Can Carbonated Water Hydrate You?

By: Jan Helge
Date: July 18, 2023
Time to read: 5 min.

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Can Carbonated Water Hydrate You?

Many would choose carbonated water over plain water if offered solely based on flavor. However, this presents a challenge if you’re already thirsty and worried about becoming dehydrated. Is there any difference between still and carbonated water in terms of hydration, or is that just a matter of perception?

Table Of Contents

Can Carbonated Water Hydrate You?
Comparing Still Water To Carbonated Water
Sparkling Water Hydrates The Body
Is Carbonated Water Preferable To Still Water?
What Kinds Of Components Does Sparkling Water Contain?
How Do You Determine The Quality Of A Sparkling Water?
Conclusion

Comparing Still Water To Carbonated Water

Carbonated water, also called sparkling water or seltzer water, is made primarily of carbon dioxide and water.

In some brands, potassium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium chloride aren’t natural, but they add flavor. Below are the most widely available kinds of carbonated water:

Seltzer water or sparkling water. This variety is merely filtered and carbonated tap water.
Mineral water. This one gets its gas from naturally occurring sources, but it might get an extra boost from carbon dioxide added to it (either artificially or from the same place as the water).
Soda water. This water’s acidity is controlled by combining carbon dioxide and sodium bicarbonate, among other compounds.
Tonic water. This quinine-tainted, mineralized, carbonated water is typically sweetened and flavored to hide its bitter flavor.

Carbon dioxide gas is introduced into water to create fizz and a mildly acidic pH in sparkling water. Carbon dioxide lowers water’s pH when dissolved, making the beverage slightly acidic. The fizzy flavor of the finished product may make it more desirable than plain water to some consumers.

Sparkling Water Hydrates The Body

To maintain proper hydration levels, drinking sparkling water is a good idea. Dehydration can lead to memory loss, irritability, and even the development of certain chronic diseases; therefore, it is crucial to maintain a steady water intake throughout the day.

A study looked at the hydration quality of 13 beverages, including carbonated water, and assigned each a beverage hydration index (BHI). The BHI measures the difference in urine output between a given beverage and plain water. The results show carbonated water has the same hydrating effect as still water.

In addition, it found that beverages rich in minerals had a greater tendency to keep you hydrated. While the sodium content of some sparkling waters may exceed that of still water, the sodium content of still water can vary greatly from one location to the next.

Another study from the same period also discovered no statistically significant differences in hydration levels between drinking plain water and carbonated water.

Therefore, sparkling water counts toward your recommended daily water intake. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends that men consume 125 ounces (3.7 liters) of water per day, while women require 91 ounces (2.7 liters) of water per day.

Switching to sparkling water could be a good option if you’re trying to meet your daily water intake requirements because it’s just as hydrating as regular water.

Is Carbonated Water Preferable To Still Water?

When deciding between still and sparkling water, it is best to go with the variety that encourages you to consume more water throughout the day. The fizz from the carbon dioxide may entice you, resulting in you drinking more water throughout the day.

It has been found that the fizz in sparkling water greatly increases its ability to slake thirst, but this may cause people to drink less water overall. On the other hand, some people may believe that carbonation has a beneficial effect on the amount of water that they consume.

If you tend to get bloated easily, you should probably stay away from carbonated beverages and sparkling water, as both can worsen the condition. However, the CDC advises that those who don’t like the taste of plain water switch to sparkling water, as it is just as hydrating.

What Kinds Of Components Does Sparkling Water Contain?

Carbonated water is typically made from water and carbon dioxide, and it has a variety of flavors added to it. Some brands of sparkling water may contain sugar or artificial coloring, although many brands are formulated to be sugar- and dye-free. The ingredients in your sparkling water can range from:

Sugar (granulated or granulated in liquid form) and other sweeteners (including aspartame)
Natural or synthetic, color is used primarily for its aesthetic “look.”
Herbs, vitamins, adaptogens, CBD, phosphoric, tartaric, gluconic, and phosphoric acids, all used for flavoring, are derived from fruit and vegetables or synthesized in a lab.

Keeping this in mind, it is advisable to exercise caution when shopping for a bottle of carbonated water and to not fall for marketing claims that the beverage will “calm” or “energize” them. Added sugars in carbonated water are linked to weight gain and diabetes, so it’s important to read the label and steer clear of those brands that come with added sugars. Before consuming anything, check the labels for these added ingredients and check with your dietitian,” particularly if you have any preexisting health conditions.

How Do You Determine The Quality Of A Sparkling Water?

High-quality sparkling water typically depends on its packaging, but some people may have strong preferences for specific types of sparkling water due to their flavor notes. More carbon dioxide (CO2) diffuses (escapes) out of plastic than glass or a sealed can so keep that in mind when shopping for a bottle of carbonated water. Due to the slight differences in water mineral flavors and packaging, most consumers will definitely have varied tastes.

Conclusion

Most people believe that drinking water with carbonation does not provide sufficient hydration compared to still water. Carbonated water has the same beneficial effects as plain water, but it’s also much more enjoyable to consume. In the same way that drinking plain water can keep you hydrated, sparkling water can do the same.

The carbonation that is present in sparkling water significantly enhances the beverage’s capacity to slake thirst. For some people, the fizziness of the drink may even be seen as contributing to the beverage’s capacity to keep them hydrated and meet the daily water intake recommendation that has been set for them. In any case, go for the carbonated water that isn’t sweetened.