Water vs. Fizzy Drinks – What’s Better for Hydration & Health?
Maintaining hydration is essential for overall health, but with fizzy drinks tempting us at every turn, water is often seen as the boring option to keep us hydrated. But what is the best option for our bodies?
Are fizzy drinks really as bad as they’re made out to be? And is plain water the ultimate solution for staying hydrated?
Here, we explore the differences between water and fizzy drinks, looking at how they both impact hydration and overall health. This will give you the clarity to make confident choices that align with your healthy lifestyle goals.
Hydration efficiency
Water
Water is recognised as the optimal choice for hydration. It’s calorie-free and is easily absorbed by the body. The NHS recommends that we drink between 6 and 8 cups of water every day, but really, that figure needs to be adjusted depending on lifestyle factors.
If you’re highly active, you’ll likely need more water to stay hydrated. Plus, if you’re breastfeeding, your water consumption needs to increase greatly.
Your urine is a useful indicator of whether you’re adequately hydrated. A pale yellow shade is optimal; anything darker than dark copper indicates you’re dehydrated and need to up your fluid intake.
Fizzy drinks
Whilst fizzy drinks are certainly fluids, many carbonated beverages contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine. Consuming high amounts of them can lead to more urination, which can result in dehydration if fluids are not adequately replenished.
What’s more, if you’re drinking the full-sugar versions of fizzy drinks, you’re drinking a lot of calories that don’t provide you with the essential nutrients your body needs to function.
Impact on health
Sugar
A standard can of cola contains around seven teaspoons of sugar, so if you’re regularly consuming them, you’re likely to experience weight gain, as well as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Dental Health
The combination of sugar and acidity in fizzy drinks can erode tooth enamel, which results in cavities and other dental problems. By limiting the amount of fizzy drinks you consume, you can promote better oral health.
Bone health
Some studies suggest that excessive consumption of cola drinks can be associated with decreased bone mineral density, which can increase the risk of fractures.
Calorie intake
Water is calorie-free, so by choosing to drink it, you’re supporting your hydration without increasing your calorie intake.
This is a great tool for weight loss and weight management, as hunger is often mistaken for thirst.
Fizzy drinks are high in sugars, which means they increase your calorie intake with little effect on your satiety. This can lead to weight gain if you don’t control your calorie intake or are physically active throughout the day.
Recommendations
- Choose water: Water is best as your primary source of fluid to ensure you’re effectively hydrated and support your overall health.
- Limit fizzy drinks: If you enjoy fizzy drinks, consider them an occasional treat rather than a daily habit. Sugar-free versions will reduce your sugar intake, but it’s important to be mindful of artificial sweeteners and other additives.
- Caffeine intake: It’s also important to be wary of the caffeine content in certain fizzy drinks, as excessive caffeine can impact your sleep and overall health.
Water is the obvious choice over fizzy drinks when it comes to hydration and health. Avoid unnecessary weight gain and spikes in your blood sugar by ditching carbonated drinks and guzzling back water. Water can also help with weight management, better dental health, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Installing a water cooler is a great way to boost your hydration and encourage regular drinking of healthy and delicious fresh water.