Benefits of Drinking Water vs. Soda

water v. soda

Water is the building block of life; our bodies are composed mostly of water, as is the earth on which we live. If we "are what we eat," then it makes the most sense to drink more water than any other beverage available. However, many people fall out of the habit of drinking water because of all the flavored beverages on the market. Although most beverages are based on water, many of them can cause health problems and add unnecessary calories to the diet. Soda is one of the most popular beverages available. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, "These popular beverages account for more than a quarter of all drinks consumed in the United States." Soda, also known as pop, refers to a variety of carbonated beverages that use water as their base. However, sodas embellish the water with a number of different chemical additives, flavorings, colors, and preservatives. Moreover, sodas often contain caffeine, sugar or artificial sweeteners, and few nutrients. Although sodas can be a refreshing alternative to water, people should make sure to drink as much water as possible because water is pure, non-carbonated, and additive -- free.

Water is far healthier than soda because water contains no added sugar, additives, preservatives, or flavoring agents. Although some tap waters contain elements used in the purification process, water is far better for the body than soda. Soda, which is carbonated, can cause gas pain, bloating, and burping. Many sodas contain chemical additives and preservatives that have absolutely no nutritional value and which may even be harmful in the long-run. Consumption of sugar can also cause weight gain, diabetes, and other major health problems, which is why water is preferable to sodas. According to a recent scientific study, "Children who drink sugary soft drinks are at higher risk of becoming obese," ("Study: Sodas Linked to Obesity"). The effects were not mitigated by exercise.

Furthermore, although soda seems thirst-quenching, it is not as hydrating as water. The human body is comprised mostly of water and the cells and organs of the body require water for survival, not soda. Whereas the human body can survive for a relatively long period of time without food, it cannot survive more than a week, or in hot climates, a few days, without water. Soda simply does not substitute for water as a means to properly hydrate the human body. One naturopathic physician notes, "A number of patients coming into the office have been suffering from a variety of symptoms, all of which can be traced to a lack of water intake. Most were drinking plenty of fluids: coffee, soda, tea and juice. But none were drinking enough water," (Brett). Although soda contains water as its primary ingredient, the body does not absorb it as readily because of the extraneous additives and carbonation. Furthermore, a dehydrated person can drink a bottle of water faster than he or she could chug a can of soda, thereby delivering nutrients to the body quicker.

Finally, water is generally cheaper than soda. Tap water costs nothing, and bottled water is significantly cheaper than sodas except for the "designer" waters that recently hit the market. However, a person does not need to drink designer water to reap water's heath benefits. A simple and inexpensive water filter can help remove some of the elements commonly added to tap water such as chlorine. People who choose to drink bottled water only will be pleasantly surprised to find that even bottled water costs less than carbonated soft drinks.