Is It Healthy To Drink Sparkling Water Every Day?
Several centuries ago, people who felt thirsty probably had only one source to go to: fresh water from rivers or streams. Today, if you shop for plain water at a mall, you'll have to take your pick from a shelf stocked with a variety of bottled water, from glacier water to alkaline water to sparkling water. Overwhelming, isn't it? Before you assume that they're all the same, keep in mind that not all water is created equal and for the sole purpose of hydration. The minute details about them, such as nutrition and texture, are what set them apart.
Sparkling water, or seltzer water, is a carbonated beverage that has grown in popularity in recent years. According to NPR, around 170 million gallons of this fizzy drink are consumed in the United States each year. Hydrating and lower in calories and sugar, sparkling water is considered a healthy alternative to sugary sodas. Plus, the carbon dioxide infused in sparkling water gives it a fizzy look and a tingly sensation when the bubbles pop in your mouth. According to a study in the scientific journal Foods, the bubbles in carbonated water also increase a sense of fullness, which make sparkling water ideal for those looking to lose weight. In short, sparkling water can help you spice up your daily water intake.
So, if sparkling water has quite a number of benefits, is it healthy to drink it every day?
Benefits of sparkling water
According to UChicago Medicine, sparkling water is a healthier substitute for soda, sugary juice, and sports drinks. This drink is also low in sugar and calories, making for a wholesome, refreshing alternative to other sugary drinks that could cause risks of obesity and diabetes. Able to provide sufficient hydration, sparkling water is also a better hydration option compared to regular or diet soda, which is known to not provide adequate hydrating qualities. Since mild dehydration is often mistaken for hunger, says nutrition therapist Dr. Alissa Rumsey (via Health), decent hydration can help you to manage your eating patterns well and promote healthy weight loss. Therefore, sparkling water is an ideal option for people who work out regularly or want to reduce their soda cravings.
Plus, sparkling water can also aid in digestion as well as help people swallow food better, as explained in a study in Chemical Senses. Therefore, if you feel a bit gassy after eating, down a glass of sparkling water to help release trapped gas.
Excessive consumption of sparkling water is not recommended
So far, no scientific evidence suggests that sparkling water can cause harm to any specific part of our body. Nonetheless, common sense tells us that it's not good to have too much of anything. Although the carbonic acid in sparkling water has no detrimental effect on the pH balance of the body, too much of it might influence stomach acid output and induce bloating, according to Healthline. Therefore, people with irritable bowel syndrome or other gastrointestinal problems should avoid drinking too much sparkling water.
If you enjoy sparkling water, you should prioritize a brand that contains limited artificial flavoring and sugar, since frequent use of flavored sparkling water drinks with high sugar content can potentially cause tooth decay. For those who are regular consumers of hard seltzers, another word for alcoholic sparkling water mixed with fruit flavoring, watch out for the alcohol content on the label before consuming. According to GoodRx Health, hard seltzers contain a varying amount of 4% to 12% alcohol content depending on the brand. For this reason, hard seltzer, albeit a healthier alternative to beer and regular alcoholic drinks, should be consumed in moderation.
At the end of the day, people's opinions towards sparkling water vary. Some people like their food and drinks in the purest forms, and others prefer to stick with the most versatile alternatives. If you enjoy sparkling water and it's good for your health, there's no reason why you should quit consuming it.