Seltzer seems like the solution. More flavorful and bubbly than regular water, but less sugary and calorie-laden than soda, it exists as almost an untouchable healthy alternative. Seltzer is such a staple, in fact, that many people consume it daily. But what are the side effects of drinking seltzer on a daily basis? We spoke with doctors, nutritionists, and, yes, a dentist, to determine the side effects of your daily seltzer. Here’s what we found out, and for more healthy tips, be sure to check out our list of The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
1 You will be more hydrated.
Seltzer water is indeed a member of the water family, and therefore it does help keep you hydrated. While nutritionist Sharon Katzman cautions against brands that have high amounts of added sodium, she does recommend seltzer as a source of hydration. For people who aren’t fans of plain water, seltzer can fill a vital void in their diet.
2 It can help you cut back on calories.
Lisa Richards, RD and author of The Ultimate Candida Diet Program, confirmed the long-held legend that seltzer can help decrease your calorie intake. It does so “naturally,” she says, and also “will likely lead to less sugar or artificial sweetener intake” as well.
That said, ingredients are key, and Richards recommends selecting your seltzer brand carefully. A lot of added sugar, as well as the addition of harmful synthetic substances like polyfluoroalkyl substances—PFAs—are important to avoid.
3 It can help with digestion.
Doctor Ava Williams, a primary care doctor who is board-certified in internal medicine with expertise in health and wellness and preventive care, has great news for daily seltzer consumers everywhere.
“You can get addicted to it without worrying about health hazards,” she says.
On top of that, it can actually have pretty major health benefits.
“Your digestive processes will benefit from it, from helping you to swallow better, to helping you with constipation problems,” she says.
Here’s What Happens To Your Body If You Drink Seltzer Every Day.
4 Your teeth may suffer.
While health experts don’t seem to have much of an issue with seltzer, dentists cannot say the same. Doctor Lilya Horowitz, a dentist in Brooklyn, NY, explained that because carbonated water is a lot more acidic than regular water, overdoing it on seltzer can have harmful effects on your teeth.
“Regular water is pretty alkaline, with a PH of around 7,” she says. “A lot of seltzers are around a 3 or 4 PH, and if they’re citrus-flavored, they can be even more acidic.”
That acidic quality can decay the protective enamel that coats your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to long-term damage and cavities. For patients who love seltzer water but suffer from enamel decay, Dr. Horowitz recommends substituting daily seltzer with flavored alkaline waters.
5 Your tin levels may become unhealthy.
Jessica Meyers, a licensed physician assistant and functional health consultant, says that she’s recently seen a rise in otherwise healthy people who have abnormally high tin levels.
“Tin is typically excreted rapidly from the body,” she says, “so when we see levels rise it can indicate tin being ingested on a regular basis.”
Say, for example, a daily seltzer. Meyers continued to say that she finds seltzer water in cans is often the source of tin ingestion.
“Cans used for seltzer beverages and other canned food are made with a tin lining which can leach into the product,” says Meyers. “According to the CDC, high tin levels can contribute to stomach aches, anemia, and liver and kidney problems.
She recommends substituting canned seltzer with seltzer that comes in glass bottles—a rarer, but safer, alternative.
“And the good news is,” Meyers continues, “after removing the source of exposure, levels typically return to normal within weeks.”
