Does the carbonation make seltzer less hydrating? Short answer: no. Your body absorbs bubbly water just as well as still water, as long as you aren’t adding stuff like caffeine or alcohol (duh). But—and I feel like a conspiracy theorist saying this—there’s a tiny catch. The bubbles can make you feel full faster, so you might stop drinking before you’re actually fully hydrated. Sneaky, right?
Personally, I’ve downed three cans of seltzer and still felt parched an hour later. That’s because the carbonation can trigger a mild gas response, tricking your stomach into thinking it’s satisfied. Meanwhile, your cells are whispering, “Uh, where’s the actual water, boss?” So listen to your body—if you’re choosing seltzer over still, maybe drink an extra glass to catch up.
