We are made of roughly 60% water, so it’s no surprise that you can feel instantly refreshed by drinking a tall glass of water. We lose water during our daily activities and it’s important to drink the recommended eight cups a day. You might be one of those people that gets bored easily with plain water or maybe the tap water in your city isn’t as appetizing as it used to be. If that’s the case, we recommend trying the next best thing: sparkling water.

Sparkling water, also known as carbonated water, club soda, soda water, seltzer water, and fizzy water, is water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure, creating a fizzy and bubbly beverage. It is a great alternative to drinking sugar-laden sodas and other sparkling water benefits include:

1. Keeps you hydrated

We are always fans of the age-old advice to increase your water consumption. It’s the most basic health advice, but that’s because water is an essential nutrient that our bodies need to survive. Sparkling water offers the same hydrating benefits as drinking a glass of the plain stuff. It’s also filtered, which removes the organic compounds, contaminant, and dangerous chemicals, ensuring that the water you’re drinking is clean and healthful.

2. Aids digestion

A tall glass of carbonated water can help tame common tummy troubles, such as indigestion, dyspepsia, and the occasional upset stomach. Drinking carbonated water with a meal may improve swallowing ability in people of different ages. It’s known to stimulate the nerves responsible for swallowing function and those benefits are strengthened with the combination of cold temperature and carbonation. Studies have also found that carbonated water can relieve symptoms of constipation more so than drinking plain water.

3. Keeps you feeling full

The tiny carbonated bubbles found in sparkling water might help in controlling weight and may help with weight loss. Thanks to the carbonation, fizzy bubbles increase gastric activity which makes you feel full. The tiny bubbles take up more space in the stomach and can trick the brain into feeling full. This full feeling can help you eat less during meal times and can be advantageous to weight loss. To avoid overeating during meals, drink two glasses of sparkling water at least 30 minutes before eating.

4. Increases productivity

Do you find yourself feeling sluggish by mid-afternoon and reaching for a cup of coffee or a sugary snack? Instead of drinking or eating things that are bound to have you crashing in the next hour or two, grab a glass of carbonated water. Researchers have long warned us about the tiring effects of dehydration and its impact on productivity because it turns out our brains just don’t work well when we’re dehydrated. Studies have shown that even mild dehydration can disrupt blood vessels in the brain and reduces cognitive performance as it relates to reaction times, short-term memory, and paying attention. We recommend drinking carbonated water to keep you going for the rest of your day.