What Happens When You Drink Carbonated Water for 30 Days

Seltzer water is a popular choice in many homes. It gives you a sweet, bubbly taste without a lot of sugar. But, like with anything, you can have too much. This article will talk about the downsides of drinking too much seltzer. It will also cover how to know if you’re drinking too much and if you should cut back.

Key Takeaways

• Plain seltzer without additional additives can be as hydrating as regular water according to research.¹
• Carbonation in seltzer can result in gas, bloating, and may disrupt exercise routines in some cases.¹
• Seltzer, due to its acidity, can lead to teeth enamel erosion over time.¹
• Naturally flavored seltzers may offer a healthier choice compared to soda, contributing to improved hydration habits.¹
• Sparkling water, including flavored varieties, is just as hydrating as non-carbonated water.²

The Hydration Potential of Carbonated Water

Many folks ask if carbonated water hydrates like still water. Health experts say plain seltzer is just as good for you as still water.³ The CDC marks seltzer and water as clever drink picks. And, some studies show no difference in staying hydrated with still or fizzy water.

Does Carbonated Water Hydrate You as Well as Still Water?

You should aim for eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily to stay hydrated.³ A study on 13 drinks found bubbly water as good for you as flat water.³ The USDA advises men to drink 125 ounces and women 91 ounces daily. This includes water from food.³

Assessing the Hydrating Properties of Fizzy Beverages

Sparkling water’s bubbles might make you less thirsty. But some people might drink less of it.³ Nutritionists say fizzy water hydrates just as well as flat water.⁴ How much you drink is more key than the kind of drink.

Carbonation and Its Impact on Water Absorption

Alcohol can dry you out, hindering hydration.⁴ The taste and fizz of carbonated drinks make them more appealing to many people.⁴ A nutritionist says carbonated water doesn’t make your body too acidic.⁴ Our bodies stay in balance no matter what we eat or drink.⁴

If you have tummy problems like IBS, carbonated water might make you bloated. But, it’s still a good choice for getting more water into your day.⁴

Carbonated Water: A Healthier Alternative to Sugary Drinks?

Comparing to sugary sodas, carbonated water is a better pick. It’s free of calories, sugars, and harmful chemicals. This makes seltzer water great for people wanting to reduce sugar intake. It’s also good for staying hydrated.⁵

Exploring the Benefits of Sparkling Mineral Water

Sparkling mineral water has some good health perks. It’s a bit acidic, with a pH of 3–4.⁶ One study showed that it’s only slightly harder on tooth enamel than plain water. It’s 100 times less harmful than sugary drinks.

Sugar drinks can hurt your teeth, but plain carbonated water won’t. It’s said to help with swallowing for kids and older adults.⁶ For nearly two-thirds of people, ice-cold carbonated water improved throat clearing. In a separate study, it made older folks with constipation go more often.

Colas might be bad for your bones, but carbonated water is not.⁶ For women past menopause, drinking a sodium-rich carbonated drink cut heart disease chances by 35% in one study. It also improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels.⁶

Comparing Sparkling Water and Regular Water for Hydration

For staying hydrated, carbonated water works just as well as still water. Even though still water is drunk up faster, both types get into the body in a very similar way.⁵ There is very little difference in how well they hydrate us.⁵ But, carbonated water takes longer to move from the small intestine to the stomach.

Fruity sparkling water is a good soda substitute. It has zero calories and no sugar added.⁵ Since it’s mostly water, it’s as good as still water for keeping us hydrated.⁵ Using carbonated water can make drinking enough water each day easier. It’s a nice change for people who find it hard to reach for the plain stuff day after day.⁵ Adding a little juice to bubbly water mixes things up. It’s a tasty, low-sugar choice for those wanting to fare with less soda.⁵

Does Carbonated Water Hydrate You? The Science Behind Bubbly Beverages

Experts say plain seltzer water hydrates you just like regular water.³ The CDC agrees, calling both good choices. Studies show they both help the body stay hydrated the same way.³

Some sparkling waters with more minerals might hydrate you even better.³ But, remember the sodium in water can change by where it’s from. Some sparkling waters have more sodium than regular water.³

The USDA suggests men drink 125 ounces daily and women drink 91 ounces. This also includes water in food.³ Older studies show no big difference in how well we hydrate with different drinks.³

Even the CDC says it’s okay to choose sparkling water over plain if you don’t like plain water.³ But, watch out for sparkling water with added sugars. They can lead to health issues like obesity and diabetes.³

Research says plain carbonated water is as good as still water for staying hydrated.³⁷ It’s a good choice over sugary drinks. But, avoid flavored ones with sugar or fake sweeteners if you can.⁸

Potential Side Effects of Excessive Carbonated Water Intake

Carbonated water is fine for refreshment but too much is not good. It might cause gas, bloating, and heartburn. Long term, it can wear down your teeth’s shells because it is acidic.⁹ Many times, flavored carbonated drinks cause more trouble for your teeth. They might have too much sugar or citric acid which is not good for your teeth.⁹ Watch the sugar you eat, it should be less than 10% of your daily calories. This is true also for the sugars in your drinks.

Bloating and Gas: How Carbonation Affects Digestion

Carbonation can make you feel full. This might make you eat less, but it can be hard for some people. If you drink too much, it can cause gas, bloating, and upset stomach.¹ People with stomach problems like GERD or IBS should not drink too much carbonated water. It might make their condition worse.

Dental Erosion: The Impact of Carbonation on Tooth Enamel

Too much seltzer water can hurt your teeth over time. Dentists say it’s ok to drink it once a day with food to help your teeth. The acidity in carbonated water is about 3 to 4 on pH scale which can harm teeth.⁶ Some studies find that drinks with sugar hurt enamel more than drinks without sugar.⁶ But, plain sparkling water seems to be safe for the teeth.

Overhydration: Can You Drink Too Much Carbonated Water?

Drinking too much seltzer can lead to drinking too much water. This can be bad and cause water intoxication or hyponatremia. Signs that you’re drinking too much water include clear pee and going to the bathroom a lot.¹ Carbonated water can make you feel more full than regular water. This could mean you don’t drink as much as you need.⁹ Drinking a small amount of seltzer daily is ok for most, but too much can make you feel bloated and gassy.

Factors That Influence the Hydrating Effects of Carbonated Drinks

Plain carbonated water can hydrate just like still water². But, adding things like flavors or sweeteners might change this. It’s good to know how these extras affect drink’s ability to hydrate us.

The Role of Additives and Flavorings

Drinks with sugars or sweeteners might not hydrate well². They could slow down how quickly your stomach gets rid of water, affecting hydration². However, those with electrolytes can help keep water in the body, which might improve hydration².

It’s also not just about the bubbles. The type of carbonation, like the drink’s pH, matters⁶. For example, sparkling water might have a slightly acidic pH, around 3-4⁶. This acidity isn’t usually a problem, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Individual Tolerance and Sensitivity to Carbonation

Not everyone likes carbonated drinks. They might cause bloating or gas². Some people, like athletes or those just out of surgery, might prefer still water for staying hydrated².

Yet, there are benefits to carbonated water for some. It might help with swallowing for both the young and old⁶. And, it could ease constipation in the elderly⁶.

When picking drinks for hydration, think about what’s in them and how they make you feel. By doing this, you can choose drinks that fit well with a healthy, hydrating diet.

Incorporating Carbonated Water into a Balanced Diet

Carbonated water is a tasty choice for a balanced diet. It’s a fun, bubbly change from plain water.¹⁰ It hydrates you a bit slower because it takes time to break down the bubbles.¹⁰ Remember to enjoy it in moderation, especially if it affects you in any way.

Moderation: Finding the Right Amount for Your Needs

¹⁰ Sparkling water and still water work about the same for keeping you hydrated,⁵ based on studies. There’s not much difference between the two.⁵ But, seltzer water doesn’t have the same minerals as sparkling water, while¹⁰ club soda tastes salty because of the minerals it has.¹⁰ Tonic water brings important minerals and some sugar, so pick the one that fits your diet best.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Fizzy Drinks Responsibly

¹⁰ Our bodies see carbonated water and regular water as alike when it comes to hydration,¹¹ shows research. A test with 13 drinks said sparkling water stays just as hydrating as still.¹¹ It may also help with a bit of acid reflux or feeling too full. This can be good for keeping meal sizes right.

⁵ Many like carbonated water because it seems more natural. It’s also simpler to drink for some. Plus, with⁵ SodaStream, you can make your bubbly drinks at home for less than buying bottles.⁵ Swapping out soda for naturally fizzy water means less sugar and more health.

Carbonated Water and Specific Health Conditions

Many people love the bubbly taste of carbonated water, finding it both refreshing and hydrating. However, folks with certain health issues should be careful. They need to watch how much carbonated water they drink. This is because the bubbles and acidity might not be good for everyone. This is especially true for those with stomach problems or acid reflux.

Navigating Carbonation with Gastrointestinal Issues

Sparkling water can be bad news for those with a touchy tummy. It could make problems like bloating, gas, and cramps worse. This is also the case for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).²

For patients who had gut surgery, or if you get full quickly, flat water might be the way to go.² Still, some folks prefer the fizzy or flavored water. It can help them drink more. And that’s important for staying hydrated.²

Considerations for Those with Acid Reflux or GERD

If you have acid reflux or GERD, be careful with bubbly drinks. The carbonation and acidity in seltzer water can kick up your heartburn. It’s not a good scene if stomach acid moves back up into your throat. In this case, sticking to flat water is likely a better choice.

Remember, everyone responds differently to carbonated water. It’s essential to notice how your body reacts. By drinking it in moderation and staying properly hydrated, you can enjoy carbonated water safely. Getting advice from a healthcare expert is always a good idea when in doubt.³²

Bubbly Beverages and Hydration: Myths vs. Facts

When it comes to staying hydrated, carbonated water often confuses people. Many believe that fizzy drinks can dehydrate you. But, do these claims hold any truth? Let’s find out the real story behind carbonated water and its effects on keeping us hydrated.

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Carbonated Water

Some think carbonated water makes you lose water. But, studies show that plain sparkling water hydrates just like still water.¹² A trial showed no difference in urine from those who drank sparkling water vs. plain water. So, they both keep you hydrated equally.¹²

People also worry if carbonated drinks hurt bone health. Unlike some sodas, carbonated water does not weaken bones. Actually, it’s rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, which support bone strength.¹²

Separating Fact from Fiction: Carbonation and Hydration

Enjoying carbonated water in moderation offers benefits over sugary drinks.¹² It can even give a small energy bump in long activities like ultra-runs.¹²

Yet, not all carbonated waters hydrate the same. Additives or too much carbonation can affect this. Without added flavors or sweeteners, it hydrates like regular water.¹³

The link between carbonated drinks and staying hydrated is not as simple as many think. Knowing the true effects empowers us. It helps in choosing beverages for a healthy, hydrated life.

Source Links

1. https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/can-you-drink-too-much-seltzer-here-s-everything-you-ncna895836
2. https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/19/health/sparkling-water-hydration-drayer/index.html
3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/does-sparkling-water-hydrate-you
4. https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-carbonated-water-hydration-myth-912896571193
5. https://sodastream.com/blogs/sodastreams-sparkling-blog/does-carbonated-water-hydrate-you-like-regular-water
6. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/carbonated-water-good-or-bad
7. https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/beverages/sparkling-water
8. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/health-and-wellness-articles/2023/may/is-carbonated-water-good-for-you
9. https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8043599/signs-drinking-too-much-seltzer-water/
10. https://www.dripdrop.com/blog/hydration-tips/does-sparkling-water-hydrate-you
11. https://myinstantiv.com/blogs/hydration/does-sparkling-water-hydrate-you-what-you-need-to-know
12. https://seltzatap.com/blogs/fizzilife/does-sparkling-water-hydrate-and-other-myths-vs-facts
13. https://www.humnutrition.com/blog/does-sparkling-water-hydrate-you/