What happens if I drink too much LaCroix?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

While sparkling water sales continue to bubble up, with the market growing significantly year over year, many wonder about the health implications of drinking too much LaCroix. Although a healthier alternative to sugary sodas, consuming excessive amounts can lead to several potential side effects, primarily related to digestive comfort and dental health.

Quick Summary

Excessive consumption of LaCroix can lead to gastrointestinal issues like bloating and gas due to its carbonation. Although much less damaging than soda, the acidity may pose a risk to tooth enamel over time. Moderation is key to avoiding discomfort and maintaining dental health.

Key Points

Digestive Issues: Excessive carbonation can lead to uncomfortable gas, bloating, and burping, especially for those with sensitive stomachs or conditions like IBS or GERD.
Dental Erosion: The mild carbonic acid in sparkling water can erode tooth enamel over time, with flavored varieties posing a higher risk due to additional acids.
Hydration: Plain sparkling water is just as hydrating as regular water, making it a healthy alternative to sugary drinks for meeting fluid intake goals.
Bone Density: The myth that sparkling water causes bone density loss is false and originated from confusion with phosphoric acid in dark colas.
Kidney Health: For most healthy people, plain sparkling water is safe for the kidneys; issues are typically related to additives or pre-existing conditions.
Moderation is Key: Enjoying LaCroix in moderation is generally fine, but listening to your body's cues is important to prevent discomfort.
Mitigate Risks: Ways to minimize risks include drinking with meals, using a straw, choosing unflavored versions, and rinsing your mouth afterward.

Understanding the Basics: Is LaCroix Just Water?

At its core, LaCroix is simply carbonated water with natural flavorings. Unlike soda, it contains no sugar, calories, or artificial sweeteners, which is why it's a popular option for those seeking a healthier beverage. The carbonation is achieved by infusing water with carbon dioxide gas under pressure, which creates carbonic acid and gives it that signature fizz. While this makes it a great substitute for sugary drinks, the gas and mild acidity are the root causes of most potential issues when consumed excessively.

Potential Side Effects of Overconsumption

Digestive Discomfort: Gas and Bloating

One of the most immediate and common side effects of drinking too much LaCroix is digestive distress. The dissolved carbon dioxide gas can cause bloating, burping, and gas as it fills your stomach. While some people can tolerate large amounts without issue, others, especially those with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing conditions, may experience significant discomfort.

For people with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), excessive carbonated water can exacerbate symptoms. The pressure from the carbonation can trigger acid reflux or a flare-up of IBS. If you notice increased bloating or heartburn after drinking sparkling water, it may be a sign to cut back.

Dental Health: Enamel Erosion

This is a major concern for heavy sparkling water drinkers. The carbonic acid created during carbonation makes the water slightly more acidic than still water, with a pH typically between 3 and 4. Repeated exposure to this acidity can, over time, wear down tooth enamel, potentially leading to sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities.

However, it's crucial to understand the context. Unflavored sparkling water is far less damaging than sugary sodas or even fruit juices, which are highly acidic and contain sugar. The risk is elevated with flavored sparkling waters, which may contain additional acids, like citric acid, that further lower the pH. The American Dental Association notes that while plain sparkling water is generally fine, frequent sipping throughout the day is riskier than drinking it with meals.

To protect your teeth, dentists recommend several strategies:

Drink sparkling water in one sitting rather than sipping all day.
Use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
Rinse your mouth with plain water after consuming sparkling water.
Choose unflavored varieties over flavored ones to reduce acidity.

Overhydration (In Rare Cases)

While LaCroix is hydrating, it is possible to overdo it with any fluid. Excessive fluid intake, a condition known as overhydration, is rare but can be serious. It typically only affects individuals with underlying health conditions, such as kidney or liver disease, whose bodies have trouble processing and excreting excess fluid. For healthy individuals, the kidneys are highly efficient at regulating fluid balance. A constantly clear urine color can be a sign that you are overhydrating.

Kidney Health and Bone Density Myths

Concerns about sparkling water damaging kidneys or weakening bones are largely unfounded for healthy individuals. The myth about bone density comes from studies on dark colas containing phosphoric acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption. Plain sparkling water contains no phosphoric acid. Regarding kidneys, plain carbonated water poses no threat, but those with existing kidney conditions should be mindful of additives like sodium in some varieties.

LaCroix vs. Plain Water: A Comparison


Feature	Excessive LaCroix Consumption	Moderate LaCroix Consumption	Plain Water Consumption
Dental Impact	Potential enamel erosion from frequent acid exposure.	Very low risk, especially if unflavored and consumed with meals.	No risk of erosion.
Digestive Impact	Increased gas, bloating, and potential discomfort, particularly for sensitive individuals.	Minimal to no issues for most, may even aid digestion.	No digestive issues associated with carbonation.
Hydration	Provides excellent hydration, but excessive intake is unnecessary.	Hydrates just as effectively as still water.	The gold standard for hydration.
Flavoring	Can be enjoyable, but flavored varieties increase dental risk.	Adds variety to hydration without sugar or calories.	Plain taste, ideal for maximizing hydration.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

Drinking too much LaCroix, or any sparkling water, is primarily associated with digestive discomfort and potential dental issues over the long term. Unlike soda, it doesn't cause weight gain or significant harm to bones or kidneys for most people. For those who enjoy the fizz, moderate consumption is a healthy and effective way to stay hydrated and can even help curb a soda habit. If you experience any negative side effects, consider cutting back, drinking unflavored varieties, or switching to still water. A balanced approach ensures you can enjoy your favorite bubbly beverage without compromising your health.

For more information on the health benefits of choosing healthier beverage options, consider visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 'Rethink Your Drink' campaign website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, excessive consumption of LaCroix can cause bloating and gas. The carbon dioxide gas that gives the water its fizz can introduce air into your stomach, leading to a feeling of fullness and discomfort.

Plain LaCroix is significantly less harmful than sugary sodas, but the carbonic acid can slightly erode tooth enamel over time with frequent consumption. Flavored varieties pose a higher risk due to added acids like citric acid.

No, plain sparkling water like LaCroix is not bad for your kidneys in healthy individuals. Concerns typically arise from additives like sodium or sugar in other types of carbonated beverages, or from pre-existing kidney conditions.

No, plain LaCroix contains zero calories and zero sugar, so it will not cause weight gain. In fact, replacing high-calorie, sugary drinks with LaCroix can be a helpful strategy for weight management.

No, plain sparkling water does not negatively affect bone density. The myth stems from research on dark colas containing phosphoric acid, an ingredient not found in sparkling water.

Yes, sparkling water is just as hydrating as still water. It provides essential fluids to your body and can be a good way to increase your overall fluid intake if you find plain water unappealing.

There is no official limit for healthy individuals, but experts suggest listening to your body. If you experience digestive discomfort or are concerned about dental health, limiting intake and following precautions like using a straw or drinking with meals is wise.

Yes, for some individuals with acid reflux or GERD, the carbonation in sparkling water can aggravate symptoms by causing belching, which can bring stomach acid up the esophagus.