SHIJONAWATE, Japan -- Sparkling water lovers, here's some news that might make you reach for another bottle: Your favorite bubbly beverage could be doing more than just tickling your taste buds. A new study suggests that the carbonation in sparkling water might play a surprising role in how our bodies process sugar.

Many of us grab sparkling water as a healthier alternative to sugary sodas, but researchers at Japan's Tesseikai Neurosurgery Hospital have discovered that those refreshing bubbles might have an exciting side effect. Their research shows that carbonated water could influence our metabolism in unexpected ways.

Scientists have known for a while that sparkling water can help us feel fuller and reduce hunger pangs. This makes sense: when you drink something fizzy, the bubbles expand in your stomach, creating a temporary feeling of fullness. But this new research goes deeper, looking at how the carbon dioxide (CO2) -- the gas that creates those bubbles -- actually interacts with our blood cells.

When we sip sparkling water, the CO2 doesn't just create that familiar fizzy sensation. It actually gets absorbed into our bloodstream through the stomach wall. Once there, it meets up with red blood cells, where something interesting happens. These blood cells contain a special enzyme called carbonic anhydrase that transforms the CO2 into bicarbonate, setting off a chain of events that might help our bodies process sugar more effectively.

Red blood cells are particularly good at handling this process because they contain hemoglobin, the same protein that carries oxygen through our bodies. Hemoglobin helps maintain the proper balance of acids and bases in our cells. When CO2 from sparkling water enters these cells and becomes bicarbonate, it creates a slightly more alkaline environment, which appears to activate certain enzymes involved in processing sugar.

The researchers made this discovery by drawing parallels with something they regularly observe in kidney dialysis treatments. During dialysis, as blood passes through a special filtering machine, sugar levels drop from about 118 mg/dL to 99 mg/dL, even though the surrounding fluid has more sugar in it. This suggests that something about this process -- which involves similar CO2 mechanisms to drinking sparkling water -- helps the body use sugar more efficiently.

However, before you start replacing all your regular water with the sparkling variety, it's important to understand the scale of these effects. During a four-hour dialysis session, processing nearly 50 liters of blood only results in using up about 9.5 grams of sugar, roughly the amount in a single tablespoon. The amount of CO2 in a glass of sparkling water would have an even smaller effect.

"Given this minimal glucose reduction, the impact of CO2 in carbonated water is not a standalone solution for weight loss," study author Akira Takahashi writes. "A balanced diet and regular physical activity remain crucial components of sustainable weight management."

The study, published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, also found an interesting connection between the amount of CO2 in someone's breath and their blood sugar levels, suggesting that drinking carbonated beverages might temporarily affect blood sugar readings. This could be important information for people who regularly monitor their blood sugar levels.

Not everyone should rush to stock up on sparkling water, though. Some people might experience bloating or discomfort, particularly if they have sensitive stomachs or conditions like acid reflux. As with most things in nutrition, moderation is key. Before making any changes to your diet, you should always speak with your doctor first.

"While there is a hypothetical link between carbonated water and glucose metabolism this has yet to be tested in well designed human intervention studies," says Professor Sumantra Ray, Executive Director of NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, which owns the journal, in a statement. "And although this study adds to the evidence base, it doesn't provide sufficient evidence on which to make recommendations for the preventive or therapeutic use of carbonated water. Additionally, any potential benefits must be weighed up against the potential harms of carbonated drinks which may contain sodium, glucose, or other additives."

So while sparkling water won't be the magic solution to weight loss, it might be doing a bit more than we thought to help our bodies process sugar. Consider it one more small tool in the toolbox of healthy living, alongside balanced nutrition and regular exercise.