New study shows startling hydration issues in children
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — New data shows more than half of American children and teens are not drinking enough water and one out of four reported not drinking any plain water at all. Instead, doctors say they’re turning to sweetened beverages like soda, juice, or even energy drinks and coffee.
Doctors say a lack of water can affect physical health and also cognitive and emotional functioning.
Harvard researchers looked at data on more than 4,000 kids ages six to 19 and used urine samples to determine if the participants were adequately hydrated.
Doctors say the same guidelines apply for children as adults. There isn’t a magic amount of water that’s enough for all people, but there are some ways to know if you are taking in enough.
“In general, you drink until your urine is pretty clear and very, very pale yellow. That’s when you know you’ve had enough. There’s kind of a standard that most folks go by, 5-8 servings a day. I go by that and you also should be peeing 5-10 times a day,” Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital’s Dr. Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber said.
If you’re not drinking enough water, there are some big impacts on your body. Doctors say even mild dehydration comes with headaches, irritability, poorer physical performance and reduced cognitive functioning, which makes it tougher for kids to learn and adults to work productively.
Dr. Rohr Kirchgraber says many people identify an afternoon slump, where they feel sleepy or distracted at work or home. She says that’s not a reminder that you need another sugary or caffeinated drink, it means you need more water. The same goes for kids. If they aren’t drinking enough water, they’re not going to feel well physically and they’ll also be a little crabby and find it difficult to focus.
Doctors say this study is a cue for parents to clean out their refrigerators and revamp habits around the home.
“Make sure that in our own homes we don’t have anything for them except for water and milk. Make it so those are the only choices and we have to model that good behavior. Make sure that we’re drinking water and that they see us constantly drinking it,” Dr. Rohr-Kirchgraber said.
The study did note both a racial/ethnic and gender gaps in hydration status. Boys are more likely than girls to be under hydrated and non-hispanic blacks were more likely than whites.
Doctors also say find out why your kids aren’t drinking water or anything at all. Dr. Rohr-Kirchgraber says many kids have anxiety issues about public restrooms which can lead to hydration issues.
And if water isn’t your thing, doctors say find something to put in it to help you or your kids enjoy drinking it. Don’t use drink mixers, but possibly lemon, lime, oranges, or even apples or cucumbers.