Ditch that Soda! Sparkling Water's got the Health Benefits

Sparkling water, also called carbonated water, fizzy water, or seltzer, is water infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. This creates bubbles that make it refreshing and fun to drink, and a great alternative to sugary sodas. Some types, like mineral water, are naturally carbonated and include essential minerals, while others are artificially carbonated.

Why ditch the sugary sodas?

Cutting back on sugar can help keep your skin glowing, your body healthier, and your mind sharper. 

It’s a Game-changer for your overall health!

When you eat too much sugar, it teams up with proteins in your body to create harmful compounds called AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products). These compounds:

• Break Down Collagen and Elastin: These proteins are what keep your skin firm and bouncy. AGEs cause wrinkles, sagging, and dullness.

• Cause Inflammation: Inflammation not only speeds up aging but also contributes to uneven skin tone and breakouts.

That’s not all, it makes you age faster from the inside out, leading to achy joints, memory issues, and dull skin. The high sugar content in certain sodas and colas, and even diet sodas, can spike your insulin levels, disrupting hormones and making skin more prone to breakouts.

Sparkling water, especially naturally flavoured ones, is the ultimate fizzy fix when you're craving something fun to drink—zero sugar, zero guilt, and all the sparkle you need to keep glowing!

Worried about acidity?

Carbonated water has a slightly acidic pH of 3–4 due to the carbonic acid formed when carbon dioxide mixes with water. However, this acidity doesn’t affect your body’s overall pH since your lungs and kidneys regulate it effectively.  It's still far less acidic than sugary sodas, which have a pH as low as 2.5. A more neutral pH option for carbonated water is naturally flavoured sparkling water, like Polka Pop, which has a pH of ~4.5 - making it gentler to your gut and overall health than other fizzy drinks available in the market. 

Does It Affect Dental Health?

One concern about sparkling water is its potential impact on teeth. While it’s true that acidic beverages can erode enamel, plain sparkling water poses minimal risk compared to sugary sodas or artificially sweetened drinks.

Sugary Sodas vs. Sparkling Water: Research found that sugar-sweetened carbonated drinks caused significant enamel erosion, while sugar-free sparkling water caused little to no harm!

• Key Tip: To reduce any impact, drink sparkling water with meals or rinse your mouth with plain water afterward.

Does It Affect Digestion?

Carbonated water can actually benefit your digestion in several ways:

Can Improve Swallowing Ability

Studies show that carbonated water stimulates swallowing nerves in both young and older adults. Cold sparkling water strengthens this effect further, making it beneficial for those with swallowing difficulties.

May Increase Feelings of Fullness

Carbonation helps food stay in the stomach longer, creating a greater sensation of fullness. In a 2012 study, 19 healthy young women reported higher satiety after drinking sparkling water compared to still water, which can help with portion control and weight management.

May Help Relieve Constipation

In a 2-week study involving 40 elderly individuals recovering from a stroke, sparkling water almost doubled their bowel movement frequency compared to tap water - even better, participants reported a 58% decrease in constipation symptoms. Another study found that sparkling water improved symptoms of indigestion, such as stomach pain and irregular bowel movements.

Does Sparkling Water Affect Bone Health?

One common myth is that sparkling water weakens bones. However, research shows otherwise:

• Cola vs. Sparkling Water: A study involving over 2,500 participants found that cola was associated with lower bone mineral density due to its high phosphorus content, but sparkling water with no additives had zero negative effects.

• Calcium Retention: In another study, women who drank sodium-rich sparkling water daily for 8 weeks showed better calcium retention than those who drank still mineral water.

This makes sparkling water a safe and bone-friendly choice compared to sugary sodas, which can contribute to poor bone health.

Does It Affect Heart Health?

Research suggests that sparkling water may even benefit heart health:

• In a study of 18 postmenopausal women, sodium-rich sparkling water reduced LDL ("bad" cholesterol), increased HDL ("good" cholesterol), and lowered blood sugar and inflammatory markers.

• Participants also saw a 35% reduction in their estimated 10-year heart disease risk compared to those who drank plain water.

While more research is needed, the findings are promising. Unlike sugary or artificially sweetened sodas, sparkling water like Polka Pop supports heart health without the added calories or risks.

Sparkling Water Benefits

Here’s why sparkling water is better than sugary sodas:

1. Helps You Hydrate

Sparkling water is as hydrating as still water, making it an easy way to meet your hydration goals if plain water feels boring.

2. Eases the Transition from Sugary Drinks

Switching from soda to sparkling water helps cut sugar and calories without losing the fizzy satisfaction.

3. Makes You Feel Full

The bubbles provide a short-term increase in fullness, helping you eat less and avoid unnecessary snacking.

4. May Relieve Constipation

Research shows sparkling water eases constipation and improves overall digestion.

Are there any Potential Risks of Sparkling Water?

While sparkling water is generally safe, here are a few things to watch out for:

Stomach Issues

The carbonation can cause bloating or gas for some people. If this happens, scale back or mix with still water.

Teeth Troubles

Artificially sweetened or sugary sparkling waters can erode enamel. Stick to plain or naturally flavoured options.

Keep Your Sparkling Water Simple

The best sparkling water is just water and carbonation. Avoid varieties with added sugars, sweeteners, or excessive sodium.

The Bottom Line

Sparkling water is a refreshing and healthy alternative to sugary drinks. It hydrates, aids digestion, and satisfies cravings without adding extra calories or sugar to your diet. By choosing unsweetened, plain options, you can enjoy all the benefits with none of the drawbacks. It’s now available in fun fruity flavours which take away the hassle of having to add anything to it - so you can sip a refreshing soda straight out of the bottle!

FAQs about Sparkling Water and Acidity

Is it OK to Drink Sparkling Water Every Day?

Yes, sparkling water is safe for daily consumption. Just ensure it doesn’t contain added sugars or artificial ingredients.

What is the pH of Sparkling Water?

Sparkling water has a slightly acidic pH of 3–4, with certain options being more neutral at a pH of ~4.5, and this doesn’t impact your body’s overall pH.

Is Sparkling Water Good for Acidity?

People with acid reflux or GERD should monitor their tolerance, as carbonation may trigger symptoms.

Sparkling water offers the flavour, fizz, and fun of soda without the health risks. Make the switch today, and enjoy sustainable & guilt-free hydration!