Does Sparkling Water Hydrate You?

Sparking water is a popular choice for those seeking a refreshing alternative to plain still water, which can sometimes be boring and flavorless. But water is essential to our everyday well-being and bodily functions. Maybe you’re looking to introduce something new and exciting without negatively impacting your hydration goals, so you’re wondering: Does sparkling water hydrate you?

While regular water may be the best way to stay hydrated when matched against drinks with added sugars and flavorings, you may be surprised to find sparkling water is on par with the original recipe.

Still water is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H20). Often hailed as the effervescent cousin of regular water, sparkling water is regular water infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure, creating bubbles that instills water with carbonation.

So, if you’ve been asking yourself, “Does sparkling water hydrate you?” The simple answer is yes. Sparkling water is merely water with carbon dioxide added for its characteristic bubbles and fizz.

DripDrop is another healthy alternative to sodas or traditional sports drinks—plus it includes vital electrolytes you can’t get from still water. DripDrop uses a precise formula to allow your body to absorb fluids more quickly, making it a fast (and tasty) way to hydrate on the go. It incorporates three times as many electrolytes as traditional sports drinks with just half the sugar.

Sparkling Water vs. Still Water

Sparkling water does have some hydrating benefits, but does sparkling water hydrate you the same as regular water?

In theory, yes. Because sparkling water is simply still water with CO2 dissolved in it, it can be equally as hydrating. However, carbonation impacts people differently. Some may find that the bubbles in sparkling water encourage them to drink faster, allowing them to intake more water than normal; others feel bloated by the carbonation, causing them to drink less water than they normally would.

Experts recommend skipping sparkling water on a workout day because the potential bloating from the carbonation can lead to under consuming water, potentially leading to dehydration. Working out while already dehydrated will further dehydrate you as you sweat out vital bodily fluids and electrolytes.

Before or after you hit the gym is the perfect time to add DripDrop to your water bottle, helping you replenish lost electrolytes and boosting your hydration to help avoid symptoms of dehydration post-workout.

Sparkling Water Vs. Other Carbonated Beverages

Sparkling water needs less added carbonation than other carbonated waters, like seltzers, because it comes from springs where it gains some carbonation from the minerals it contains.

Sparkling water is distinct from sodas and some flavored seltzers because it does not have any added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or calories, making it a much healthier alternative.

If you’re wondering “does sparkling water hydrate you” because you want to stay hydrated while diversifying what you drink, there’s good news. Sparkling water does provide your body with the same level of hydration, though it does hydrate your body at a slower rate than regular water. The reason? Your body has to wait for the stomach to separate water from carbonation, which can slow down the absorption process.

Seltzer water and sparkling water are often referred to interchangeably, but these are actually two different carbonated drinks. Seltzer water is regular water infused with carbon dioxide, but it lacks the minerals of sparkling water.

Club soda is seltzer water that also receives an infusion of minerals, usually sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate to give it a salty taste. It may sometimes include sweeteners or added flavors.

Benefits of Drinking Sparkling Water

Understanding how sparkling water hydrates you and whether it hydrates you in the same way as regular water is vital to monitoring your own hydration goals.

Sparkling water can be a fun, occasional drink to up your daily water intake, but it should never replace still water. You should always drink the recommended half gallon of water (or eight eight-ounce glasses) per day, but integrating more sparkling water can help you boost your hydration.

DripDrop is another excellent way to hydrate. In fact, it offers a quick hydration method thanks to its precise formula which initiates a hydration shortcut allowing your body to reabsorb water and electrolytes quicker.

• Helps with Diet: When that carbonation is separated from carbonated water, it can contribute to a feeling of fullness. Sparkling water benefits can include keeping meals to healthy proportions or fixing an issue with overabundant water consumption. Drinking sparkling water may also help with mild acid reflux or indigestion.

• Encourages You to Avoid Soda: If you find yourself reaching for a soda, try carbonated water instead. The bubbles can encourage some people to drink more, and no-calorie or low-calorie flavoring options are healthier and more hydrating than carbonated beverages like soda, which can lead to dehydration because of high levels of sugar.

Potential Risks of Drinking Sparkling Water

• Can Damage Teeth: Bubbles in sparkling water create carbonic acid, which can erode the enamel on your teeth. However, carbonic acid is typically minimal in sparkling water. If the sparkling water also contains phosphoric acid or citric acid for flavor, prolonged drinking can damage teeth, though its corrosive power is still less than that of soda.

• Can Cause Bloating: While the bubbles in sparkling water can leave some feeling satisfied, for others, this carbonation may lead to bloating or uncomfortable fullness. Bloating can also lead people to drinking less, which could cause dehydration. The acidic nature of some carbonated beverages could make acid reflux worse instead of better, but there’s not a lot of data on just how much carbonated beverages contribute to acid reflux. If sparkling water begins to promote this kind of response in your body, dial back your consumption.

• Can Include Sneaky Additives: Many people drink sparkling water to avoid sugary beverages. But some sparkling waters do contain additives and sweeteners. Check the nutritional facts and ingredients before purchasing sparkling waters, and look for the word “essence” in the ingredient list along with added fruit juice.

• Can Slow Down Hydration: While it's true that sparkling water does hydrate you the same as regular water, it’s not the optimal way to hydrate. Bloating from carbonation can discourage people from drinking enough to maintain optimal hydration, and it takes the body longer to process carbonated water for hydration because it must separate the carbon dioxide first.

While sparkling water can certainly contribute to your hydration each day, it is not recommended that you use it as your main source of hydration.

Maintain Optimal Hydration with DripDrop

Sparkling water is as hydrating as regular water but comes with some risks. With a doctor-developed formula, DripDrop uses a precise formula to unlock a hydration shortcut, hydrating you quicker while tasting delicious. Though it's essential to always consume the daily recommended amount of still water, you can add DripDrop to your water for an added hydration boost.

DripDrop includes three times the electrolytes as traditional sports drinks with just half the sugar. If you’re looking for a zero-sugar option, DripDrop Zero is the perfect option, packed with all the electrolytes your body needs without the sugar.

Try a multi-flavor pouch to discover DripDrop’s range of flavors, or subscribe to save 25%.