Kids Not Drinking Enough Water

The researchers studied about 4,000 children from two to 19-years-old who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2005 and 2006.

The children between two and five years old drank about six cups of water each day, while those between six and 11 drank six and three-quarters cups per day. The older kids (12 to 19 years old) drank about 10 cups per day.

When examining the differences in boys and girls, the researchers found that girls were less likely than boys to drink enough water.

While adults should be getting more active, kids are a little more naturally prone towards play time. That means they run a higher risk of dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and muscle weakness.

When it comes to water drinking recommendations, one size does not fit all. Your water needs depend on various factors, such as your health, age, activity level, where you live, how much water you get from other foods, etc. It's a complex set of factors that makes the old eight, eight ounce glasses of water a little too simplistic.

According to Heinz Valtin, a retired professor of physiology from Dartmouth Medical School, there is no concrete research supporting the eight, eight-ounce glasses of water recommendations.

That said, many of us know that we don't get enough water. Here are a few ways you and your children can get more of it:

• Eat fruits and vegetables, since they are natural sources for water. In fact, oranges are 87 percent water and cucumbers are 95 percent water.

• While it may come with the danger of added calories, you can drink other beverages to count toward your fluid intake.

• Cut your child's fruit drinks with water. They will likely not even realize that they are getting more water and less sugar.

Reprinted from DietsinReview