Does Sparkling Water Hydrate You? (2024)

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Sparkling water hydrates you just as much as regular water. But make sure to avoid any sparkling water with added sugar and other sweeteners.

To stay hydrated, a popular rule of thumb is to drink at least eight 8-ounce (240-mL) glasses of water per day.

However, you may wonder whether sparkling water can count toward that goal due to its acidity.

This article tells you whether sparkling water is hydrating.

The main ingredients in carbonated water — commonly known as sparkling or seltzer water — are water and carbon dioxide (1).

Yet, some types have added flavorings and minerals like sodium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate, and sodium chloride. The most common types of carbonated water are (1):

  • Sparkling or seltzer water. This type is tap water that’s been filtrated and artificially carbonated.
  • Mineral water. The gas in this one occurs naturally, but it may be fortified with additional carbon dioxide — either artificially or from the same source as the water.
  • Soda water. Aside from the carbon dioxide, this water contains sodium bicarbonate and possibly other compounds to regulate its acidity.
  • Tonic water. This carbonated and mineralized water also has quinine, which gives it a bitter taste that’s often masked by sweeteners and flavorings.

When carbon dioxide dissolves in water, its pH drops, resulting in a slightly acidic beverage. The final product is fizzy, which may make it more appealing than regular water for many people.

Summary

Sparkling water is infused with carbon dioxide, which makes it bubbly and gives it a slightly acidic pH.

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Sparkling water is effective at keeping your body hydrated.

Staying hydrated is essential, as dehydration may lead to impaired brain function, mood swings, and — over time — the development of chronic diseases (2, 3, 4).

One study investigated the hydrating effect of 13 drinks, including sparkling water, by establishing each drink’s beverage hydration index (BHI). The BHI evaluates the volume of urine produced by any drink compared with still water (5).

The study concluded that sparkling water was as hydrating as still water (5).

Furthermore, it determined that drinks with a higher mineral content tended to be more hydrating. While some sparking waters may have more sodium than regular water, the sodium content of regular water can vary widely based on geographical location (6, 7, 8).

An older study likewise found no significant differences in hydration levels after people drank various beverages, including plain and carbonated water (9).

Therefore, sparkling water contributes to your daily water intake. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), men should get 125 ounces (3.7 liters) of total water per day and women 91 ounces (2.7 liters), which includes water from food (10).

Summary

Sparkling water is as hydrating as regular water, so drinking it may help you reach your daily water goals.

When choosing between sparkling and still water, it’s best to select the one that helps you drink more water during the day.

If you find the fizz from the carbon dioxide appealing, this may boost your daily water intake.

However, studies suggest that the effervescence of sparkling water strongly enhances its ability to curb thirst, which may lead to people drinking less water (1, 11).

However, others may feel that carbonation positively affects how much water they drink.

If you’re prone to bloating, consider avoiding sparkling water and other carbonated drinks, as they may worsen this condition (12).

Still, both types of water are equally hydrating, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even promotes sparkling water for those who find plain water unappealing (13).

Shop for sparkling water online.

Just be sure to read the nutrition label on your sparkling water and avoid those with added sugars, as sugar-sweetened varieties are linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes (14, 15).

Summary

You should opt for the type of water that helps you increase your daily water intake. Some people may find sparkling water more appealing because of its carbonation.

Sparkling water hydrates you just as much as regular water. Thus, it contributes to your daily water intake.

In fact, its fizziness may even enhance its hydrating effects for some people.

Nonetheless, you should choose sparkling water without added sugar or other sweeteners.

Does Sparkling Water Hydrate You? (2024)

FAQs

Is it good to drink sparkling water instead of water? ›

No evidence suggests that carbonated or sparkling water is bad for you. It's not that harmful to dental health, and it seems to have no effect on bone health. Interestingly, a carbonated drink may even enhance digestion by improving swallowing ability and reducing constipation.

Does sparkling water count as water? ›

“It doesn't dehydrate you. From a mouth-feel standpoint, it may not seem as hydrating. But from a nutrition standpoint, they are equal.” So if you're obsessed with seltzer, there's good news: it counts towards your daily water intake totals.

Is sparkling water OK to drink everyday? ›

Seltzer water can be a fun way to add variety to your hydration routine. Unsweetened options can give you the carbonation from soda without the added sugars. A modest amount of seltzer water daily should be safe for most people, but excess consumption can lead to side effects like bloating and excess gas.

What are the pros and cons of sparkling water? ›

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.

Is sparkling water good for skin? ›

Sparkling water also acts as a vasodilator, which can improve blood supply to your skin and result in a healthier, brighter, rosier complexion.

Does sparkling water help bloating? ›

The carbonation in sparkling water encourages you to burp, providing a sense of relief from the bloating and pressure caused by gas buildup. But, don't go chugging a gallon just yet! Moderation is key here, as too much of anything, even our sparkling water, could turn the tables.

Is sparkling water 100% water? ›

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.

Is sparkling water healthy? ›

Good news: As long as you're drinking sparkling water with no added sugars, you've made an A+ choice. In many cases, sparkling water is just water — which is, of course, vital to your health. That said, there are a few different kinds of sparkling water, and they're not all created equally.

Why do people like sparkling water? ›

Sparkling water can add a little extra to your hydration habits, making a refreshing change from fizzy soft drinks. The fizz provides the same sensation as pop, which makes you feel refreshed. You may also find that you prefer the taste of sparkling water over still water, and perhaps find it easier to drink.

When should you not drink sparkling water? ›

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.

Can you drink sparkling water while fasting? ›

Sparkling water, also known as carbonated water, is produced by dissolving carbon dioxide (CO2) into water. Carbon dioxide is a gas and does not contain any calories, so it is safe to drink during a fast.

What are the disadvantages of sparkling? ›

Gas and Bloating

If you notice excessive gas while drinking sparkling water, your best bet is to switch to plain water. People who experience excessive gas or gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, should avoid sparkling water as it may trigger symptoms including increased gas and acid reflux.

Is sparkling water good for your teeth? ›

The bottom line: Sparkling water is a better choice for your teeth than most popular beverages. Although sparkling water is more acidic than regular water, consuming it in normal amounts of a few bottles a day is unlikely to erode your tooth enamel.

Is it okay to drink sparkling water instead of still? ›

Thankfully, this myth has been debunked by many experts that have confirmed that if the bubbly beverage is at its core just carbonated water, there are absolutely no negative health effects. Sparkling water is a great alternative to still water if you are looking for a little extra fizz!

Is sparkling water the same as still water? ›

We all know the essential difference between still and sparkling: the hiss of the open cab tab, the fizzy bubbles, the tickling carbonated sensation of drinking it. Those bubbles come from carbon dioxide, which is the difference maker between sparkling and still water.

Why is sparkling water so much better? ›

A big reason why people drink sparkling water is due to its potential to aid digestion. For many individuals, the bubbles in carbonated water can help alleviate abdominal discomfort, such as bloating or indigestion, by prompting burping which in turn reduces stomach gas.

How to turn sparkling water into normal water? ›

“Sparkling” water is simply water, plain water at that, which has had CO2 (carbon dioxide) dissolved in it just like a carbonated drink. To turn it into “plain” water, you can just leave it sit out for awhile and the CO2 will dissipate. Shaking it up will speed up the process.

Does drinking flavored water count as drinking water? ›

All varieties of flavored water are mostly made up of water. This means that they can hydrate you just as well as plain water, except for ingredients that act as diuretics. Hydration is a crucial part of your overall health.

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