Last weekend, I saw my friend Laura at a barbecue. She was clutching a can of lime sparkling water like it was a life raft. “Everyone is judging me,” she whispered, “because I’m not drinking the flat water from the jug.” I grabbed one too, popped the top, and said, “Laura, stop apologizing. You’re drinking magic bubbles.”
Does Carbonated Water Hydrate You? A Comprehensive Guide2024 | HealthFness
By the end of the party, she was telling everyone that sparkling water counts as “real water.” And you know what? It does. It’s water wearing a party hat. You don’t need to feel guilty about it.
When fizzy water might not be your best bet
There is one scenario where you might want to stick to still water. If you’re doing a crazy workout—like a marathon in the desert or a hot yoga session where you sweat like a waterfall—your stomach might not love the bubbles. Fizz can make you feel bloated or gassy, which is not a great combo with a side of exhaustion.
But for 95% of your daily life? Walking to the bus, sitting at your desk, binge-watching your show? Fizzy water is a fantastic choice. It even counts toward your daily hydration goal when you’re trying to drink more for better skin, clearer thinking, or just to avoid that dry-mouth feeling in meetings.
