Sparkling Water and Health: Benefits, Effects, and Common Myths

Table of Contents

• Sparkling water and health: does it hydrate as well as still water?
• Recognized benefits of carbonated water
• Myths to debunk about sparkling water
• Naturally sparkling water vs. carbonated water
• A few precautions to keep in mind
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Sparkling water and health: this connection raises many questions among consumers. Is carbonated water as hydrating as still water? Can it affect your teeth or digestion?

To answer these questions, it helps to understand how sparkling water affects the body and what research says about its effects.

This article answers those questions and also debunks some of the most persistent myths about sparkling water.

Sparkling water and health: does it hydrate as well as still water?

It is the most common question, and the answer is clear: yes. Sparkling water hydrates your body in exactly the same way as still water. Adding carbon dioxide does not change how the body absorbs water.

For some people, the fizzy sensation makes hydration more enjoyable, which encourages them to drink more throughout the day. That is a real benefit, especially for those who struggle to reach their recommended daily water intake.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, most adults should drink between six and eight glasses of fluid per day, and sparkling water counts toward that total just like still water.

Recognized benefits of carbonated water

Beyond hydration, sparkling water offers a few benefits supported by research.

A digestive aid

The bubbles stimulate receptors in the stomach and encourage intestinal peristalsis. Several studies suggest that carbonated water can improve comfort after a heavy meal and help reduce symptoms of mild constipation.

For people who feel digestive heaviness after meals, a glass of plain sparkling water may offer natural relief without side effects.

A calorie-free alternative to sugary drinks

To fully understand the relationship between sparkling water and health, it is important to distinguish plain carbonated water from sugary soft drinks. Replacing soda or sweet juice with plain sparkling water eliminates empty calories, added sugar, and artificial sweeteners. It is one of the simplest and most effective substitutions for improving eating habits.

In Quebec, where sugary drink consumption remains a public health concern, sparkling water is an interesting option for reducing sugar intake without sacrificing the enjoyment of a refreshing beverage.

A feeling of fullness

The effervescence creates slight gastric distension, which can create a feeling of fullness. For some people, drinking sparkling water between meals helps better control appetite without adding any calories.

Recent research directions

A study published in 2025 in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health explored the link between sparkling water consumption and glucose metabolism, suggesting a potentially positive effect. However, these preliminary findings require further research before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

Myths to debunk about sparkling water

Several beliefs about sparkling water persist. Here is what the available evidence says.

Carbonated water damages tooth enamel

When people talk about sparkling water and health, many misconceptions come up, especially regarding teeth. Carbonated water does have a slightly acidic pH because of the formation of carbonic acid. However, its acidity is still far lower than that of fruit juice, sugary soft drinks, and even some teas.

Dental studies have shown that plain sparkling water, without sugar or added flavouring, carries a minimal risk of dental erosion, comparable to still water. The risk increases only with flavoured waters that contain citric acid or sugar.

Carbonated water causes osteoporosis

This idea comes from studies that observed a link between sugary soft drink consumption and lower bone density. However, that link is attributed to the phosphorus found in soft drinks, not to CO2 itself.

Sparkling water causes chronic bloating

The bubbles can indeed cause temporary discomfort for some people, including burping or a brief bloated feeling. This effect is short-lived and has no impact on health. It is not chronic bloating in the medical sense of the term.

If you are sensitive to it, simply reduce the carbonation level or drink smaller amounts at a time.

Carbonated water promotes cellulite

This myth is not supported by any scientific evidence. Cellulite is linked to genetic, hormonal, and body composition factors. Sparkling water consumption has no effect on its appearance or severity.

Would you like to learn more about Indigo Soda products or about the quality of the food-grade CO2 used in our cylinders? Contact our team to ask your questions.

Naturally sparkling water vs. carbonated water

There is an important distinction between these two categories.

• Naturally sparkling water: it comes from the source with its own naturally occurring CO2 of geological origin. Its mineral composition is determined by the rock layers it passes through. Well-known examples include Perrier and San Pellegrino.
• Artificially carbonated water: food-grade CO2 is added to still water. This is the process used by home sparkling water machines.

Both are healthy. The main difference lies in mineral and sodium content. Homemade carbonated water uses your tap water, whose composition depends on your municipality. The advantage of this approach is that you know your water source and are not adding any additives.

A few precautions to keep in mind

Sparkling water is suitable for the vast majority of people, but some situations deserve attention.

• Severe gastroesophageal reflux: effervescence may worsen discomfort in people with significant acid reflux. When in doubt, consult your doctor.
• Sodium in sparkling mineral waters: some commercial bottled waters contain significant amounts of sodium. Always check the label if you are monitoring your salt intake. Homemade carbonated water made from tap water generally does not present this issue.
• Added flavours and sugars: plain sparkling water is an excellent healthy choice. However, some flavoured bottled versions contain sugar, sweeteners, or citric acid that cancel out those benefits.

In short, plain carbonated water is a healthy choice for the vast majority of consumers. The risks often mentioned mainly concern sugary soft drinks, not pure carbonated water.

Conclusion

When we look at the relationship between sparkling water and health, the scientific evidence is reassuring. Plain carbonated water hydrates effectively, contains no calories, and can be an excellent replacement for sugary drinks in your daily diet.

Making your own sparkling water at home adds another advantage: control over water quality, carbonation level, and the absence of additives. It is a simple way to enjoy bubbles while adopting a healthier habit.

Do you have other questions about the link between sparkling water and health? Contact the Indigo Soda team for answers.

FAQ

Sparkling water and health: is it really a healthy drink for everyday use?

Plain sparkling water is generally considered a healthy beverage. When it comes to sparkling water and health, scientific evidence shows that it hydrates just as well as still water and contains neither sugar nor calories. The main concerns mostly apply to flavoured or sweetened versions. When consumed plain, it can be an excellent substitute for soda in a balanced diet.

Can you drink sparkling water every day?

Yes. Plain sparkling water can be consumed daily without health risks. It hydrates just as well as still water and is an interesting alternative to sugary drinks. However, some people who are sensitive to bloating or who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux may prefer to limit their intake or choose a lower level of carbonation.

Is sparkling water bad for your teeth?

Plain sparkling water has a slightly acidic pH because of carbon dioxide, but its potential for dental erosion remains very low. Research shows that its impact on enamel is comparable to that of still water. The risk mainly increases with sugary soft drinks or flavoured waters that contain citric acid.