THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER CONSUMPTION IN CHILDREN

Especially during the summer months, with rising temperatures and increased physical activity due to school holidays, it’s crucial to pay attention to children's water consumption. Compared to adults, children are more susceptible to the effects of dehydration. Insufficient water intake not only affects the body but can also lead to difficulties in concentration and learning.

Considering that children are often more physically active than adults, water intake intervals should not exceed 20–25 minutes. In this regard, parents have a particularly important role to play.

In hot weather, the body loses fluids through sweating. It is essential to replace this loss by drinking water to maintain the body’s balance.

Adequate water consumption goes hand in hand with healthy and regular nutrition. Irregular eating habits, excessive consumption of fried and fatty foods, and sugary carbonated drinks are among the leading causes of obesity. When families allow the consumption of soda instead of water, it can lead to extremely unhealthy development. Unfortunately, the lack of attention to this issue has resulted in a growing rate of obesity among children.

• Water is a fundamental source of energy.
• It binds substances in cells, acting as a natural adhesive.
• Water regulates body temperature.
• It supports respiration.
• It helps eliminate waste after digestion is complete.
• It energizes nutrients and helps transmit this energy to the body during digestion.
• Food consumed without water provides no real energy value to the body.
• It is the best natural lubricant for the intestines and helps prevent constipation.
• It provides strength and electrical energy to the brain, especially for cognitive functions.
• It helps prevent clotting in the heart and brain vessels.

Water, whose value to the body is second only to oxygen, cannot be praised enough. Families should act as role models by encouraging sufficient water intake in their children’s daily lives.