The subject of children drinking water is becoming more and more popular these days, as it should have been for a long time.
This because as much as it is important for adults, drinking water is even more important for a child’s health.
The growth hormone and all the processes of cellular activities (expansion/division) in children consume large quantities of water – this is the reason why children are always thirsty.
Children drinking water – facts and benefits
As for adults, water makes about 75% of children’s body and participates in all vital functions:
- Hydrates the developing children’s brain
- oxygenate their blood and lungs
- Helps their digestion and metabolic functions
- Regulates their body temperature
This makes a good reason for parents to understand the importance of drinking water for children .
How much water should children drink daily?
Babies take their fluid needs from milk and specially prepared baby foods.
As they grow, children need supplementary water, and there is no recipe for how much they should drink. A small difference in age and sex, will make a considerable difference in what their bodies need in terms of drinking water.
The daily quantity of water kids need to drink always depends on their weight and the activities they perform.
- When they run, play or do sportive activities, they need to replace the fluid lost by perspiration and more active breathing
- On hot summer days or hot climates they also need to increase their water intake
- In case of sickness like: cold, flu, diarrhea, etc. drinking a supplementary amount of water will be necessary as well.
It’s a good idea to stay in touch with your family doctor, who will tell you specifically what is best for your child’s needs in particular.
Water vs. Fluids for children
Fluids contained in fruits, vegetables, juices or liquid foods counts for sure in maintaining a good level of hydration in kids. According to Jennifer Murphy, MS, RD, LDN, water should be preferred vs. juices because of the sugar contained in fruits which can cause tooth decay and stomach discomforts.
Children are not drinking enough water
We don’t need to look for reports and studies to see the evidence: our kids don’t drink enough water.
Why?
Because simply they are attracted to colorful, beautifully packaged and cleverly marketed soft drinks.
Nevertheless these soda drinks taste good and they are also very refreshing. But are they healthy?
Just think that they are loaded with sugar, most of the time with caffeine and also artificial flavors and colors.
BTW: do you know what are these artificial colors (food dye) and flavors?
You will be surprised to learn that most of them are derivative of petrochemicals and coal tar. Obviously they are toxic and can create serious diseases even mutations. – Read more on The Truth about Tastes
The subject of children drinking water has come into the medical attention. Studies have shown that the habit of consuming soft drinks instead of water will actually lead to child dehydration.
So, how to make children drink more water? One simple solution is to make the water more attractive to them… and that’s not very difficult. I found on Pinterest some great ideas for you 🙂
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See also for yourself some tips on How to Stay Hydrated
