Could Seltzers Be The Reason For Your Bad Gut Health?
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 12: S.Pellegrino hosts the first-of-its-kind Manhattanhenge viewing celebration high above the streets of New York on July 12, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water)
I knew this day was coming…
I am fully addicted to seltzer water and have been for a while. It seems like a more healthy choice than other options like soda, but even seltzers can have their negatives as I’ve just found out.
I don’t really drink sodas, but a good seltzer every day after work is always exactly what I need to relax. As it turns out, doctors are now saying that seltzer could be the reason for your bad gut health.
While many professionals do agree that seltzer, in moderation, is generally fine for your health. If you struggle with pre-existing conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it could just be exasperating the issue.
Added sugars can also be harmful, according to Virginia-based registered dietitian Kaytee Hadley. She recommends when searching for a seltzer, to pick one that is purely carbonated water to minimize effects.
After reading more and more into the subject, I’ve come to learn that it falls under a saying my mom used to always say to me growing up.
“A little bit of anything isn’t gonna kill you”
That seems to be what most professionals are warning with this. If you drink a ton of seltzers, you could experience bloating and other issues, but one every once in awhile doesn’t seem to be much of an issue (thank goodness!)
What’s your favorite seltzer? While Topo Chico is the most bubbly to me, and therefor the yummiest, it’s not always the most practical because of the bottle. I would say I am more of a bubbly girl on a day to day basis. What are you?
Seltzers are something I always have in my fridge, but they may not be as healthy as I originally thought. Experts are warning that seltzer could be the reason for you gut issues.
Ranking The 4 Best Hard Seltzers
Since Memorial Day I have been fortunate enough to attend a wedding, beachside barbeques, and neighborhood get-togethers. Though food options varied, I did notice hard seltzers were a common beverage. There were multiple brands, so I decided to rank the ones that I tried.
Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer can be credited as the first official can to hit the shelves in 2013. Or you can go back to Zima as being a pioneer in this carbonated alcohol space. Nowadays, it seems like every brand has their own variation of spiked seltzer. With limited creativity in terms of flavor options (most people would prefer a simple pineapple flavor to a green apple, cherry, celery mashup any time), now certain beverage companies are swapping out the vodka mix for tequila. Furthermore, funny commercials and vibrant cans allow different marketing angles on seemingly similar drinks.
Speaking of marketing, a thinner can is often associated with containing a lower-calorie drink. A CNN op-ed speculates that most hard seltzers are displayed in these taller, skinny cans to distinguish themselves in a crowded liquor store.
My Methodology
In creating this ranking of the best hard seltzers, there were certain criteria that I considered to be most important. Taste is a broad category. It was imperative here that the drink was smooth, did not contain a syrupy aftertaste and actually tasked like the flavor it suggests. Then, I looked at the overall “nutrition” facts. Finally, I’d ask myself a question: “Would I drink another one, or would I buy a case of this repeatedly?”
It’s important to note that I disqualified top beer brands. While I applaud their efforts for the attempt at entering the hip space, I have yet to find one where their best product was not actually their beer. Lastly, I am not a big fruit juice person. Nor do I typically like citrus mixed with alcohol. In this case, however, there are four hard seltzers where I find the fruit flavor enjoyable. My top choice here is now a brand that I do keep stocked in my cooler.
Hi, I'm Cameron! I was born and raised in North Carolina. I'm a super tall redhead who is always down for tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas. Okay, so Mexican food is my personal favorite, but I’m not saying no if you’re trying to eat out on the town anywhere. I I am on air for middays but also the Program Director for Kiss 95.1. I enjoy connecting with Kiss 95.1’s amazing listeners and being able to bring all of my favorite things like food, wine, and life online into digital content.
