Is Drinking Sparkling Water Good or Bad for You?

If you are someone who doesn't like plain water and drinks sugary flavored drinks regularly such as soda and energy drinks, it might be time to start looking for some solid alternatives.

Sparkling water has been high in ranks as the best alternative to soda, but how can you be certain it doesn't have hidden harmful ingredients? 

Is sparkling water actually good for you?

Let's take a closer look at this popular beverage and pop the lid open on the facts surrounding your health.

But 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.

Sparkling water made at home though does not typically have potassium unless the filtered water you're using contains potassium already.

Potassium 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.

Are there any benefits to drinking sparkling water regularly?

Sparkling water is more than just bubbles. There are many benefits to drinking sparkling water. Let's go over some key factors that make sparkling water a delicious and healthy choice:

Sparkling water aids in digestion

Contrary to popular belief, many assume the added CO2 would cause digestive issues. 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.

This is not to say that everyones digestive tracts are the same, so moderation is key. Consult with you doctor if you notice excessive gas or bloating.

Read more on the digestive benefits of sparkling water!

Sparkling water helps with weight management

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

Even though sparkling water is calorie-free, the bubbles from carbonation help keep food longer in your stomach thus potentially making you feel full for a longer period of time.

Many individuals use sparkling water as a way to elongate fasting periods. Instead of having still water in the morning, others found that sparkling water instead allowed them to continue their overnight fast for longer as they felt more full from the CO2. 

Black coffee and sparkling water are a great pairing for intermittent fasting! 

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.

Further read: 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 and migraines.

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

Is it bad to drink sparkling water everyday?

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 consult with your doctor.

There have been studies surrounding the effects of regular consumption on dental health. These have been heavily debunked with the simple clarification on whether the sparkling water is flavored or unflavored.

Unflavored sparkling water does have a lower pH level, however, not nearly as bad comparatively to flavored (lemon, lime, grapefruit, etc.) and the pH levels of sodas.

We did an in depth article on this very topic to put that mystery to bed once and for all. You can read more about the effects of sparkling water on your dental health here!

Ultimately, the choice whether or not to drink sparkling water everyday comes down to personal preference. We do encourage you though to drink plain sparkling water over canned flavored seltzers.

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 towards your daily intake of 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.

Is store-bought sparkling water better than sparkling water made at home?

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.

Step 1: Set up your machine

In order to make sparkling water from home, you'll first need to set up your home sparkling water maker. All you'll need to do is make sure its plugged in (if necessary), has a full CO2 canisters securely attached, and the removable water bottle is clean and ready for use.

Step 2: Carbonate water

Fill your water bottle up to the fill line, and securely attach to machine. Some machines use a quick snap connection, where others require a screw on method. Once the bottle is attached correctly, pump your bottle with carbon dioxide. 

Depending on the soda maker model, this will look different for everyone. Whether its a push, pull, or automated button.

Step 3: Enjoy sparkling water

Once the machine has finished infusing the water with CO2 to desired level, carefully remove the bottle and enjoy immediately. Drink from the bottle on the go or over a glass with ice, there really is no wrong way to drink your homemade sparkling water!

Take control over what goes into your body today and start creating delicious homemade sparkling recipes right away!

Our favorite sparkling beverages

Sparkling water is also used in many recipes, such as cocktails and home sodas. 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 bubbly mouthfeel. You can also add their favorite fruits to make it even more appealing!

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 new beverages.

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!