Sparkling water has been around for hundreds of years, and from sparkling water, we got the popular soft drinks and sugary sodas.
Unlike those high-calorie soft drinks, sparkling water is a low-to-zero calorie drink with no sugar, and yet it has the texture and taste of soda. Some people love it as it provides a much better and healthier alternative to high-calorie and sugary soft drinks.
From its low-caloric values and delicious taste arises a big question: is sparkling water good for weight loss?
In this blog, we will learn the answer to that question and look at the benefits of drinking sparkling water for weight loss.
Table of Contents
- What Is Sparkling Water?
- Is Drinking Sparkling Water OK For Weight Loss?
- 6 Benefits of Drinking Sparkling Water For Weight Loss
- Dietitian’s Recommendation
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
What Is Sparkling Water?
Sparkling water is simply water that has been carbonated, which means it has been infused with carbon dioxide gas, either naturally or artificially. This process adds carbon dioxide to water and creates a fizz and bubbles within that are associated not just with sparkling water but also with soda or soft drinks.
It’s a popular, low-calorie beverage that adds a little fizz to your hydration routine, and for many, it’s a fun alternative to plain water. It’s a great choice for those looking to cut back on sugary sodas while still satisfying their craving for something bubbly.
Also Read: Implement 7 Health And Fitness Tips For Weight Loss Results!
Is Drinking Sparkling Water OK For Weight Loss?
Yes, drinking sparkling water can help with weight loss, especially when you replace other high-calorie and sugary drinks with it. Additionally, it provides hydration, which is important for digestion. Not only that, but the hydration also keeps you full and less inclined to reach for snacks, especially the ones you don’t need.
Without the many calories and sugars, sparkling water is a much better choice for hydration compared to other drinks such as fruit juice, soda, and diet soda, which helps you manage your sugar cravings and takes you a step closer to your weight loss goals. And since more people may be more inclined to drink sparkling water than regular water, they can increase their water intake and keep them hydrated.
However, it’s important to note that sparkling water cannot directly help with weight loss but indirectly help you by giving you making you feel satiated, aiding digestion and reducing calorie intake.
A report published in BMJ Nutrition discussed how sparkling water can contribute to weight loss, suggesting that the carbon dioxide in the water can lead to an increased decay of glucose and increase the absorption of glucose with red blood cells. However, the report notes that the effects are so minimal that carbonated water may not have a significant impact on weight loss.
6 Benefits of Drinking Sparkling Water For Weight Loss
Though sparkling water can’t directly cause weight loss, it does have certain advantages that can help you achieve that:
1. Contains Fewer Calories
Carbonated water usually has zero or so few calories that seem like nothing compared to sweet drinks such as juice and soda. So, replacing these other high-calorie drinks with sparkling water can really reduce your overall calorie intake and help you lose weight.
2. Keeps You Hydrated
Though carbonated, sparkling water is still water, which will hydrate your body just as regular water does. This is an important point because when you’re dehydrated, your body will send signals asking for water. But these signals can often be confused with hunger, which could lead to unnecessary eating and make you gain weight. Proper hydration can give you more energy to stay active and burn more calories, which helps in weight loss.
3. Makes You Feel Fuller
Carbonated water can make your stomach think it is full, so you may skip out on those little snacks before a meal or eat smaller portions, which would reduce your calorie intake and promote weight loss.
4. Good For Digestive Health
Sparkling water can aid in weight loss by promoting feelings of fullness, which may help reduce overall calorie intake. The carbonation stimulates digestion and can enhance gut motility, potentially leading to improved digestive health, which is a core factor in losing weight.
5. Flushes Out Water Weight
Drinking sparkling water can actually help reduce water retention. When you're hydrated, your body doesn’t need to hold onto excess fluids, helping you feel less bloated and more balanced. It’s a simple way to stay hydrated and flush out that extra water weight!
6. Boosts Metabolism
The carbonation in sparkling water may increase the thermic effect of food, meaning your body burns a little more energy to process it. While it won’t cause a drastic change, staying hydrated with sparkling water can support overall metabolic function and energy levels.
Also Read: Best Workout For Belly Fat! Try These 12 Stomach Fat Loss Workout Exercises For Flat Belly!
Does Sparkling Water Detox Your Body?
Yes, sparkling water can help detoxify your body. Sparkling water does this by aiding in hydration, which is essential for your body's natural detox process, but it doesn't "detox" in the way some products claim. By keeping you hydrated, this detox water for weight loss helps flush out toxins through your urine and supports kidney function. However, it’s not a miracle detox, but it can certainly support your body’s own detoxing systems when combined with a healthy lifestyle!
Also Read: Sip To Slim! 7 Morning Drinks For Belly Fat Reduction & Detox
Dietitian’s Recommendation
I would highly recommend drinking sparkling water, especially if you’re drinking it to replace other soft drinks. However, I would also highlight that you cannot let sparkling water completely replace regular water, but as long as you’re drinking sufficient water, drinking sparkling water is a great idea.
Dt. Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Sparkling water is an excellent choice for people who want to ditch high-caloric sodas and juices but are easily bored of ordinary water. Sparkling water is a healthy alternative to most drinks and can be a legitimate tool for weight loss that may help you achieve your weight loss goals when you combine it with other healthy lifestyle habits.
FAQs
1. Does sparkling water cause cellulite?
For years, researchers have not been able to find out the cause of cellulite, and it has been attributed to many things, including drinking sparkling water. However, that is not true; there is no correlation between cellulite and sparkling water.
2. Does sparkling water cause heartburn?
Yes, sparkling water can cause heartburn for some people, as the carbonation may relax the lower oesophagal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to rise. However, it's typically mild and varies by individual.
3. Will sparkling water trigger the hunger hormone - ghrelin?
Sparkling water is unlikely to trigger the hunger hormone ghrelin. In fact, the carbonation may help you feel fuller for longer, potentially reducing appetite in the short term.
4. Does sparkling water increase weight?
Sparkling water won’t cause weight gain, as it’s calorie-free. However, if it's consumed with sugary additives or in large amounts, it could contribute to extra calories. Otherwise, it can be a great hydrating, zero-calorie alternative to sugary drinks!
5. Is sparkling water good for health?
Yes, sparkling water is generally good for health as it helps keep you hydrated without added calories or sugar. It can also aid digestion and support your body's natural detox process as long as it’s consumed without sugary additives.
References
- https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/health-and-wellness-articles/is-carbonated-water-good-for-you
- https://www.myjuniper.com/blog/is-sparkling-water-good-for-weight-loss
- https://www.icicilombard.com/blogs/health-insurance/mb/sparkling-water-for-weight-loss
- https://www.naturawater.com/sparkling-water-and-weight-loss-the-truth-and-myth-behind-switching-to-sparkling
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/sparkling-water-can-help-you-lose-weight-what-you-need-to-know-101737606060578.html
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/sparkling-water-health-benefits
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