You've tried bottled water and decided you want to cut the plastic. Well, now's your chance to try sparkling water. Sparkling, bubbly, fizzy, carbonated, seltzer water. Whatever you choose to call it, the sparkling water craze has people asking: Is sparkling water just as hydrating as flat or plain water?
Does Sparkling Water Actually Hydrate You?
Good news sparkling water fans! A 2016 study found that sparkling water is just as hydrating as regular water! Thirteen different drinks, including still and sparkling water, were evaluated for their hydration using the beverage hydration index (BHI). The BHI looks at the volume of urine produced by a drink compared with that of still water. The study concluded that sparkling is indeed as hydrating as still water.
This makes sense, considering that carbonated water is just regular water infused with bubbly carbon gas! But is there more to sparkling water than meets the eye?
Let's start with the basics, what is sparkling water ?
Sparkling water is essentially regular tap water combined with carbon dioxide, adding a refreshing, bubbly feel to the drink. This makes it into a carbonated drink, similar to regular soft drink, but without all the added sugars and chemicals.
You must be thinking: I get it, fizzy water is trendy..but is it actually good for you?
Does sparkling water hydrate you for real? Well, here's all you need to know about sparkling water and hydration.
Some people actually believe that sparkling water is dehydrating: it is actually one of the biggest health myths! The carbonic acid, or bond between the water and carbon dioxide molecules in sparkling water, is separated back into carbon dioxide and water in the digestive tract. This allows the water to be absorbed normally just like still or flat water. Carbon dioxide is not recognized as an essential nutrient, so it passes safely through the gut!
Why is carbonated water believed to be bad for you?
First of all, carbonated water is associated with colas and other types of drink that are bad for you because of what is inside. Look at the nutrition label and you can see that sodas are full of sugar and bad ingredients that can cause teeth problems, heart disease and other issues related to the ingredient and not necessarily to carbonation or bubbly water itself.
The advantages of sparkling water
Deciding between still and sparkling water comes down to preferences!
Because the only difference between sparkling and still water is the addition of carbon dioxide gas, which creates the “fizz”, it's really a personal preference when choosing between the two. However, here are a few things that can make a difference!
Here are some tips you might want to keep in mind:
Sparkling water can help combat taste fatigue.
If you struggle with your daily water intake, carbonated water can make plain tap water more enticing. Citrus fruits, like lemons, limes and oranges are classic water enhancers, but other ingredients might also tempt your taste buds! Try fresh or frozen raspberries, mango, or strawberries. Cucumber and fresh mint are refreshing flavours as well — especially in the summer. Interested in flavouring your sparkling water? Discover dozens of fizzy recipes you can make with a sparkling water maker!
Bubbly water may help you feel fuller longer.
Research has shown that sparkling water may help food remain in the stomach for a longer period of time than flat water, which can trigger a sensation of fullness (6). Because of this, the tiny bubbles in your glass of sparkling water may offer a helping hand when it comes to controlling overeating. The bubbles may trick your brain into feeling full, which means you will probably eat less. This is something to keep in mind when you are trying to consume more water and hit your perfect intake of water per day.
Carbonated water may be your digestion lifesaver.
Studies have found that drinking sparkling water after eating a meal can help to moderate indigestion. In fact, research has shown that for some people drinking sparkling water can be a huge help with stomach discomfort, digestive issues, or indigestion since it helps release trap gas.
Choose flat water when hitting the gym.
The one reason you might want to choose standard water over sparkling water is during a workout or other exercise, and that's simply because the carbonation can cause discomfort when combined with vigorous movement.
So, should you drink regular water (non-carbonated water) or sparkling water (carbonated water)? The best water to drink is the type that encourages you to drink more, as both are equally hydrating!
Does using a sparkling water machine change anything to your hydration levels ?
No! It has the same results as sparkling water brands. The only difference would be it is more environmentally friendly and cheaper. But, essentially, the level of hydration is the same!
Looking for an ecological sparkling water maker? Consider Spärkel!
Spärkel offers ecological and easy to use sparkling water makers you can use at home. By enhancing your sparkling water with fresh ingredients, you are making it even more enticing and are likely to drink more water! Discover our new water carbonator model and start enjoying delicious (and hydrating!) sparkling water.
And just like that...
YES, sparkling water is hydrating. It is refreshing, delicious and healthier than soda — sweetened or not. Drinking sparkling water isn't a waste of money. It actually does the body well by helping to balance the pH levels of your body, meaning that acid and alkaline balance is maintained. You can drink it when you are feeling sick or getting sick on its own very effectively.
Does Sparkling water have more hydration benefits?
Sparkling water is just as good at hydrating you as regular water. The hydrating power is the same, not more and not less. It's fizzy and fun to drink, so you can even enjoy it more than once a day and makes it more attractive to drink so it's easier to reach your hydration goals. Just make sure you choose sparkling water without added sugar or other sweeteners to keep this drink a healthier choice for your body.
You can easily spice up your fizzy water to make it more attractive with natural fruits or frozen fruit. The hydrating effects of sparkling water and still water may be the same but it’s easier to make fruit-flavoured sparkling water more attractive.
Sparkling water is hydrating, but are there other issues associated with drinking fizzy water?
While sparkling water is hydrating and has a lot of benefits, it is important to know the downsides of it which can happen if you drink too much of it. In fact, like anything else in life, too much of something can be bad. By bad we mean nothing serious just certain temporary side effects like
- Bloating, burping and gas;
- Too much mineral or acidity in your water may affect your teeth enamel;