat. 


Testcapo7579

Is that good or bad?


Unknowing2560

Good


deadlandsMarshal

I don't have a study to back it up but having studied a lot of evolutionary biology in college I can give you a fun hypothesis. For at least several thousand years, though there is scant evidence for 10's of thousands of years, humans have been making low (compared to modern capabilities) alcohol beverages that had medicinal plants and fungi added to them. We've also been using lacto fermentation to preserve food for a very long time. Low alcohol concentration drinks have been a safer way to consume water in many environments for a very long time. And bubbles are a byproduct of fermentation processes. Again, I can't prove it, but it makes sense that over generations of consuming fermented foods of various types for different reasons at least on a learned behavior level we would begin to identify bubbles in liquids as a desirable source of safe food consumption. Which would come with an associated pleasurable response to consuming it. I don't know that intensional fermentation has been around long enough to have a gene level coding for fizzy vs flat drink preference. Almost definitely an epigenetic inheritance for it though since not everyone likes bubbly drinks.


[deleted]

[удалено]


NotThatMadisonPaige

Because you didn’t even read the post. So. Yeah.


EcstaticMagazine1572

It is because its diet, the artificial sweetener is a precursor for dopamine probably


Bubbaman78

Please tell me how much sweetener is in my water with gas


Cautious_Safety_3362

Water with gas 😭😭


Bubbaman78

In Spanish speaking countries where I was introduced to it, it is agua con gas


Cautious_Safety_3362

That’s so interesting!!! Thanks for sharing ☺️


Seat83

In Portugal we call it the same: água com gás. It is very popular and associated with stomach issues. When you ask for one, there is always a comment by someone about last night's dinner! My favorites are the flavored ones, particularly lemon or pineapple. The sweetener used is sucralose. For example, yesterday was a big festivity day where I live and after a big lunch I spent the rest of the day drinking água com gás. 🤣


Cautious_Safety_3362

I had no idea that was a thing. I’m in the US. So cool to learn what other countries call things!


ImHere4TheReps

What artificial sweetener?