Let’s Get Fizzy!

So what made me decide to write a blog about sparkling water? Well if I’m being honest here, it was constipation…

For some reason, when my body travels, I am not as regular as I am when I am at home. And for the most part, I eat and exercise exactly the same way. The only thing that seems to change for me is I think I drink more sparkling water when I’m abroad than I do when I’m at home. I thought there might be a correlation.

So I did what I do best and I researched. I was really interested, and relieved (but not literally, darn it), to learn what I did and thought I would share with you, my fine friends.

To sparkle or not?

Sparkling, mineral or carbonated water is created by simply dissolving carbon dioxide in plain, still water.

It is very different then sodas and diet sodas because it does not go through any chemical process and nothing artificial is added.

I was very excited to read that sparkling water actually helps keep you hydrated. I assumed that it didn’t necessarily dehydrate you, but I always worried that it wasn’t quite as hydrating as still water…but it is!

Let’s Get Fizzy!

If you happen to suffer from frequent indigestion, upset stomach or even occasional constipation (hand raised), sparkling water can help tame those tummy troubles. According to a study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, patients who had a predisposition to gallstone formation, indigestion or constipation showed that their issues, overall digestion and constipation problems all improved after drinking sparkling water for two weeks. I remember as a kid my mom giving me a Seven Up to help my upset stomach… She was onto something! Did your mom do that too?

Feel full before a feed

Lastly, for those of you that intermittently fast like I do, sparkling water also helps keep you feeling full. There was a study in 2012, published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminogy, showing that people who drank sparkling water on an empty stomach shared that they felt fuller than when they drink still water. To avoid overeating during meals, try drinking some sparkling water about 30 minutes before you sit down to eat.

Because I do eat a diet that is higher in fat and lower in carbohydrates, I also supplement with magnesium at home. Most of the times I do forget to bring it with me and that could account for my slow moving digestion. But I truly have always wondered if sparkling water was as good of a choice as still water and it was fun to find out that it is. Add a lime and a few mint leaves and I’m in heaven!

Now, back to sunning my bum!