{"id":31167,"date":"2022-07-15T02:59:14","date_gmt":"2022-07-15T02:59:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=31167"},"modified":"2022-07-15T02:59:17","modified_gmt":"2022-07-15T02:59:17","slug":"does-sparkling-water-hydrate-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/does-sparkling-water-hydrate-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Sparkling Water Hydrate You? Dietitians Break Down the Bubbly"},"content":{"rendered":"

Does sparkling water hydrate you? The bubbly beverage has boomed in popularity, but does sparkling water count as water, or do you need to drink <\/em>tap water<\/em><\/a>, too? Dietitians explain the benefits of sparkling water.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

Once upon a time, you\u2019d go to a fancy restaurant and be asked if you wanted still or sparkling water\u2014and, more times than not, you likely opted for the former. Nowadays, however, sparkling water has exploded into a massive category, nearly taking over the beverage market, and ultimately landing in every major restaurant, grocery store, and convenience shop across the world. According to Grand View Research<\/a>, the global sparkling water market size was estimated at $29.71 billion, with an expected growth rate of 12.6 percent from 2021 to 2028.<\/p>\n\n\n

Suffice it to say, if you\u2019re wondering if sparkling water is just a trend, research says otherwise\u2014seemingly, it\u2019s here to stay. But why? While some people love the bubbly beverage for its carbonation sans sugar, others gulp it down under the assumption that, given it\u2019s a type of water, it must be quite hydrating<\/a>. But does sparkling water hydrate you? We spoke with two dietitians to find out.<\/p>\n\n\n

What is Sparkling Water, Exactly?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"is<\/figure>\n\n\n

In short, sparkling water is plain water that\u2019s infused with dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) gas<\/a>, which is what gives it its bubbly effect. Scientifically speaking, the process of carbonation is quite simple. \u201cCarbon dioxide is a nontoxic, inert gas that can exist in all three phases of matter: a solid, liquid, or gas,\u201d explains NYC-based dietitian Jennifer Maeng, RD, LDN<\/a>. \u201cThe manipulation of both temperature and pressure can create carbonation, and this environment can be created naturally or artificially.\u201d For example, she says that Perrier sparkling water comes from the environment of a naturally carbonated spring, whereas other brands, like Polar Seltzer, rely on artificial carbonation. \u201cTo artificially create carbonated beverages, CO2 gas is pushed over what is called a critical point and becomes liquified by increasing pressure and decreasing the temperature. At this stage, the CO2 is infused into the water, and the vessel is sealed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

In short, not all bubbly water is created equal. And not all carbonated water is innately the same thing. As Maeng points out, seltzer, club soda, and sparkling mineral water are all different but are often confused.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

So what\u2019s the difference between seltzer vs. sparkling water? \u201cSeltzer is the same thing as sparkling water, and is simply water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas to become carbonated.\u201d Some people may also call this carbonated water. Then there\u2019s sparkling mineral<\/em> water (think: Topo Chico), which Maeng says is naturally carbonated spring water. Certain brands, like San Pelligrino<\/a>, contain naturally-occuring mineral water that is then infused with CO2 to carbonate it, so you\u2019ll still see it labeled as sparkling mineral water. What sets sparkling mineral water apart, according to Maeng, is that it will have naturally occurring minerals like different salts and sulfur compounds depending on the original source of the water spring. \u201cMinerals like sodium, calcium, and potassium are found in very small amounts in these waters,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n

Club soda, however, is seltzer infused with potassium bicarbonate and potassium, which Maeng points out gives the drink a slightly saltier flavor and a more robust profile as a whole, hence why it\u2019s so often preferred by bartenders. (As a former bartender myself, I can attest: I never mixed drinks with seltzer or sparkling mineral water, it was always club soda).<\/p>\n\n\n

Does Sparkling Water Hydrate You?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n

Now, the question you\u2019ve all been waiting for: Does carbonated water hydrate you in the same way regular water does? Despite what myths say, Maeng assures us that sparkling water is hydrating.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

\u201cHowever, it does not hydrate you any better than regular water, unless of course you drink more of it because you enjoy the taste,\u201d she says. Still, she wouldn\u2019t recommend completely swapping in carbonated water for your daily hydration needs. The reason? If you have IBS, acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), she says that drinking carbonated beverages (especially in excess) can make bloating<\/a>, gas, and burping symptoms worse. What\u2019s more, she says that \u201cexcessive consumption of carbonated beverages can lead to decreased tooth enamel because of lower pH from CO2 gas and any acidic flavoring.” With that in mind, Hanley reminds us that plain, unflavored carbonated water won\u2019t damage enamel\u2014no matter how much you consume. It\u2019s the flavored varieties you have to worry about in excess.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

Is Sparkling Water Good for You?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"benefits<\/figure>\n\n\n

There are definitely benefits of sparkling water<\/a>, but it all comes down to the ingredients, says Heather Hanley, RD<\/a>, a registered dietitian with Everlywell. \u201cCarbonated water is a healthier option than sodas, as it does not contain any sugar or sugar substitutes and is free of colorings and artificial flavorings,\u201d she explains. It\u2019s because of this that Hanley thinks sparkling water has risen to such fame. \u201cOne likely reason sparkling water has increased in popularity is the increased public awareness of the health disadvantages of drinking sodas,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n

What Ingredients Are in Sparkling Water?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n

Most often, fizzy water is made of water and carbon dioxide with natural flavors. Although many sparkling waters are formulated without sugar or coloring, that\u2019s not to say that all offerings are. Depending on the type of sparkling water you choose, Maeng says that ingredients can include:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n