Seltzer water is water that's undergone carbonation. To produce it, manufacturers add carbon dioxide gas to drinking water. The result is water that has the same satisfying fizzy quality as soda. In addition to plain seltzer water, you can also find flavored varieties for added fun.
As you check the grocery stores in the Frisco, TX, area, you may also see carbonated water placed beside seltzer, but don’t confuse the two. Carbonated water offers the same bubbly effervescence as sparkling water, but it typically has sodium added to it.
Experts say seltzer water is an effective source of hydration, provided you choose the right one. A small number of seltzer waters do have caffeine added to them, and the stimulant can have a dehydrating effect on the body, counteracting the benefits of drinking water to stay hydrated.
Seltzer water can potentially have a negative effect on oral health. Adding carbonation to water lowers its pH, making it more acidic. As a result, there's some risk that too much seltzer water could contribute to tooth erosion, the wearing down of the protective enamel outer layer of your teeth. Up to 45% of adult teeth suffer from acid erosion, which can cause symptoms like tooth sensitivity, discoloration and the development of pitting on the tooth surface.
The good news is that you can limit the impact of seltzer water on dental enamel by rinsing your mouth out with plain water after drinking, enjoying your bubbly water with food and limiting your daily intake. Still, check with your dentist. If you already suffer from tooth sensitivity or tooth erosion, they may advise you to avoid seltzer entirely.
Most people are unlikely to experience serious health complications from drinking seltzer water, but the fizzy water does have the potential to cause other issues, including all of the following.
All carbonated beverages, including seltzer water, can increase the amount of gas present in the digestive system. As a result, they can potentially contribute to gas, belching and bloating. If you’re prone to these issues or have a digestive system disorder like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may want to limit or avoid seltzer water.
Some flavored seltzer water may contain added sugars and can negatively impact your health as a result. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that consuming too much added sugar can increase the risk for obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
The 2020 to 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults and children over the age of 2 limit their added sugar intake to 10% of their daily calories, suggesting that if you do choose a sugar-sweetened seltzer, you should watch how much you drink each day. Another option is to choose plain seltzer water or a flavored variety that's sugar-free.
Not all seltzer waters contain just water with added carbon dioxide. Some varieties may also feature preservatives, artificial sweeteners and food additives like artificial flavorings. While these ingredients are generally safe for most people, it's possible to have an allergy or intolerance to them.
Allergies can cause symptoms like difficulty breathing, rapid pulse and swelling of the hands, feet, mouth or tongue, while food intolerance can result in digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea and vomiting. If you have a food allergy or intolerance, be sure to check labels carefully to ensure the seltzer you choose is free of ingredients that could pose a risk for reactions.
The key to enjoying seltzer water is to watch how much you drink every day, especially if you’re choosing a flavored variety with added sugar. How much is too much will depend on a variety of factors, including your age, weight, health history and dietary needs. As a result, it’s best to consult your health care provider for guidance on how much seltzer you can enjoy on a daily basis.
Now is also a good time to mention a product that can be confused with traditional seltzer water: hard seltzer. Hard seltzer is an alcoholic beverage made with seltzer water and flavorings. This alcoholic version of seltzer water isn’t a good choice for hydration due to the dehydrating effects of alcohol, and it poses the same health risks as other alcoholic beverages. The CDC advises that, to support health and well-being, men should drink no more than two alcoholic beverages each day and women should stop at one drink.
While drinking plain seltzer water from a bottle may be satisfying, you can enhance your sipping experience by adding ingredients like fresh fruit, cucumber, mint and herbs. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations.
