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Sparkling water is all the rage these days. It’s popular because it tastes better than still water, has no calories, and makes you feel like you’re drinking something special. But does sparkling water have any health benefits over regular tap or bottled water?
And are there any negative effects to drinking too much sparkling water? We found out the answers to these questions and more in this blog post.
Is sparkling water just as good as still?
If it is doesn’t have any additives such as sweeteners, then sparkling water is just as good as still water. In fact, sparkling water may even have some health benefits over regular still water.
For example, it can help improve digestion and is a great source of hydration. However, if you add sweeteners to your sparkling water, then it’s not as good for you as regular still water.
Sparkling vs. Still Water: Comparison
Hydration
When it comes to hydration, sparkling water is just as hydrating as regular still water. Sparkling water is also hydrating because it contains a significant amount of carbonation, which may add to its appeal in the eyes of many consumers (it makes you feel like you’re drinking something special).
Flavor/Taste
While sparkling and still waters have similar levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, sparkling water has a higher level of carbonation. This can make it more refreshing and flavorful than still water for some people.
Health Benefits
Some research shows that sparkling water may have some health benefits over regular tap or bottled water. Sparkling water has been linked to improved digestion, better hydration, and even weight loss in some cases. Still water, on the other hand, has been linked to a reduced risk of stroke and heart disease.
Can Sparkling Water Replace Regular Still Water?
Most of the time, sparkling water is safe to use and can actually replace regular still water. This is because it contains the same amount of minerals and nutrients as regular tap or bottled water, which means that you won’t be missing out on any important health benefits by using sparkling over natural still water.
However, if you have underlying bladder or kidney problems, you should consult with your doctor before using sparkling water as your main source of hydration. This is because the carbonation in sparkling water can exacerbate these conditions.
If, for instance, you have an overactive bladder, drinking sparkling water may cause you to feel the need to urinate more frequently. In some cases, drinking too much sparkling water can also lead to dehydration. Sparkling water is a diuretic, which means that it can cause you to urinate more frequently.
Negative Effects of Drinking Too Much Sparkling Water
Like anything else, drinking too much sparkling water can have some negative health effects:
Carbonic acid
The carbonation in sparkling water results in carbonic acid. This type of acid can cause tooth erosion and wear on your enamel over time. It has also been linked to bone health issues, especially among people with conditions such as osteoporosis.
Sensitivity to the carbonation in sparkling water can also be an issue for some people. This is especially true if you have a history of acid reflux or heartburn-related issues, which are caused by excess stomach acids that rise up into your throat and mouth when you eat too much acidic foods and beverages.
Exacerbation of bladder problems
As I have mentioned above, sparkling water can exacerbate bladder problems for some people. If you have an overactive bladder, drinking sparkling water may cause you to feel the need to urinate more frequently.
It can also cause such kidney problems as dehydration, increased blood pressure, and an imbalance of electrolytes.
Burping and bloating
This is another concern that I have mentioned above. Drinking too much sparkling water can cause you to burp or feel bloated and uncomfortable after drinking it. If your body isn’t used to the carbonation in sparkling water, this may be an issue for you as well.
Health Benefits of Sparkling Water
Here are some health benefits of sparkling water:
Improved digestion: Sparkling water can help to improve your digestion because of its high level of carbonation. This is a good thing if you tend to have problems with constipation or diarrhea.
Helps to replace unhealthy carbonated drinks: If you are struggling to kick out your unhealthy carbonated drink habit, sparkling water may be a good replacement for you. It has many of the same benefits as soda or other sugary drinks, but without all of the harmful chemicals and sugar.
May help with weight loss: Sparkling water has been linked to weight loss in some studies. For example, the Journal of Obesity linked sparkling water to an increase in satiety and a decrease in food cravings among overweight people who were trying to lose weight.
It makes you feel full for longer: This is especially helpful if you are trying to lose weight, as it can help you to feel full for longer and eat fewer calories overall.
Why You May Want to Choose Still Water over Sparkling Water
There are a few reasons you might want to choose still water over sparkling:
Better for your teeth and dental health: As I have mentioned above, carbonic acid in sparkling water can cause tooth erosion. It has also been linked to bone loss among people with conditions such as osteoporosis.
It has fluoride: Tap water, for instance, typically contains fluoride, which is beneficial for your teeth. Sparkling water does not have this benefit.
May help to calm an upset stomach: If you are struggling with an upset stomach, drinking still water may be a better choice than drinking sparkling water. The bubbles in sparkling water can actually make your stomach feel more uncomfortable.
It is not diuretic: Unlike carbonated water, still water is not a diuretic. This means that it will help to keep your body hydrated without causing you to urinate more frequently or pee excessively after drinking it.
Final Thoughts
While sparkling water may just be as good as still water, it comes with carbon dioxide which may have some negative health effects on some people. In general, however, it is totally safe to drink. If you want to drink sparkling water and don’t seem to have any issues with it, then just go for it.
Please be careful and use at your own risk
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