Is Drinking Sparkling Water Good or Bad for You?

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Written by Abigail Jolly
October 16, 2023 | Reading time 9 minutes

If you are someone who doesn't like plain water and or quite obsessed with sugary flavored drinks such as soda pop and are looking for other options, you've probably heard about sparkling water.

But you may be wondering is sparkling water good for you?

On the surface, sparkling water can seem like healthy alternative to soda pop as it has no artificial sweeteners, calories or sugar. After all, it's basically plain water with added carbonation and sometimes natural fruit flavors.

But is that really the case? Is sparkling water actually good for you? Let's take a closer look.

Is Sparkling Water Good For You?

is sparkling water good for you

Yes, sparkling water is generally good for you. For many people looking to cut down on soda pop and sugary drinks, adding sparkling water to their diet can be a great way to boost hydration levels without the added sugars.

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Is Potassium In Sparkling Water Good For You?

Absolutely, potassium in sparkling water is a big thumbs up for your health! Potassium is a crucial mineral responsible for a host of bodily functions. It plays a key role in maintaining proper heart and muscle function and aids in balancing fluids and minerals in your body. Plus, it may help to lower high blood pressure – a sneaky health villain.

What Are the Benefits of Drinking Sparkling Water?

Sparkling water is more than just bubbles.

There are many benefits to drinking sparkling water. It's hydrating, calorie-free and a good source of minerals like potassium and magnesium. Sparkling water also has a slightly sweet taste that many people enjoy.

But let's discuss in detail what sparkling water offers:

Sparkling Water Aids in Digestion

While it may have a slightly sweet taste, the carbon dioxide in sparkling water can actually help with digestion. The bubbles help to move food through your system, leading to improved gut health and improved nutrient absorption.

It also helps to cleanse the body of toxins, reduce bloating and ease constipation.

Sparkling Water Helps You Lose or Maintain Weight

According to a controlled study involving 19 women, those who drink sparkling water shows higher "fullness" scores versus those who drank just regular water.

Sparkling water is "empty" calories that helps keep food longer in your stomach thus making you feel full for a longer period of time.

If you're feeling full longer, you are less likely to eat a lot or more frequently.

Sparkling Water Helps You Keep Hydrated

At its most basic, sparkling water is just plain old H2O with some carbonation added. That means that it's just as hydrating as regular water and can help you stay hydrated throughout the day.

Sparkling water can also quench your thirst faster than regular water due to its carbonation. So, if you're looking for a quick way to re-hydrate after exercising, sparkling water might be the better choice.

Related Article: Does Sparkling Water Hydrate You?

Sparkling water Helps With Your Overall Health

Aside from aiding in digestion, easing constipation, helping in losing or maintaining weight, and providing better hydration, sparkling water gives you better breath, improved mood and concentration due to the increased oxygen levels, and potentially reduced headaches or migraines.

It also contains important minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium that are important for your overall health and wellness.

Related Read: What Are The Benefits of Drinking Sparkling Water (Carbonated Water)?

Is It Bad to Drink Sparkling Water Everyday?

is potassium in sparkling water good for you

There is no evidence that sparkling water is harmful to your health so it is definitely okay to drink sparkling water everyday.

However, it is important to note that sparkling water still contains a small amount of carbon dioxide gas which can cause bloating and flatulence. So if you're prone to these issues, it might be best to limit your consumption or switch to regular water.

Overall, sparkling water can be an excellent alternative for those looking for a healthier and more refreshing option over sugary drinks but it's important to moderate consumption.

While there may not be any direct evidence of harm in having too much, it might still cause some discomfort which could be avoided by simply moderating consumption.

Ultimately, the choice whether or not to drink sparkling water everyday comes down to personal preference and tolerance levels.

Is Sparkling Water Healthier Than Still Water?

There are no full and extensive research done as far as if sparkling water is any healthier than regular water.

However, some people may prefer the slight sweetness and fizz that sparkling water offers due to its added carbon dioxide gas.

It is also important to note that regular water does not have any added ingredients as opposed to sparkling water which has small amounts of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

So while it might not be healthier, it does offer a slight nutritional boost.

And while it may not necessarily be healthier than regular water, it can still provide some additional benefits as mentioned above.

Does Sparkling Water Count As Regular Water?

If you're trying to get your 8 glasses full of water everyday but love sipping sparkling water instead of plain water, the question if sparkling water counts as regular water might have come across your mind. Yes, sparkling water does count as water.

We already established sparkling water is just plain old H2O with some carbonation added. So whether regular or sparkling, it's still considered to be a form of hydration that's essential for our bodies.

Although it's usually fine to drink a couple glasses of sparkling water a day, Dr. Yezaz Ghouri, a gastroenterologist within the University of Missouri Health Care system, cautions against making it an outwardly excessive habit — or never drinking flat water and only consuming fizzy water instead.

How Much Carbonated Water is Too Much?

While it is possible to over hydrate by drinking too much seltzer or water, Gregory Quayle, MD, a urologist and advisory board member to Phoenix, a Canadian men’s health website says this is very rare in people with healthy kidneys. This is because the kidneys are effective at eliminating excess fluid.

That said, if you're feeling bloated or uncomfortable due to drinking too much sparkling water it might be best to switch back to regular water for a while and let your body adjust.

Is Store-Bought Sparkling Water Better Than Sparkling Water Made At Home?

is potassium in sparkling water good for you

Store-bought sparkling water may offer more convenience as you don't have to worry about purchasing the right carbon dioxide cartridges or cleaning the machine. However, homemade sparkling water can be cost-effective and you can often tailor it with different flavorings such as fruits and herbs.

When buying store-bought sparkling water, it is ideal to opt for those that are unsweetened and free from added flavors. This way you get all the benefits of sparkling water without any added sugar or calories. Most sparkling water brands don’t contain sodium or sugar, but you’ll need to check the nutrition label to be sure. 

Furthermore, don't mistake sparkling water for other types of carbonated beverages such as tonic or club soda. Tonic contains copious amounts of sugar and should not take the place of regular water. Club soda often has more than 70 mg per can which is also too much sodium to be used as a replacement for normal water intake.

In terms of health benefits, both store-bought and homemade sparkling water contain the same small amounts of minerals and other beneficial ingredients.

So really it comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for a more convenient option or simply want to keep your carbonation machine cleaner, then store bought might be the best choice. However, if you like customization and cost savings, then homemade could be the way to go.

How To Make Sparkling Water From Home

Making your own sparkling water at home is simple and cost-effective. You will need a carbon dioxide cartridge, an empty bottle of water, and a way to attach the two together.

To start, attach the carbon dioxide cartridge to the empty bottle of water. Then slowly open the valve and let the gas fill up the bottle of water with bubbles until it reaches your desired level. Once you are happy with the amount of fizz in the drink, turn off the valve and cap your bottle for storage. Sounds complicated? No worries! The above is the old fashion way to do it.

This whole process is now easier than ever with our Soda Sensei machine and easy, fast and convenient CO2 refill. Plus, you can customize the flavors of your sparkling water by adding natural fruits and herbs.

With Soda Sensei's easy and fun carbonating system, making your own healthy bubbly beverage has never been easier. Take control over what goes into your body today and start creating delicious homemade soda right away!

Recipes That Use Sparkling Water

is potassium in sparkling water good for you

Sparkling water is also used in many recipes, such as cocktails and smoothies.

Here are some delicious recipes to get you started:

  • Cranberry Mint Fizz: Mix cranberry juice and sparkling water together with a few sprigs of mint.
  • Raspberry-Lime Spritzer: Combine raspberries, lime juice, and sugar in a blender, then pour into a glass filled with ice and top it off with sparkling water for a refreshing summer cocktail.
  • Grapefruit Sparkler: Mix freshly squeezed grapefruit juice with sparkling water, add some honey or agave syrup to sweeten it, and garnish with an orange slice.
  • Fruity Sparkling Smoothie: Blend frozen bananas and strawberries together with almond milk and sparkling water until smooth.

For more cocktail and mocktail recipes, visit our blog Bubbly Blog!

Can Children Drink Sparkling Water?

Sparkling water is a healthy drink choice for kids too. It's calorie-free and hydrating, and most kids enjoy the slightly sweet taste. You can also add their favorite fruits to make it even more appealing! For example, you can make a strawberry-orange sparkling water by blending orange juice with frozen strawberries and adding a splash of sparkling water.

You can also use it to make an all-natural soda. Just blend together fruit juices of your choice with sparkling water and sweeten as desired with honey or agave syrup. It's important to remember that flavored sparkling waters still contain carbonation which is not ideal for kids under the age of three years old due to their sensitive digestive systems. Always consult with your child’s doctor before giving them any type of beverage other than plain, filtered water.

Make The Switch to Sparkling Water

If you're looking for a healthy drink option that still tastes great, sparkling water is a good choice.

You can buy sparkling water in stores or make it at home using our Soda Sensei machine. In conclusion, sparkling water is a healthy and refreshing alternative to sugary drinks. It has many health benefits and can help you stay hydrated.

Plus, it's easy to make at home! So next time you’re looking for a tasty drink option, consider sparking up some regular water. You won't be disappointed!

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