5 Most Common Disadvantages of Sparkling Water (Benefits!)

Have you ever asked yourself or your friend what are the disadvantages of Sparkling water? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.

We all try to choose the best options out there to keep ourselves in shape and our bodies healthy.

One thing people tend to reach for when trying to drink better health-conscious products is sparkling water, however, it isn’t as good for you as one may think.

So, what are the disadvantages of sparkling water?

There are disadvantages associated with sparkling water including stomach irritation, heartburn, weight gain, and even kidney problems. Drinking this product in moderation is key.

Here are the 5 most common disadvantage of sparkling water which includes:

1.         Bloating, Gas, and Heartburn

2.         Increases Hunger or Weight Gain

3.         Side Effects from Additives

4.         Can be bad for your teeth

5.         May Cause Kidney Stones

Read this article to see why sparkling water is so different from regular water and how it can negatively impact your health.

What is Sparkling Water?

Sparkling water goes by many names, including seltzer, soda water, or carbonated water.

Without any additives, this beverage is simply water with carbon dioxide (aka CO2) injected into it, giving it the bubbles people really seem to enjoy. 

When the CO2 is added to water, it forms a slightly acidic or sour taste which gives sparkling water a bitter flavor.

This is why so many people like to use additives to give it some fruity flavors. 

Read also: Who Makes Kirkland Sparkling Water (Price, Cans)

Is Sparkling Water Bad For You?

We have all heard the old saying “too much of a good thing, is no good at all.” And this is very true even when you feel you are choosing the healthier option.

While drinking sparkling water here and there may not create many serious health problems it can cause discomfort and pain for some people in many different ways.

If you are a chronic sparkling water drinker, there is a higher risk for health issues long term. 

Read also: Does Sparkling Water Give You a Beer Belly? (The Truth!)

5 Disadvantages of Sparkling Water

Although sparkling water sounds like it is a great option for consumers, there are actually a few disadvantages to drinking it. 

These disadvantages may look a little different depending on the type of water you are drinking or the brand that makes it but is similar nonetheless.

1. Bloating, Gas, and Heartburn

One of the most common side effects associated with drinking sparkling water is the stomach troubles a lot of people experience specifically due to the carbonation.

When you drink sparkling water the bubbles can get trapped inside your stomach causing bloating and gas which can be painful and uncomfortable.

These bubbles can also build up and cause your stomach to expand putting pressure on your esophageal muscles cause heartburn and acid reflux.

2. Increases Hunger or Weight Gain

There are two main culprits that may cause you to gain weight by drinking sparkling water. The first is being the carbonation.

When there is a massive amount of carbonation and bubble expanding in your stomach it can also expand your stomach itself, requiring you to eat more in order to feel full.

Another contributing factor to weight gain and sparkling water is the reaction the CO2 has on the cells at the top of your stomach, which release ghrelin (a hormone that causes the feeling of hunger.)

This literally means, the more you drink the water, the more hungry you may feel.

There have been studies done that link weight gain to increased consumption of carbonated beverages including sparkling water.

3. Side Effects From Additives 

As mentioned, many times when you drink sparkling water, you are probably drinking a product that includes additives.

One of the biggest additives is artificial sweeteners, which have a whole slew of their own negative symptoms.

One problem with these additives is that they alter your digestive behaviors and cause gas and diarrhea.

Fake sugars are also known to trigger migraine, muscle spasms, dizziness, and stomach issues for some people. 

There is also an increase in sugar consumption when drinking these beverages which can also aid in weight gain.

4. Can be bad for your teeth

If you are enjoying sparkling water without any type of additional ingredients, the risk of tooth problems is pretty low, however, they are still there.

The acid in the CO2 can cause your tooth enamel to wear away if consumed in large portions.

Another factor that can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel is citric acid that is also commonly found in sparkling water

Again, if factoring in additives such as sugar, this is also going to cause tooth decay and other problems with your dental health.

Dentists recommend that if you choose to drink any carbonated beverages you should always do so while using a straw to limit the contact these drinks have with your teeth.

5. May Cause Kidney Stones

For people who are known for passing a kidney stone every now and again, drinking sparkling water may not be the best option for you.

This is because of the added minerals, such as sodium and calcium.

When there is an abundance of these items in the system and the kidneys can not break them down enough, they will form crystals in the urinary tract, which are extremely painful when they are ready to pass through.

Read also: Does Sparkling Water Count As Water Intake (Water Hydrate!)

Dangerous Additives in Sparkling Water and What That Means For You

While we already discussed a few different reasons that certain additives can be compromising your health.

We feel it is important to give you a breakdown of the most frequently used additives and all of the negative effects they are known for having.

Sodium Chloride

Sodium Chloride, otherwise known as salt, is added to many sparkling waters, while it isn’t very problematic in small quantities, a large amount of sodium chloride can irritate your airways, cause heart and kidney disease, increase water retention resulting in swelling of feet, hands, legs, and other extremities. It can also cause dehydration.

Sodium Citrate

Sodium Citrate is the sodium salt found in citric acid. This is the reason for that sour citrusy taste you find when drinking sparkling water. 

Again in small amounts (the amount found in sparkling water), the side effects shouldn’t appear too severe or dangerous.

However, in a larger amount this additive can cause muscles cramps, muscle weakness, bloating, and mood changes.

Potassium Sulfate

Potassium sulfate is often used as an ingredient found in fertilizer to help provide adequate amounts of salt and potassium to the soil.

Although there is very little known about the exact limit where this substance goes from beneficial to dangerous, there are some health effects associated with its consumption including stomach problems, kidney disease, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Fake Sugars (Artificial Sweeteners)

If there is one ingredient you should steer clear of when choosing sparkling water it is anything with added artificial sweeteners. There are six main options added to a lot of your favorite products including:

• Sucralose (Splenda and Canderel)
• Aspartame  (Equal, NutraSweet and Sugar Twin)
• Neotame (Neotame)
• Acesulfame potassium (Sunett and Sweet One)
• Advantame (a no brand name)
• Saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low, Sweet Twin, and Necta Sweet)

While we could go on for days discussing all the ways these fake sugars are harmful to your body, we will only give you a quick summary.

Artificial sweeteners have been linked to cancer, aids in weight gain, are harmful to gut bacterial, increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, and trigger migraines. 

Please keep in mind, these are all common problems associated with an access amount of each ingredient and as long as they are not consumed in large helpings, shouldn’t result in extreme health issues.  (except for the artificial sweeteners.

Summing Things Up

While the dangers seem to only come when drinking a massive amount of sparkling water, there are still some disadvantages to the beverage making it something you should only enjoy every once in a while.