Is it okay to drink gas water every day?

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2016 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, carbonated water hydrates people just as well as still water. The simple answer to whether it is okay to drink gas water every day is that it depends on the type you choose and your body's individual reaction.

Quick Summary

Daily consumption of plain carbonated water is generally safe and hydrating, and offers a healthier alternative to sugary drinks. Potential concerns include dental enamel erosion, bloating, and heartburn, especially with flavored varieties containing added acids or sweeteners. Plain seltzer is typically the safest option.

Key Points

Plain is Best: Stick to unflavored seltzer or naturally carbonated mineral water to avoid added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and high sodium common in club soda and tonic water.
Hydration Equivalent: Plain carbonated water is just as effective for hydration as still water, making it a great option for increasing fluid intake.
Moderate for Dental Health: While mildly acidic, plain sparkling water is far less harmful to teeth than sugary sodas. Limit constant sipping and consider rinsing your mouth with plain water after consumption to protect enamel.
Mind Digestion: The carbonation can cause bloating, gas, or heartburn in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive stomachs, IBS, or GERD. Pay attention to your body's reaction.
Avoid Sugary Additives: Flavored sparkling waters often contain citric acid and added sweeteners that can be more harmful to dental health and contribute to weight gain.
Boosts Satiety: Drinking sparkling water can increase feelings of fullness, potentially helping with weight management and calorie control.
No Bone Density Loss: The myth that carbonated water negatively affects bone health is false; the issue is linked to the phosphoric acid and caffeine in dark colas, not carbonation itself.

Understanding 'Gas Water': Seltzer, Mineral Water, and Club Soda

When people ask, "Is it okay to drink gas water every day?" they are often referring to a variety of carbonated beverages. The term 'gas water' generally refers to water infused with carbon dioxide gas, which creates the bubbles. However, not all fizzy water is the same, and the type you choose directly impacts the health effects.

Seltzer Water: This is plain water that has been artificially carbonated with CO2. It is the purest form of carbonated water with no added minerals, sodium, or sweeteners.
Sparkling Mineral Water: Sourced from a mineral spring, this water is naturally carbonated and contains naturally occurring minerals like sodium, magnesium, and calcium. Brands like Perrier and San Pellegrino are examples.
Club Soda: This is artificially carbonated water that has added minerals, such as sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate, for a slightly salty taste.
Tonic Water: Unlike the others, tonic water contains the mineral quinine and often has a high amount of added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, making it far less healthy.

The Health Benefits of Daily Carbonated Water

For most people, incorporating plain sparkling or seltzer water into their daily routine offers several advantages over sugary drinks.

Excellent Hydration: Numerous studies confirm that carbonated water is just as hydrating as regular still water. The bubbles can make staying hydrated a more enjoyable experience, especially for those who find plain water boring, which can lead to increased overall fluid intake.
Aids Digestion: For some individuals, drinking sparkling water can help with digestive issues. Studies show it can improve swallowing ability and relieve constipation and indigestion. The carbonation may help stimulate the digestive system and encourage burping to relieve trapped gas.
Supports Weight Management: As a zero-calorie, zero-sugar alternative to soda and juice, plain carbonated water is a valuable tool for weight management. The carbonation can promote a greater feeling of fullness (satiety), which may help reduce overall calorie intake.
Healthier Alternative to Sugary Beverages: Swapping out sodas for sparkling water is one of the easiest and most impactful changes you can make for better health. It cuts out the empty calories and high sugar content linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases.

The Potential Risks and How to Mitigate Them

While generally safe, daily consumption isn't without potential drawbacks, which can be managed with mindful choices.

Dental Erosion: The main concern with carbonated water is its mild acidity due to the formation of carbonic acid. Flavored seltzers with added citric acid are more erosive than plain seltzer. However, it's still significantly less damaging than sugary soft drinks. To protect your enamel, it's best to avoid sipping it slowly throughout the day, drink it with meals, and rinse your mouth with plain water afterward.
Gas and Bloating: The carbon dioxide gas that gives sparkling water its fizz can cause bloating, gas, and belching in some sensitive individuals. For those with conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), it might be best to stick with still water if symptoms are triggered.
Overactive Bladder Symptoms: For some, carbonated beverages can irritate the bladder and exacerbate overactive bladder symptoms. This effect is more common in women. If this is a concern, it's wise to limit intake.
Hidden Additives: The biggest danger lies in flavored and club soda varieties. Flavored versions often contain citric acid, artificial sweeteners, or natural flavors that increase acidity. Club soda has added sodium, which can be problematic for those with high blood pressure or kidney issues. Always read the label carefully and opt for plain, unsweetened varieties.

Comparison Table: Sparkling Water vs. Still Water


Feature	Sparkling Water (Plain)	Still Water (Tap/Bottled)
Hydration	Just as hydrating	Equally hydrating
Calorie Content	Zero calories	Zero calories
Sugar Content	Zero added sugar	Zero added sugar
Effect on Teeth	Mildly acidic (carbonic acid), low erosion risk if consumed mindfully	Neutral pH, no erosion risk
Effect on Digestion	May aid digestion for some, but can cause bloating/gas for others	No effect on digestion
Mineral Content	Naturally carbonated mineral water contains minerals; seltzer has none	Content depends on the source and treatment (e.g., tap water often has fluoride)
Cost	More expensive than tap water; can be costly in bottles/cans	Cheapest option, especially from the tap

Making a Healthy Choice for Daily Fizz

For most healthy adults, plain carbonated water is a safe and beneficial part of a daily hydration routine. The key is to avoid varieties with added sugars and artificial ingredients. By making plain seltzer or naturally sparkling mineral water your go-to, you can enjoy the satisfying bubbles without the harmful effects of sugary sodas.

To minimize potential issues like dental erosion and bloating, practice moderation and don't sip on it all day long. If you experience persistent digestive discomfort, it's wise to reduce your intake and consult a healthcare professional. Ultimately, listening to your body's unique reaction is the best way to determine if daily carbonated water is right for you. For those who want more control over additives, a home carbonation system is an excellent option for creating healthy, customized sparkling water.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "Is it okay to drink gas water every day?" is a qualified yes. For most people, plain, unflavored carbonated water is a perfectly healthy and hydrating choice, and a much better alternative to sugary soft drinks. The main caveats are to be mindful of dental health, particularly if consuming flavored versions, and to listen to your body's signals regarding potential bloating or other digestive discomfort. As long as you choose wisely and consume it in moderation alongside still water, there is no reason to fear the daily fizz.

Is Sparkling Water Just as Hydrating as Regular Water?

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain sparkling water can be mildly acidic due to carbonic acid, which can theoretically cause enamel erosion over time with excessive consumption. However, it is far less damaging than sugary drinks. Using a straw, drinking with meals, and rinsing your mouth with plain water can help protect your teeth.

For some people, the carbon dioxide gas in sparkling water can cause bloating, gas, and belching. This effect varies by individual, and those with sensitive digestive systems, IBS, or GERD may experience more discomfort.

Yes, multiple studies have shown that plain sparkling water is just as hydrating as regular still water. The added carbonation does not reduce its ability to rehydrate the body.

No, this is a myth. The concern about bone density loss is associated with dark colas due to phosphoric acid, not the carbonation in sparkling water. In fact, some naturally sparkling mineral waters contain minerals like calcium that can be beneficial for bones.

Plain seltzer water or naturally sparkling mineral water are generally the healthiest options. Seltzer contains only water and CO2, while mineral water has beneficial naturally occurring minerals. Avoid varieties with added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

As a calorie-free and sugar-free alternative to sugary drinks, sparkling water can aid weight management. Some research also suggests it can increase feelings of fullness, potentially helping to reduce overall calorie intake.

For dental health, it is better to drink sparkling water with a meal. Chewing stimulates saliva production, which helps to neutralize the acidity in your mouth and minimize the impact on tooth enamel.