Sparkling water
What Soda Does to You and Why Switching to Sparkling Water Is Best
Updated: Apr 9, 2026 |
Published: Feb 2, 2023
Authored by
Elizabeth Smith
Elizabeth Smith is a seasoned writer with a background in science and technology, now focused on workplace wellness, sustainability, and smart business solutions. With more than a decade of experience writing for universities and private companies in the engineering and tech sectors, she brings a research-driven approach to every topic.
Summary: Soda may be a common workplace beverage, but its added sugars and carbonation can contribute to energy crashes, digestive issues, and long-term health risks. This guide explores how switching to sparkling water supports better hydration, improved well-being, and a healthier, more productive workplace.
In today’s workplace, beverage choices play a bigger role in employee wellness and productivity than many organizations realize. While soda remains a common office staple, it can contribute to issues like energy crashes, digestive discomfort, and reduced overall well-being.
Offering healthier alternatives, such as sparkling water, can help support better hydration and a more positive workplace experience.
Use this guide to compare soda vs. sparkling water across key factors like hydration and health impact.
The impact of soda on your health
Although soda tastes good, it can have some unpleasant health effects. Scientists have found links between soda and obesity, diabetes, heart disease and poor bone health. Drinking sugary soda regularly may also increase the risk of liver cancer.
What does soda do to your body?
Soda increases the risk of obesity by increasing the number of calories you consume each day. Popular brands have anywhere from 150 to 179 calories per 12-ounce serving. If you drink multiple sodas per day, it’s easy to exceed the recommended calorie intake for your age, sex and activity level.
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reports that drinking soda frequently increases the risk of heart disease by 18%, even if you exercise regularly. Consuming soda routinely may also increase your risk of gout or weaken your bones. Low bone density increases the risk of fractures, making it a serious concern.
Does drinking soda cause heartburn?
Drinking soda can cause heartburn due to its carbon dioxide content. Carbon dioxide gas expands as it travels from your mouth to your stomach. The excess pressure can force stomach acid into your esophagus, producing heartburn symptoms.
Does drinking soda make you bloated?
Yes, drinking soda can make you feel bloated. As carbon dioxide gas expands, it causes stomach distension. The feeling may be even more pronounced if you drink several ounces of soda quickly or with a large meal.
Can soft drinks cause acid reflux?
Soft drinks can cause acid reflux, which is the flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. It doesn’t always cause symptoms, so it can damage your teeth and digestive system even if you aren’t aware there’s a problem.
Soda vs. sparkling water: Soda alternatives to consider
Getting your workers to opt for tap water over soda can be difficult, but switching to a sparkling water alternative might do the trick. Sparkling water, also commonly referred to as carbonated water, seltzer water or fizzy water, is typically calorie-free and available in a variety of flavors.
By minimizing (or completely removing) added sugars, a carbonated replacement does remarkably less damage to your stomach, teeth and overall health. Furthermore, Healthline reports that this soda substitute is just as hydrating as tap water.
Overall, sparkling water is significantly healthier than its sugary counterparts while being considerably more exciting than regular water.
In contrast, soda:
- Contains added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
- Increases bloating, acid production and gut disruption.
- Has been linked to long-term health risks.
The benefits of sparkling water and healthy soda substitutes
Switching to carbonated water can help keep your workforce hydrated, resulting in these benefits:
- Reduced fatigue and headaches
- Increased energy levels
- Enhanced cognitive function
- Greater productivity
- Lower risk of dehydration
- Increased feelings of happiness
Decrease soda intake in the workplace with sparkling water coolers from Culligan Quench
Give your employees the gift of healthy hydration. Culligan Quench has several options, including bottleless coolers and the Twist machine, which delivers flavored sparkling water on demand. You can even give your workforce multiple options by offering a machine with still and sparkling varieties.
If you’re ready to drive health and hydration in your workplace with a bottleless water cooler, get a free quote to get started.
Authored by
Elizabeth Smith
Elizabeth Smith is a seasoned writer with a background in science and technology, now focused on workplace wellness, sustainability, and smart business solutions. With more than a decade of experience writing for universities and private companies in the engineering and tech sectors, she brings a research-driven approach to every topic.
Reviewed by
Cari Dienstman
Cari Dienstman is the Senior Website & Content Manager at Culligan Quench, with over six years of experience creating content focused on point-of-use water filtration. She holds a master’s degree in Digital Marketing from Brandeis University and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Temple University.
Key Takeaways
Sugary, carbonated sodas can create discomfort and digestive issues that go beyond a simple sugar crash.
It’s important for individuals and workplaces to understand the impacts and consider healthier beverage options.
- Digestive discomfort from carbonation: The carbonation in soda introduces excess gas into the digestive system, which can lead to bloating, cramping and stomach pain.
- Increased risk of acid reflux: Soda can worsen acid reflux symptoms by increasing stomach pressure and slightly altering stomach acidity.
- Gut health disruption: Artificial sweeteners commonly found in diet sodas may negatively impact the gut microbiome and interfere with healthy digestion.
- Broader health impacts: Regular soda consumption is associated with additional health concerns, including weight gain, tooth decay and metabolic issues.
- Sparkling water benefits: Sparkling water provides carbonation without added sugars or artificial sweeteners and promotes hydration, as employees are more likely to stay hydrated when given flavorful, fizzy water options.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop stomach pain after drinking soda?
Try walking around immediately after finishing your drink. Light movement can release trapped carbonation within your digestive system. If you have heartburn, ask your doctor if it’s safe to use an antacid, such as Tums.
What are other effects of carbonated drinks on the stomach?
In addition to bloating, heartburn, acid reflux and general discomfort, sugary sodas can interfere with sugar absorption in the gut. One study involving mice showed that consuming water containing 10% table sugar caused glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.
Following these changes, the mice began to absorb more sugar from other foods. The same thing can happen in humans, making sparkling water a better option.