Sparkling water, commonly referred to as "carbonated water," is water that contains carbon dioxide bubbles. The gas might be natural or mixed with mineral water. It may be a pleasant and beneficial substitute in place of other sodas in various forms. So, is sparkling water healthy or not? It has both its advantages and side effects. Keep reading to find out.

Types of Sparkling Water

If you have decided to move on from soda to seltzer water or sparkling water, then it can prove beneficial for your Health. Soda water and sparkling water aren't the same. Sparkling water has some benefits if it is consumed without added sweeteners. Sparkling is comparatively good for your Health. However, there are several types of sparkling water:

Seltzer

Seltzer is just flavored water with carbon dioxide. However, some varieties use natural fruit flavors and added sweeteners. The FDA separates seltzer from sparkling water depending on the extent of their carbonation. However, they are similar for consumer reasons.

Mineral Water

Mineral water obtained from a natural spring or an underground well is organically carbonated water containing minerals such as magnesium and calcium.

Tonic Water

Tonic water is carbonated artificially and supplemented with minerals such as quinine, which gives it its unique bitter flavor. It also includes sugar or fructose corn syrup.

Club Soda

Club soda is carbonated artificially and supplemented with elements such as potassium sulfate and sodium bicarbonate.

Benefits of Sparkling Water

Sparkling water is considered healthier than sugary sodas or so-called energy drinks. Here are some sparkling water benefits you may consider while opting for it.

Improves Hydration

Sparkling water hydrates equally as much as still water. Dehydration may be dangerous and may contribute to digestive problems as well as heart and renal difficulties.

So, if you're having trouble drinking enough still water throughout the day, try having a couple of glasses for the fruity and bubbly sparkling water without any sweeteners.

Improves swallowing ability

According to research, sparkling water can improve swallowing abilities in both younger and elderly individuals. Carbonated water stimulates the neurons that control swallowing. Icy sparkling water is most effective in improving swallowing and throat conditions.

It may reduce cravings by making you feel full.

Studies suggest that drinking sparkling water helps to reduce cravings by making you feel full. It may even keep your food in the stomach for a longer time than still water.

Moreover, it also cuts down your addiction to drinking harmful sodas and sugary drinks. Instead, it makes you consume healthy fruits and cucumbers. Make sure you don’t add sweeteners to your sparkling water.

Helps with constipation

People who suffer from constipation may have their problems sorted out after having some sparkling water for a few days. There is also evidence suggesting that sparkling water can help with other gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach discomfort.

Another study suggests that those who drink carbonated water can notice major improvements in digestive discomfort, irregular bowel movements, and long-term constipation.

Improves heart health

Sparkling water may also benefit heart health. Drinking sodium-rich carbonated water reduces bad cholesterol levels. Furthermore, individuals who drink carbonated water have a reduced chance of getting heart disease than those who drink still water.

It may help in healthy weight loss.

Staying hydrated is essential for weight loss, and drinking adequate water during the day will help you feel fuller for longer and eat fewer calories.

Furthermore, sparkling water can be a delicious substitute for soda and other sugary beverages, which add unnecessary calories and increase the risk of diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Make sure you drink sparkling water without sweeteners.

Improves digestion and gut health

Drinking sparkling water may improve overall gut health and reduce the risk factors for intestinal problems. However, it may vary from person to person. It has been suggested that sparkling water may help with stomach discomfort and constipation.

Side effects of Sparkling water

Sparkling water may have some side effects for some people. Here are some:

Affects tooth enamel and dental Health

The sparkling water is acidic, and it can be menacing for your tooth enamel. It is one of the most common side effects of sparkling water. There has been barely any research on this problem, although one study discovered that sparkling water only marginally worsened enamel degradation than still water.

Moreover, mineral water was found to be a hundred times less harmful than soft drinks and sugary beverages. Carbonated beverages have an increased risk of destroying enamel if they contain sugar. So, sweetened sparkling water can still be dangerous for the enamel layer.

Gas and Stomach Discomfort

Some people may experience abdominal discomfort and gas as a result of the carbonated sparkling water. If you get a lot of gas when drinking sparkling water, turn to still water. You must avoid drinking sparkling water if you experience gas or GERD, as it can cause gastric discomfort and acid reflux.

Unwanted calories due to added sweeteners

Sparkling water can include sugar, synthetic sweeteners, and other flavor additives that may prove harmful to you. Sugar has been linked to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and other long-term diseases. Artificial sweeteners can induce gastrointestinal problems.

In a nutshell, your sparkling water is merely water if it isn't mixed with anything else. Always prefer fruits and cucumbers and drink them without sweeteners and additives.

Conclusion

Sparkling water is an excellent substitute for regular water or sodas. It has various advantages, including improved digestion, reduced cravings, and boosted water consumption. However, some people may experience dental enamel erosion and intestinal pain. So, is sparkling water good for you or not? Well, sparkling water is a delectable alternative that can be a health-conscious option for many people.