Is Sparkling Water Good For You?

Once considered a niche alternative, sparkling water has now become very common in offices, gyms and homes across the country. As consumption of sugary fizzy drinks decreases, sparkling water is often considered the healthy option, but is sparkling water good for you or just clever marketing buzzword with bubbles?

In this handy guide we’ll take a closer look at drinking sparkling water, how healthy it is, its benefits and any potential side effects you should know about. We’ll answer some frequently asked questions and wrap up by exploring how employers can offer sparkling water at work in a more sustainable way.

Is Sparkling Water Healthy?

In short, yes. For the majority of the population, sparkling water is healthy. Plain sparkling water is just carbon dioxide infused water meaning it’s still free from sugar, calories and artificial sweeteners, making it a much better choice than your traditional fizzy drinks.

A common concern regarding sparkling or fizzy water is whether being carbonated hinders hydration. Sparkling water hydrates you just as well as still water, so if you struggle to drink enough water daily, opting for sparkling water can make reaching your hydration goals feel less tedious.

Is Soda Water the Same as Sparkling Water?

We see this question asked a lot. They’re very similar, but not exactly the same. Simply put, sparkling water is typically only carbonated water that has been naturally or artificially carbonated.

Soda water is water that has been carbonated but usually contains added minerals, such as sodium bicarbonate.

Because of this, people often wonder if soda water is healthy. Soda water is perfectly safe to drink and you can still hydrate with it. However, if you are concerned about your sodium levels or watching your intake, it’s always good to read the label and see what’s been added.

The Benefits of Drinking Sparkling Water

The reasons for drinking sparkling water are plenty, especially when used as an alternative to sugary drinks.

Helps with Staying Hydrated

Sparkling water is, at its finest, water. Not only will it hydrate you in the same way still water does but for some, the bubbles make it more pleasurable to drink, making it easier to keep hydrated.

Aids Digestion

Studies have shown sparkling water can aid digestion. Drinking sparkling water can increase swallowing and promote bowel regularity. For this reason, some people swear by sparkling water for relieving mild digestion pains.

Makes You Feel Fuller

Drinking sparkling water has been shown to increase feelings of fullness when compared to drinking still water. Again, this isn’t a solution to weight loss but can help prevent unnecessary snacking when used as part of a healthy diet.

An Easy Swap for Sugary Drinks

Arguably the greatest benefit of sparkling water is what you use it in place of. Many fizzy drinks are high in sugar and replacing them with sparkling water helps reduce your sugar intake. This can help ward off tooth decay, weight gain and sugar crashes.

Less Harmful Than Fizzy Drinks

Though acidic, sparkling water is much less harmful to teeth than flavoured or sugary carbonated drinks. Drinking plain sparkling water in moderation should be fine for your teeth.

The Side Effects of Drinking Sparkling Water

Of course, drinking sparkling water isn’t all rainbows and butterflies and it can cause negative side effects in some people.

May Cause Bloating

Like many carbonated drinks, sparkling water can cause bloating or discomfort due to the gas inside. This tends to impact people who have had digestive issues in the past.

Can Cause Acid Reflux

Similarly to bloating, if you are prone to acid reflux, drinking sparkling water can worsen your symptoms. Again, still water will be your best bet if this is the case.

Sensitivity if Drank Throughout the Day

Sparkling water is perfectly fine to drink, but excessive consumption can lead to enamel damage over a long period of time. Limiting sparkling water to mealtimes is a good rule of thumb, and always remember to brush after.

Can Drinking Sparkling Water Damage Your Bones?

There have been claims that drinking sparkling water can affect your bones but this is just not true. Whilst studies have shown cola damages bone density over time, they did not look at the effects of carbonation. ‘Cola’ contains phosphoric acid, not carbonation.

Sparkling Water at Work

Providing sparkling water at work can have huge benefits for your employees. If employees enjoy drinking water they will naturally be more inclined to drink enough throughout the day. Not only does this improve focus and energy levels but can also improve general wellbeing.

Offering sparkling water along with chilled still water is also an excellent way for businesses to look after their employees and step away from single-use plastic bottles.

Sparkling Water Solutions from Thirsty Work

Thirsty Work offers a variety of Sparkling water solutions for businesses who want to provide sparkling water for their employees in a convenient and sustainable way. Whether you’re running a small office or a large commercial space with high numbers of visitors, we have a solution that will seamlessly fit into your daily operations.

E6 Sparkling Water Cooler

The E6 Sparkling Water Cooler is perfect for smaller offices and communal areas with limited space. It's compact and mains fed so there’s no need for water deliveries.

Our E6 Sparkling water cooler offers staff instant access to both chilled still and sparkling water, helping them stay hydrated all day. Integrated filtration also means staff can enjoy consistently fresh tasting water with less plastic waste.

Hi-Class 30 Mains Fed Water Cooler

The Hi-Class 30 is better suited to high-traffic areas with more demand. Perfect for busy offices, gyms and hospitality businesses that need reliable access to chilled still and sparkling water all day long.

Its built tough and fed directly from the mains meaning less maintenance and lower costs when compared to bottled alternatives.

Zip HydroTap Plus Water Dispenser

The Zip HydroTap Plus is Thirsty Work’s flagship machine. Providing chilled, sparkling and even boiling water from one sleek tap. Ideal for contemporary offices, boardrooms and meeting rooms where style matters.

Available with either touch or sensor activated taps, the HydroTap Plus removes the need for kettles and can help cut down on single-use bottles.

Find out more about Thirsty Work’s sparkling water solutions.

So, finally, is sparkling water good for you?

When consumed in moderation sparkling water is a great way to keep hydrated and offers a low-calorie alternative to sugary fizzy drinks. Whether at home or at work, having access to quality sparkling water can improve your hydration habits and help the planet.