Fluid For Healthy Kids
Drinking fluid is essential to stay alive. Water is the best fluid for everyone to drink as it is important for temperature regulation, digestion, transportation of nutrients around the body, kidney function and elimination of waste products. Water also cushions organs and joints from injury and pressure. It is so important that the body can only survive a few days without it.
If we encourage children to drink water from an early age, it is likely that this good habit will continue into adulthood.
Dehydration can result from not drinking enough water. This affects concentration and increases stress, headaches, lethargy, dry itchy skin and constipation.
For adults who drink beverages such as alcohol and those that contain caffeine, such as coffee or cola drinks, these drinks actually increase the amount of water lost from the body by increasing urine output. Drinking large amounts of these beverages leads to a greater need for fluid.
Sugary beverages such as fruit juices, fruit drinks, cordials, flavoured mineral waters, soft drinks and sports drinks are high in sugar and are of little nutritional value and therefore should be limited to occasional drinks.
This information is adapted from information provided by Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service.
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