“The solution to pollution is dilution.” The mantra of the environmental industry that advocates the avid use of water to dilute harmful chemical pollution also applies to our bodies. That’s why drinking water is such an important habit, especially during the summer months when dehydration is a risk.
Water makes up half of our body weight and without water, our bodies would not be able to function. Water is present in our blood to aid in transporting oxygen and nutrients and in our lymph to help fight off disease.
Unfortunately, many people are not sufficiently hydrated despite believing that they are drinking enough water. The introduction of bottled water improved peoples’ hydration habits, but the recent addition of flavored (hence sweetened) versions is contributing to other chronic health problems like obesity and diabetes.
For kids, we want them to drink even more fluids in the summer. Any activity in the hot sun can lead to dehydration, which can set in fast for children. Dehydration can lead to headaches and/or the even more dangerous heat exhaustion.
3 Simple Tips to Help Kids Stay Hydrated
The golden rule is to drink half your body weight. If you weigh 100 pounds, then drink 50 ounces of water. That may mean getting creative with ways to encourage your kids to drink enough. A few ideas to help them stay hydrated:
#1: Kids love straws so use them. Make a switch to colorful BPA-free glass straws. Kids love them and parents love them because they are easy to clean.
#2: Plain water not refreshing enough? Begin by infusing a pitcher of water with lemons, oranges or cucumbers. This adds some vivid color, and extra nutrients.
#3: Make popsicles… not with juice. Make a pitcher of your favorite herbal iced tea (Sweet Tazo orange or hibiscus) and make popsicles with them. They will be colorful and tasty and a guaranteed favorite for kids.
Now doesn’t that make you feel like having a nice cool refreshing glass of water?
Visit Dr. Heather, ND and Human Body Detectives series for kids, to learn more about Dr. Heather and her mission to have families be more proactive and healthy in their lives. You can also join the conversation on Twitter @drheathernd and HBD on Facebook.