Home Blog Home and Wellness Is Seltzer Water Bad for You? A Comprehensive Guide

Is Seltzer Water Bad for You? A Comprehensive Guide

by Dr. Jonathan Doyle - Updated March 11, 2025
Most people refer to seltzer water as sparkling water due to its extra fizziness. Aside from ordinary plain water, seltzer water is one of the most popular water beverages in the United States. Some believe it is a healthier carbonated beverage than sugary sodas. Do you think that’s true?
In this article, you will learn more about seltzer water and how it impacts human health compared to other carbonated beverages.

What Is Seltzer Water?

Seltzer water is nothing more than carbonated water. It is made by infusing ordinary water with carbon dioxide to make it bubbly. People believe it’s a healthier alternative to soda because it has no sugar, sodium, flavorings, or other ingredients found in most carbonated beverage products. So, if you want to stay hydrated by consuming a fizzy drink without sugar, seltzer water is the best option.
ice seltzer water

Seltzer Water vs. Sparkling Water

There is a slight difference in the meanings of seltzer water and sparkling water, even though most people use the terms interchangeably.
For example, seltzer water is ordinary water artificially infused with carbon dioxide. No minerals or any other ingredients are added to it. As for sparkling water, it is naturally carbonated from the water spring where it is sourced. Plus, it contains many natural minerals, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. All these minerals have amazing health benefits for the human body.

Key Differences

key difference between seltzer water and sparkling water
Seltzer water is the best choice if you want a pure fizzy drink with no rich taste. On the other hand, if you want a beverage with essential minerals and a somewhat minerally taste, go with the sparkling water option.
hard seltzer cocktail with lime and lemon

Club Soda vs. Seltzer Water

Two more terms people confuse is “club soda” and “seltzer water,” probably because they look and taste the same. However, there is a difference between the two.
Club soda has added minerals, such as potassium sulfate and sodium bicarbonate, to give it a somewhat salty taste. Many cocktail drinks use club soda as the base ingredient for this reason.
Seltzer water has NO added minerals, giving it a more neutral taste. It is good to consume directly or by mixing with other ingredients.
The best choice depends on your personal preferences.
mixologist making refreshing cocktail with hard seltzer

Is Seltzer Water Bad for You?

Some health studies claim that seltzer water has some possible negative health effects. Let’s see if we can debunk some of these claims:

Does Seltzer Water Damage Your Teeth?

The carbonation process creates carbonic acid, which can lower the pH of the water, making it slightly acidic. While this acidity is less than that found in sugary sodas, there’s still a potential for dental erosion with excessive consumption.

pH Levels Comparison:

  • Still Water: ~7 (neutral)
  • Seltzer Water: ~3-4 (mildly acidic)
  • Soda: ~2.5 (highly acidic)
If you want to consume seltzer water regularly while protecting your teeth, here are some things you can try to mitigate the situation:
  • Drink seltzer water while eating a meal . The constant chewing will produce more saliva in your mouth, which can lower the acidity level in it.
  • Don’t brush your teeth immediately after drinking seltzer water. Your teeth enamel needs 30 minutes or more to re-harden before it is safe to brush again.
For those concerned about dental health, moderating seltzer intake and maintaining good oral hygiene are key.
seltzer water with straws

Does Seltzer Water Affect Digestive Health?

  • Bloating and Gas: Some individuals may experience discomfort due to the extra gas.
  • Increased Satiety: The bubbles can create a feeling of fullness, potentially aiding in appetite control.
Please note that anyone with a digestive disorder, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), should consult their primary care physician regarding how much seltzer water they should consume each day to avoid irritation.

Does Seltzer Water Affect Bone Health?

No, there is no evidence of seltzer water impacting your bones in any way. It is merely a myth that has been debunked numerous times. The myth stemmed from a few studies that suggested the phosphoric acid in cola lowers calcium absorption. The studies are not relevant to seltzer water, though, because it contains no phosphoric acid.

The Best Way to Get Pure, Clean Water at Home

While seltzer water is a refreshing choice, having access to pure, contaminant-free water is essential for overall health. The best way to ensure high-quality drinking water at home is with a reverse osmosis (RO) system .
easy installation
Reverse osmosis systems, like the Waterdrop X12 Reverse Osmosis System, effectively reduce 95% of contaminants, including chlorine, heavy metals, and bacteria. It will produce clean, healthy, and delicious drinking water for everyone in your home. The water is suitable to drink directly or for making seltzer water at home.

Is Seltzer Water Good for You?

Below is an overview of the potential health benefits of drinking seltzer water:

An Alternative to Sugary Drinks

Seltzer water is the ideal replacement and alternative to soda and other sugary drinks. It has no calories, artificial ingredients, or sugars. In fact, drinking seltzer water makes it easier to lower your sugar intake to prevent diabetes and obesity.

Weight Management

Drinking seltzer water may help you lose weight and lower your calorie intake because it tends to make you feel full much faster. Because of this, you’re less likely to overeat on calories.
woman weight loss and dieting

Digestive Benefits

There is some evidence that shows carbonated water can reduce constipation and make swallowing easier for seniors and children. This effect is due to the carbonation simulating the nerves in charge of controlling your swallowing ability. So, anyone with difficulty swallowing might find some relief from consuming seltzer water.

Is Seltzer Water Hydrating?

Yes, you will get the same amount of hydration from consuming seltzer water as you would from consuming ordinary water. Don’t believe the myth about carbonated water being less hydrating than ordinary water because it is not true.

Conclusion: Should You Drink Seltzer Water?

Seltzer water is a safe and healthy alternative to drinking sodas and other sugary beverages with lots of calories in them. Consuming seltzer water means no calories, better weight management, and the same level of hydration as regular water.
Remember that the Waterdrop X Series RO Filter System is the best water purification device for producing clean and health water for your home. It will eliminate most contaminants and impurities from your drinking water or seltzer water mixes.
Don’t worry about the potential risks of bloating and enamel erosion. If you consume seltzer water moderately, you won’t have any problem with these issues. So, just enjoy the fizzy and crisp taste of this hydrating water beverage.

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Contaminants Detected in  Fruitland Water Special Service District
30
Contaminants
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES

30  Total Contaminants in Your Water

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Fruitland Water Special Service District

Population Affected

120,000

Water Source

Ground water
Exceeds Guidelines

Others Detected

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