Sparkling Water vs. Bottled Water -- Any Health Difference?

[Anonymous]

In order to lose weight and be healthier, I am weaning myself off my life-long several diet cokes a day habit. (Some say it increases your appetite for sweets -- I'll try anything at this point to curb that craving.) Except when I am exercising, I find it really tough to down a whole bottle of plain water, let alone several a day. I really like plain sparkiling water, though, or sparkling water with a splash of unsweetened cranberry or pomegranate juice. Will sparkling water give me the same (or nearly the same) beneifts as plain water, in terms of keeping my hydrated, flushing out toxins, etc? Thanks for any info. Or do I have to gag down all of those plain bottles of water?

[Anonymous]

Sure, it's just water with CO2 in it. As long as the flavorings are "natural" and don't add calories, I don't see why it wouldn't be exactly the same.

[Anonymous]

Carbonation will make you bloated, so while you won't gain weight you may not feel "slim" after you drink sparkling water.

[Anonymous]

I don't think that's true.

Bloating comes from retaining water. You don't retain more liquid if it's carbonated.

It might give you gas but that's a different issue.

[Anonymous]

I actually find that sparkling water makes me feel LESS bloated - it seems like all those bubbles help aid digestion and make me feel like I get much fewer stomach issues.

[Anonymous]

I love sparkling water, BUT. There is some evidence that it inhibits the absorption of Vitamin D.