Thanks to its carbonation, sparkling water may cause burping, bloating, and feelings of fullness - a non-issue for most consumers. However, if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal disorders, you may want to avoid consuming any carbonated product.
But as the negatives highlight, there may be specific issues to look out for. But as long as you can enjoy sparkling water in moderation – and never as a permanent replacement for plain, still water – there's nothing to stop you from enjoying it every day.
The fact of the matter is that chugging seltzer water won't have a huge negative impact on your overall health. Doctors aren't concerned about the slight acidity of seltzer water impacting your organs, and unless you're urinating constantly or noticing symptoms of overhydration, they say there's no need to cut back.
There's no hard-and-fast rule for how much seltzer water to have in a day, so tune in to your body's cues. For example, if you have a gastrointestinal condition like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or IBS, you may do better with a low intake of seltzer water to prevent excess bloating, gas or reflux.
Dr. Goglia added that, "As carbonated water is more difficult to digest, due to the bubbles, it can lead to dehydration and put a strain on the kidney. Carbonated water is also considered acidic and can cause problems with weak digestive systems, which are prone to ulcers.
But can sparkling water actually replace regular water? Nathalie Sessions, wellness dietitian at Houston Methodist Wellness Services says, “Yes, sparkling water is just as healthy as regular water — most of the time.”
Nutritionists agree that carbonated water (a category that includes seltzer water, which is artificially carbonated, and naturally sparkling water) is just as hydrating as regular water, however tap water has the added benefit of fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay.
Sparkling water is used for its benefits which include improving digestion, helping with weight management, and assisting with swallowing ability. On the harmful side, sparkling water can cause gas and bloating and if taken in excess it may instigate tooth decay.
The short answer is yes. Due to the texture and taste of carbonated water, you will probably end up drinking a higher volume of it than you would regular water, doubling the health benefits of your daily water intake. Aids digestion. Research has shown that carbonated water can aid digestion and relieve constipation.
For some people, drinking too much sparkling water can induce gas and bloating, making them uncomfortable. Patients with acid reflux, gastroesophgeal reflux disease (GERD), or gas who are drinking mostly carbonated water should switch to non-carbonated beverages, like plain water.
Though seltzer water isn't technically deleterious to the stomach, Dr. Cederquist says that it can cause unpleasant digestive symptoms. "The carbonation may exacerbate symptoms in people managing digestive disorders such as acid reflux, irritable bowel disease (IBS), and Crohn's disease," she notes.
Tips on protecting your teeth if you drink Sparkling Water
Do not brush your teeth immediately after: The acidity in the sparkling water softens up teeth, making them sensitive to abrasion. Waiting 30 minutes to brush will decrease further damage.
This is the body's way of clearing out a potential threat. We crave a non-threatening thrill. The tongue perceives lightly sparkling beverages as pleasurable; the gentle bubbles allow the natural flavours of the drink to come to life for us to savour and produce a cooling, refreshing feeling.
The sensation that we get from a fizzy drink comes from our pain receptors lighting up. A little pain can be nice, like eating spicy food, Finger says.
Drinking carbonated water can help you stay more hydrated throughout the day. Many people find that carbonated water tastes better and is easier to drink than regular tap or spring water. However, carbonated has the same health benefits as spring water, in that it will keep your body hydrated.
A glass of occasional sparkling water isn't going to be detrimental to your health or kidneys, it's all about how much you have. Try and cut down on cola beverages for kidney and bone health. If you want information on dental health and sparkling waters, see your dentist for more advice.
Feeling gassy and bloated can be unpleasant – sparkling water can help. Research indicates that for some people, a glass of carbonated water can help to reduce the discomfort of indigestion, helping to release trapped gas.
*It removes dirt and excess oil. *It helps in reducing acne. Elucidating the benefits of washing the face with carbonated water, Dr Meghna Gupta, dermatologist and founder, Delhi Skin Centre, said, “Carbonated water being replaced with regular water to wash the face is a new trend that is being witnessed.
Shelf Life Tips
How long does unopened sparkling water last at room temperature? Properly stored, unopened sparkling water will generally stay at best quality for about 12-18 months when stored at room temperature, although it will usually remain safe to drink after that.
How does carbonated water affect your body? Primarily, carbonated water simply hydrates your body just like regular water. However, carbonated beverages introduce bubbles to your stomach that can make you burp. Some people find that the effect of the bubbles in the stomach aides in relieving stomach aches.
Because soda has more of those other ingredients, it has less water — only 89.4 percent water by weight, per USDA data. Sparkling water, on the other hand, is 99.9 percent water by weight, making it far more hydrating. It's also a healthier choice.
The carbonation in sparkling water has very little effect on the body when it comes to digestion. However, it was found that it might take the body a bit longer to empty the liquid from the small intestine to the stomach after drinking carbonated water, which can affect how the water is absorbed by the body.
Q: Does sparkling water count? Can I track any unsweetened beverage? A: Yes, unsweetened, sugar-free sparkling water counts. For other liquids, you can track them at meal times.
Although these claims are valid to some extent, there is scientific evidence to prove that the Carbon dioxide used to create the fizz in SodaStream has a destructive effect on tooth enamel called erosion.