Water: The Neglected Nutrient

When we think about a child's nutritional needs we tend to think mostly about calories, protein, fat, sodium content, high fructose corn syrup, additives, vitamins and minerals.


But what about water?


It is estimated that about 75% of Americans are "chronically dehydrated" (compared to 50% of world) and that 70% of preschoolers drink no water during school day, making water the most negelected nutrient.


Water is vitally important to maintain the body's basic functions and its importance of hydration cannot be stressed enough! Water maintains proper weight & body temperature, lubricates joints, moistens & protects the body's tissues & organs, and helps dissolve nutrients so that the body can use them.  It helps the body remove toxins and bacteria. There is much evidence that it can also help the brain connect & function better. Several years ago there was a study done on elders who started showing symptoms of senility . They were forgetful, didn't feel well, had accidents, etc. When they started drinking the required amount of water each day, all those symptoms diminised or disappeared, including forgetfulness.

A drop of as little as 1 – 2% of body fluid levels can result in slower brain processing, impaired short-term memory, trouble with math & computation, decision making, difficulty with visual focusing and attention. In fact, lack of water is the #1 cause of fatigue in school children. While many schools don't allow it, simply letting children sip water at their desks will help a child feel more grounded and refreshed and diminish many attention, energy & behavior problems.

Children are more vulnerable to the effect of dehydration than adults & will overheat during activity or warmer weather more quickly, especially children who may have digestive, or other health conditions. Water is often recommended for proper hydration over juice due to the high sugar content in juices, however, children will more likely drink a sweeter flavored beverage than plain water. Encourage water, but variety is good too. Fluid requirements in children are based on body weight, but it is also important to remember that fluid intake requirements will vary-for example are higher with fever, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, etc. It is always important to check with your doctor or nutritionist to determine if you are giving an appropriate amount of fluid to your child.

Its just as unhealthy however to over-hydrate-when there is too much water in the body in proportion to nutrients, especially  electrolytes, (sodium, potassium, etc.) it can have a de-hydration effect on the body's and brain's functions.

Many foods have high water content, vitamins, minerals & electrolytes and contribute to total daily water intake: fresh fruits, vegetables and in a pinch, water ice & popsicles are also a good way to encourage your child to stay hydrated.

Now that summer is near, remember to keep your children (and yourself) properly hydrated with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables & the most negelected nutrient: water!

*Click Here for a homemade Water Ice Recipe!

For more information on hydration, visit:   http://www.watercure.com/



~Barbara
http://www.bodylogique.com/


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