Is La Croix As Hydrating As Regular Water?

With La Croix flavors ranging from the simplicity of Orange and Lime to zestier essences like Pamplemousse and Guava Sāo Paulo, these drinks are a crowd favorite. The brand is renowned for creating light spritzers for those who want to sip on something fruity without the added calories and sugar. While La Croix definitely offers benefits for those looking for a healthier beverage to enjoy, there's 1 question that keeps popping up within wellness communities: is it hydrating?

According to StatPearls, 75% of Americans aren't just not drinking enough water — they're chronically dehydrated. In fact, they reported that dehydration can actually cause misdiagnoses of other health issues. There are several signs of dehydration, such as weight gain, heart trouble, fluctuating blood pressure, and exhaustion.

As you age, drinking enough water becomes even more of a priority. Dehydration is particularly common in older adults. Per the Mayo Clinic, this is due to the fact that the older you get, your body's fluid reserve shrinks in size, reducing your ability to conserve water. In addition, your sense of thirst becomes less apparent.

Taking into consideration how common dehydration is, it's only fair to question if La Croix and other sparkling waters are helping or hindering your hydration levels.

WebMD states that the big difference between sparkling water (or carbonated water) like La Croix and regular water (or tap water) is that sparkling water has carbon dioxide added to it — this gives it that bubbly fizz consumers love so much. Club soda, seltzer water, and soda water are all different types of sparkling water.

Typically, sparkling water doesn't have any calories, which usually means it doesn't have any sugar or carbs. Flavored sparkling water, however, can have some sugar and carbs. It's not uncommon for salt or other minerals to be added, so sparkling water may also have a little sodium (per Healthline).

Healthline also notes that studies show sparkling water can provide key health benefits that regular water doesn't provide. Some of these benefits include improved swallowing ability, a full feeling, and constipation relief.

While the benefits are great, Medical News Today points out that sparkling water can make you gassy. If irritable bowel syndrome or bloating are issues for you, it's probably a good idea to stay away from the bubblies. You'll also want to avoid sparkling water during workouts, according to Aaptiv. The feeling of fullness may result in you drinking less water while exercising.

Research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that sparkling water offers the same hydration benefits as regular water. Additionally, the research also suggested that tea (hot and cold) and diet cola are just as hydrating as regular water, too. 

Although coffee is generally thought to be dehydrating, a 2014 study published in PLoS One indicated the beverage may not necessarily cause dehydration if you drink it on a regular basis.

In terms of sparkling water, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that sparkling water can be a healthier alternative to soda, so feel free to enjoy your La Croix. You'll be able to maintain your level of hydration while avoiding potentially unhealthy options, such as sugary soda or alcohol. Best of all, you'll have a wide variety of flavors to choose from when you shop for La Croix.