As adults, we know that it is important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Some people even have apps or special water bottles to help them keep track of their water intake. What we often forget is that it is just as important for kids to drink water.
It may seem easy to keep kids hydrated with the wide assortment of fruit drinks, electrolyte beverages, and sodas that are available today. Unfortunately, most of these drinks are high in sugar and provide little to no nutritional value. Research shows that children between the ages of 4 and 12 who drank more than one glass of fruit juice a day were twice as likely to be overweight as children who drank none.
Water is easily overlooked as a thirst quencher, but it is the most beneficial and economical solution to keeping little ones from becoming dehydrated. The amount of water a child needs depends on age and sex:
- 4 to 8 years, girls and boys need 5 cups per day
- 9 to 13 years, girls need 7 cups per day
- 9 to 13 years, boys need 8 cups per day
- 14 to 18 years, girls need 8 cups per day
- 14 to 18 years, boys need 11 cups per day
All of this water helps to keep young bodies functioning properly. Without water, the body cannot regulate temperature or transport nutrients and oxygen to the cells. Water helps maintain blood volume, lubricate joints, and carry waste products away. Because it is sugar-free, caffeine-free, and calorie free it also helps children to maintain a healthy weight.
One of the things to take into consideration as you increase a child’s water intake is the quality of the water. With the increased reports of illness caused by tainted drinking water, it is important to know exactly what is in your water. Although public water sources are frequently tested, the results of those test are not always accurate as the people of Flint, Michigan found out. If you have well water, there are no testing requirements. Bottled water is also subject to very little regulation.
The most commonly found water contaminants can be harmful to the developing bodies of young children. At their young life stage, they are more susceptible to health issues related to contaminated water than adults because they drink more water per pound of their body weight. This means that their little bodies are taking in a greater percentage of pollutants, exposing them to greater risks. Heavy metals and toxic chemicals can quickly build up to dangerous levels. Their growing organs and tissues can suffer long-term damage, creating lasting health issues.
Most contaminants are not easy to detect. They are often colorless, odorless, and tasteless. The best way to find out what is in your water is to test it. Fortunately, there are a number of options when it comes to testing.
If you prefer to have your water analyzed by a laboratory, there are companies that will allow you to mail in samples. Simply fill the vials they provide and send them in for your results. This method will yield precise results within a few days or weeks. It can be costly, so be sure to pick a reputable company.
Another alternative is to test your water yourself. There are many companies that offer at home water testing kits. These kits allow you to test for the most common contaminants including lead, pesticides, bacteria, iron, nitrates, nitrites, chlorine, and copper. A complete water analysis kit will provide you with easy to read results within minutes for most tests.
As a parent, it is a difficult job to keep your children safe and healthy. The last thing you should have to worry about is the quality of our drinking water. Testing your water is a simple and affordable way to ensure that your children are getting plenty of safe drinking water for proper hydration.
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