Experts will tell you drinking 11.5 to 15.5 cups of fluid a day is key to a healthy lifestyle, with most of this as water. But what if that water happens to be bubbly? Is sparkling water as hydrating as regular water?

Some find bubbly, flavored sparkling water more appealing than run-of-the-mill still water — making it easier for them to get their daily water intake in. As a result, carbonated water and seltzers have infiltrated grocery store shelves and social media feeds as people look to replace sodas and find healthier habits.

But does sparkling water hydrate you? Fans of those colorful cans and green bottles will be relieved to learn the answer is yes. Here’s why.

What is Sparkling Water?

Sparkling water is water that is infused with bubbly carbon dioxide. Like still H₂0, sparkling is effective at hydrating your body because its base is still regular water. And nutrition experts agree.

One nutrition study used the beverage hydration index (BHI) to determine the hydrating effect of 13 different beverages. This index measures how much urine is produced after drinking specific beverages and compares them with water. In the study results, the sparkling water had the same hydration index as regular water.

However, there are more than just one or two types of sparkling H₂0 out there to choose from in the market. When shopping, you’ll find that types of sparkling water include club soda, seltzers, tonic and mineral waters. These beverages can be carbonated either artificially or naturally. Naturally carbonated water, such as mineral water, comes from springs or wells, where underground gases create carbonation. It often contains minerals like sodium, magnesium and calcium.

If you do favor the fizz, you’ll find sparkling water — all types included — to be just as effective at helping you stay hydrated, rest assured.

Sparkling Water Hydration Hacks

Water makes up nearly 60 percent of our bodies. It’s no wonder why adequate hydration is key to feeling and performing at your best. But if you’re tired of plain-old regular water, prefer bubbles or want to find a healthy alternative to soda, you’ll want to know these three tips to stay on top of your hydration.

1.     Choose water as your primary source of hydration.

Sparkling water and still water both contribute to your daily water intake. When it comes to choosing your hydrator, it’s best to select whichever will help you drink more of it.

What works for one person may not work for another: While one person may find sparkling water delicious, making it easier to consume more water, another might find carbonation to create bloating, causing them to drink less.

2.     Know that not all sparkling waters are created equal.

Some brands add sweeteners, juices or caloric ingredients, which may make for a less healthy and less hydrating choice. You’ll want to check nutrition labels for any ingredients you prefer to avoid. Without unwanted or unnecessary ingredients, sparkling water can be a great alternative to sugary sodas and an effective way to get your daily ounces in.

3.     Add rehydration solutions when you need it.

You'll want to set a goal to consume enough liquids to meet recommendations but know that conditions like hot weather or being sick may cause mild to moderate dehydration and mean you need to drink more.

It’s critical to stay hydrated and learn the signs of dehydration, which include headaches, fatigue, light-headedness and dark-colored urine.

If you’re a sparkling water fiend, the flavor and bubbles can help you drink more water on a typical day. But adding a rehydration option like Pedialyte powder to your sparkling water can help you restore those electrolyte and fluid losses that come with dehydrating situations.

“Pedialyte can help prevent mild to moderate dehydration — and can keep you hydrated longer than plain water,” said Jennifer Williams, MPH, a research scientist at Abbott who specializes in hydration and nutrition. “If you are losing fluid and electrolytes from an exercise session or illness side-effects like vomiting, diarrhea or fever, rehydrating with a Pedialyte powder reconstituted in sparkling water can be very effective.”

How does it help? Pedialyte is made with a specific balance of electrolytes — sodium, potassium and chloride — that your body needs. Plus, it has flavored options, which is good news if you’re someone who typically has a hard time drinking plain water or wants to add an extra flavor to your bubbles when you’re dehydrated.

Staying hydrated doesn’t have to be difficult. And now you won’t need to worry about whether sparkling water is doing the job. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to feeling great — and confident in choosing a hydrator that works for you.