There are so many decisions to make in a day, from the inevitable what to wear to what TV show to binge after work (Love Story, anyone?). But when it comes to wellness, decisions seem to become much more granular. Which high-protein breakfast, magnesium supplement, or skincare trend is best and why? Even something as simple as a waiter offering a choice of tap, still, or sparkling water can prompt a hint of decision fatigue.
However, with a little extra knowledge, such decisions—including the “what water should I order?” dilemma—become much easier to make. So, allow us to get to the bottom of our bubbly friend, sparkling water.
What is sparkling water?
Water sommelière (yes, that’s a thing!) Anistacia Barber tells Vogue, “At its most fundamental level, sparkling water is simply water that contains dissolved carbon dioxide gas.”
The carbon dioxide (aka, carbonation) can “occur naturally in some underground mineral springs, or it can be added during production,” Kirsten Jackson, a UK-registered consultant dietitian who specializes in irritable bowel syndrome, adds.
How is it different than other varieties of water?
There are so many kinds of water on the market, so let’s take a look at a few and how they compare to sparkling water.
- Seltzer: Manually carbonated, filtered tap water with no additional minerals
- Club soda: Similar to seltzer, but has added minerals like sodium bicarbonate or potassium sulfate that help give it a “slightly salty, more robust finish,” which pairs well with strong spirits for cocktails, Barber says
- Tonic water: Highly carbonated water with a sweetener and quinine
- Sparkling mineral water: “Comes from a mineral spring and contains naturally occurring minerals such as calcium, magnesium, or sodium,” Jackson notes, with Barber adding that the carbonation can be natural or added
- Flavored sparkling water: Think La Croix or Spindrift. Barber says most use “natural flavors” or fruit essences to enhance the taste
“From a nutrition perspective, these drinks are generally very similar unless sugar, flavorings, or sweeteners are added,” Jackson says.
How does drinking sparkling water affect your body?
There are a few common misconceptions about sparkling water—Barber says she often has to “clear the air” on the topic—including how it affects your teeth, digestion, and even bone health.
Teeth
Contrary to popular belief, Barber assures us that plain sparkling water is “only slightly acidic.” So, as long as you’re not choosing a drink with added sugars or citric acid, “your smile is generally safe,” she says. Dr. Michael Apa, DDS, and founder of Apa Aesthetic, agrees—plain sparkling water doesn’t harm the teeth.
Digestion
There are a few ways carbonation can affect digestion. For some, the release of gas in the stomach may feel uncomfortable after eating. “For others, particularly those with IBS or sensitive digestion, it may increase bloating or abdominal discomfort,” Jackson says. Still, responses are very individualized, she adds, noting that some of her IBS patients do enjoy sparkling water because it helps them feel satisfied after meals. Studies have also shown that sparkling water can help relieve indigestion symptoms.