What Does Alcohol Seltzer Do to Your Body? A Comprehensive Guide

November 17, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite being marketed as a light and healthy alternative, hard seltzers still contain alcohol and can cause dehydration. This guide explores what does alcohol seltzer do to your body, from its impact on your organs to its potential effects on weight and dental health.

Quick Summary

Hard seltzers contain empty calories and act as a diuretic, increasing dehydration risks. Overconsumption can negatively impact the liver, oral health, and weight. The carbonation can also accelerate alcohol absorption and cause bloating. Enjoying them in moderation is key to mitigating potential health risks.

Key Points

Dehydration risk: Hard seltzers contain alcohol, a diuretic, which promotes fluid loss and can lead to dehydration, especially when combined with the carbonation.
Liver health impact: Excessive or long-term consumption of hard seltzers can negatively affect liver health, potentially leading to fatty liver or more serious conditions.
Empty calories: Despite being low-calorie, hard seltzers provide empty calories with no nutritional value, which can still contribute to weight gain if overconsumed.
Oral health concerns: The acidity in flavored and carbonated hard seltzers can erode tooth enamel over time, increasing the risk of sensitivity and decay.
Fast absorption and overconsumption: The carbonation can speed up alcohol absorption, and the light, fruity taste can lead to drinking more than intended, negating perceived health benefits.
Hangover potential: Consuming too many hard seltzers can cause a hangover, primarily due to the dehydrating effects of alcohol.

The Allure vs. The Reality of Hard Seltzers

Hard seltzers have exploded in popularity, often marketed as a healthier, low-calorie option compared to traditional alcoholic beverages. However, this perception can be misleading, as they still contain alcohol and come with potential health drawbacks. Understanding what alcohol seltzer does to your body means looking beyond the marketing.

Impact on Hydration and Digestion

Alcohol is a diuretic, increasing urination and potentially leading to dehydration. The carbonation in hard seltzers may accelerate alcohol absorption, potentially increasing both the rate of intoxication and dehydration.

Dehydration: Alcohol promotes fluid loss. Carbonation can also make you feel full, potentially reducing water intake and worsening dehydration.
Bloating: The carbon dioxide in seltzers can cause gas, leading to bloating.
Digestive Upset: Some hard seltzers contain artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols that can cause digestive issues.

Effects on the Liver

The liver processes alcohol, and heavy or consistent consumption of any alcoholic drink, including hard seltzers, can strain it. The alcohol in seltzers is metabolized the same way as other alcohol.

Metabolism: The liver breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound, before converting it further.
Damage: Overconsumption can lead to fat buildup in the liver (steatosis), inflammation, and eventually more severe conditions like fibrosis or cirrhosis.
Moderation: Binge drinking hard seltzers is harmful to the liver, just as binge drinking other alcoholic beverages is.

Nutritional and Weight Considerations

Hard seltzers are low in calories and carbs compared to some other alcoholic options, typically around 100 calories per can. However, these are empty calories without nutritional value, and drinking multiple cans can contribute to weight gain.

Empty Calories: Seltzers provide calories from alcohol and sugar (or sweeteners) with no nutritional benefits.
Overconsumption: The light taste can lead to drinking more hard seltzers than other alcoholic beverages, potentially increasing overall calorie intake.

Comparison: Hard Seltzer vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages


Feature	Hard Seltzer	Beer	Wine	Sugary Cocktails
Calories (approx. per 12oz)	90-100	150+	125-150	200+
Carbohydrates (approx.)	1-2g	10-15g+	4-5g	20g+
Sugar Content	Low to zero added sugar; fermented sugar base	Varies; contains natural sugars from malt	Varies; contains natural sugars from grapes	Very high; often with added syrups
Gluten	Most brands are gluten-free	Contains gluten (from barley)	Gluten-free	Generally gluten-free
Risk of Overconsumption	High, due to light flavor and marketing perception	Lower, due to fuller taste and feeling	Moderate, but slower consumption rate	Moderate, but often higher ABV

Risks to Dental Health

Hard seltzers can affect oral health due to their carbonation and flavorings, which increase acidity and can erode tooth enamel.

Enamel Erosion: The acidity can soften enamel, increasing sensitivity and the risk of decay.
Sugar Damage: Sugar in some brands feeds oral bacteria, producing acids that damage teeth.

Mitigating the Effects and Responsible Consumption

Responsible consumption can help manage potential risks. Adhering to guidelines is important for those who drink hard seltzers.

Practice Moderation: Stick to recommended daily limits (one drink for women, two for men). A typical serving is 12 ounces at 5% ABV.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water alongside seltzers to counteract dehydration.
Mind Calories: Be mindful that calories from seltzers add up and can contribute to weight gain.
Protect Teeth: Use a straw and rinse your mouth with water after drinking to minimize enamel erosion.

Conclusion

Hard seltzers are alcoholic beverages and carry the same potential health risks as other forms of alcohol when consumed excessively, including dehydration, liver damage, and dental problems. The perception of them being healthier can sometimes lead to overconsumption. Drinking hard seltzers in moderation and prioritizing hydration is crucial for minimizing their impact on your body. For more information on responsible drinking, resources like the American Institute for Cancer Research are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, hard seltzer is not a 'healthy' alcoholic drink, despite low-calorie marketing. It still contains empty calories and alcohol, which carries health risks. It may be a lower-calorie option than some other drinks, but moderation is key.

Yes, hard seltzer can cause a hangover. Hangovers are primarily caused by dehydration from alcohol's diuretic effects. Since hard seltzer contains alcohol and can be easily overconsumed, it can lead to a hangover.

Yes, like any alcoholic beverage, hard seltzer can impact liver function. Excessive or chronic consumption can lead to liver inflammation and fat accumulation, potentially causing conditions like fatty liver disease.

Hard seltzers contain carbon dioxide, which can cause gas to build up in your stomach. This can lead to feelings of bloating and discomfort, especially if you drink them quickly.

Yes, hard seltzers are dehydrating. Alcohol is a diuretic, which increases urination. While the drink contains water, the alcohol counteracts its hydrating effects, especially when consumed in large quantities.

Yes, hard seltzer consumption can lead to weight gain. While individual cans are low in calories, consuming multiple cans adds empty calories to your diet. The light, refreshing taste can lead to overconsumption, increasing overall calorie intake.

Yes, some research suggests that the carbonation in sparkling alcoholic beverages can accelerate the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. This can potentially lead to faster intoxication.