Minerals are those elements on the earth and in foods that our bodies need to develop and function normally. Those essential for health include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, chromium, copper, fluoride, molybdenum, manganese, and selenium.

Mineral water brands to try

• Calistoga Sparkling Mineral Water.
• Crystal Geyser Natural Sparkling Mineral Water.
• FIJI Water.
• Gerolsteiner.
• Perrier.
• S. Pellegrino.
• Topo Chico.
• Whole Foods Italian Sparkling Mineral Water.

“It is for nutrition’s best sake to choose water rich in calcium and magnesium but low in sodium. Since our diet is very high in salt, it is recommended to drink water with sodium content lower than 20 mg/L.

Mineral water commonly contains substances like magnesium, calcium, sodium, and zinc, and, according to recent research, they’re actually a pretty effective way to boost your mineral intake.

Risks. Mineral water is generally safe to drink. Very little research points to any immediate negative health impacts associated with drinking plain mineral water. Carbonated mineral water contains carbonic acid, which can cause hiccups or bloating.

Soft drinks, especially colas, seem to increase the risk of repeat kidney stones (Annals of Internal Medicine, Nov. 4, 2014). Mineral water, whether still or sparkling, did not increase the likelihood of a problem. Carbonation might even be somewhat beneficial (Urolithiasis, February 2016).

08/8Potential drawbacks of Mineral Water

• Carbonated mineral water contains carbonic acid, which can cause hiccups or bloating.
• Carbonated water has a lower pH than regular water, making it slightly acidic.
• One major issue surrounding mineral water involves the container.

The carbonation in sparkling water causes some people to experience gas and bloating. If you notice excessive gas while drinking sparkling water, your best bet is to switch to plain water.

Background. Carbonated beverage consumption has been linked with diabetes, hypertension, and kidney stones, all risk factors for chronic kidney disease. Cola beverages, in particular, contain phosphoric acid and have been associated with urinary changes that promote kidney stones.

Too much of anything can be bad for your health, and the same is true for sparkling waters, too. Though drinking a can or two a day should generally be okay, Dr. Ghouri warns against making sparkling water an outwardly excessive habit — or completely foregoing flat water for fizzy water exclusively.

Sparkling water does not lead to weight gain, as it contains zero calories. However, when other ingredients are added, such as sweeteners, sugar, and flavor enhancers, the beverage may then contain sodium and extra calories — usually 10 calories or less.

In some studies, carbonated water improved satiety, or the feeling of fullness. That could be a benefit for people who constantly feel hungry. Carbonated water improves digestion and helps constipation, so that empties the stomach and could possibly make someone feel hungry.

Belly Bloater No. Carbonation is mostly water, and it’s typically calorie free, but it can really bloat your belly. “Because the carbonation comes from gas blended with water, when you drink a carbonated beverage, the gas can ‘puff out’ your stomach,” Gidus says.