If you’re only drinking seltzer all day, every day, you might notice one thing: gas. Yes, the burps are real, and for some people, too much carbonation can cause bloating or mild heartburn. Your stomach isn’t a balloon factory. So, while seltzer absolutely counts as water, don’t ditch still water entirely—especially if you’re working out or dealing with a sensitive gut. Mix it up. Have a glass of flat water in the morning, then enjoy your fizzy afternoon treat. Balance, baby.
Let me share a personal lesson: last summer, I tried to survive on nothing but La Croix for three days—because it’s trendy, okay? By day two, I was gassy, my lips were dry (ironic, right?), and I felt like a human sparkler. The problem wasn’t the hydration; it was the lack of plain water for my tissues. Your cells don’t need the fizz, just the fluid. So, treat seltzer as a fantastic supplement, not a sole source.
Seltzer Water Unhealthy
What about your kidneys? (They’re listening.)
Your kidneys don’t have taste buds—they don’t care if the water is flat or fizzy. They just filter waste and balance electrolytes. Studies on people who drink carbonated water show no difference in urine output or hydration markers compared to still water. So, unless you’re chugging seltzer with added caffeine or alcohol (which is a dehydrating sin), you’re golden. Side note: if you’re an athlete sweating buckets, still water is still your bestie because it’s easier to chug quickly. But for daily life? Fizz away.
I’ll leave you with this: remember that moment I mentioned, standing in my kitchen? I ended up drinking the seltzer, and I felt better within an hour. The headache faded, the dry mouth vanished. Did my stomach grumble a little? Sure. But did it count? Absolutely. So, the next time someone gives you the side-eye for cracking open a carbonated can at your desk, raise it high and say, “Science says this is water, thank you very much.” And if they argue? Tell them your dentist approves—and maybe offer them a sip. Hydration is contagious, after all.
P.S. If you’re still worried, just do this: for every fizzy drink, have one glass of still water that day. You’ll cover your bases, keep your tummy quiet, and never have to second-guess your bubbly choices again. Cheers to that.
