Our bodies are composed of roughly 60 percent water, yet we all lose some of this crucial nutrient during normal, daily activities. And if we don’t replenish the water lost by drinking the recommended eight glasses a day, we run the risk of becoming severely dehydrated. But what can you do if you simply don’t like the taste of plain water? If you are one of the many people who just can’t seem to stomach eight cups of plain water each day, you may want to think about trying the next best thing: filtered, sparkling water.
What is sparkling water?
Sparkling or carbonated water is created by simply dissolving carbon dioxide in plain, still water. When you drink filtered water with carbonation, only bubbles are added during the process, which means that you can reap some of the same healthy rewards of still water, while enjoying a refreshing, fizzy beverage. Aside from being sugar-free, plain sparkling water offers a handful of additional health benefits.
Top 4 Health Benefits of Sparkling Water
1. Sparkling Water Keeps You Hydrated
Many people think that drinking carbonated or sparkling water can dehydrate you, but health experts say this is just a myth. Drinking sparkling water offers the same thirst-quenching benefits of plain water, and even more healthy advantages if the sparkling water is filtered. Filtered water removes organic compounds, contaminants and harmful chemicals so you can ensure the water you’re drinking is clean and healthy. So, the next time you’re thirsty, try reaching for some filtered, carbonated water from a sparkling water machine instead of regular and see how you feel. You will be surprised!
2. Drinking Carbonated Water May Aid Digestion
If you suffer from frequent indigestion, dyspepsia, or just have an upset stomach on occasion, drinking a tall glass of filtered, sparkling water could help tame your tummy troubles. According to a study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, patients who had a predisposition to gallstone formation, dyspepsia or constipation showed that their gallbladder issues, overall digestion and constipation problems all improved after drinking sparkling water for two weeks. So, if your mom used to give you lemon-lime soda when you had a stomach bug as a kid, she certainly knew something about calming your nausea. However, plain, sparkling water without added sugar offers the most tummy-taming benefits.
3. Sparkling Water Keeps You Feeling Full
Those tiny carbonation bubbles in a glass of sparkling water may offer a mighty punch when it comes to controlling your weight, or even losing some extra pounds. The carbon dioxide in sparkling water allows fizzy bubbles to fill your stomach and trick your brain into feeling full, which means you will probably eat less. The fizz increases gastric activity which aids in that “full” feeling. While drinking plain, still water can offer a similar benefit, drinking water with carbonation may be more advantageous to weight loss. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology showed that participants who drank sparkling water on an empty stomach shared that they felt fuller than when they drank still water. To avoid overeating during meals, try drinking two eight-ounce glasses of filtered, sparkling water 30 minutes before you eat.
4. Drinking Sparkling Water Can Increase Productivity
Do you or your employees feel sluggish or tired every afternoon? Instead of grabbing your usual midday cup of coffee, you may want to think about installing a countertop sparkling water dispenser in the company breakroom. Scientists have long touted that even mild dehydration during the workday can have a significant impact on employee productivity because our brains just don’t work as well without replenishing the water we have lost. According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, researchers found that mild dehydration (5 percent of our body weight) can actually disrupt blood vessels in our brains; reducing cognitive performance -- especially in terms of reaction time, paying attention, and our short-term memory.
Natura Sparkling Water Dispensers Provide Healthy Benefits
Natura Water offers a variety of filtered sparkling water systems and dispensers for corporate offices, restaurants and hotels of all sizes. Our patented three-step filtered water system eliminates impurities while retaining beneficial, thirst-quenching minerals to keep employees, clients and patrons hydrated – and healthy! Taste and feel the Natura difference today.