Is Sparkling Water Better Than Regular Drinking Water?

JAKARTA - Several fancy cafes and restaurants usually provide sparkling water as a drinking water option. One of the well-known and easily found brands in Indonesia are Equil and Aqua Reflections.

What's the difference between sparkling water and regular drinking water? When viewed at a glance from the color, smell and taste, it looks similar. Both taste and smell like drinking water in general.

However, there are also manufacturers who add carbon dioxide so that the water has bubbles or is even given an aroma and taste that resembles a soft drink.

The types of sparkling water on the market are very diverse. You could say, the healthiest choice is sparkling mineral water.

Yezaz Ghouri, MD, a gastroenterologist at the University of Missouri Health Care, argues that carbonated water is simply water (H2O) that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas (CO2) under high pressure.

Then is sparkling water beneficial for health and can it replace regular drinking water?

According to nutritionist Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, sparkling water is actually as hydrating as regular water and contributes to daily fluid intake.

"If you are bored with regular drinking water, adding sparkling water to your daily routine can change many things and help you reach your daily water needs."

Yes, sparkling water can be consumed and an alternative to refreshing soft drinks. Keep in mind, you should choose products without added sweeteners or sugar.

However, be aware that sparkling water may affect your digestive health. The CO2 gas that makes the water bubble can cause belching, bloating, and gas in your stomach.

People with irritable bowel syndrome are not advised to drink this drink, especially if they have diarrhea. Likewise, those of you who have problems with stomach acid because it can trigger heartburn.

Another concern with sparkling water is the risk of eroding tooth enamel. This is because the carbonation process introduces carbonic acid into water, a substance that has the potential to slowly destroy tooth enamel because water becomes more acidic.

Overall, there is no evidence that sparkling water is harmful to health. However, if you are in doubt, you should consume drinking water that is commonly consumed because it is clearly safe.

"Water, just plain water, is the best form of hydration," says Yezaz Ghouri.