Every drop counts

Water is classified as a nutrient because it is essential for life. Water is 100 percent fluid, which quenches the child’s thirst without adding sugar or calories.

However, it is not a source of energy like fats and carbohydrates, nor does it build or repair body tissues, as does protein. Instead it functions primarily as a solvent and transport vehicle for nutrients, wastes and body substances.

Milk is also a top notch fluid because it provides calcium, protein and vitamin B and riboflavin. Mothers can also supplement the child’s diet with milk products like curd, cheese, milk shakes and alike.

Juice is also an acceptable drink as it offers vital vitamins. It is known to have high nutritive value and is extremely beneficial, as it is rich in sugar and calories.

But care should be taken to ensure absolute cleanliness and hygiene while making juice. The utensils and the juices used should be clean and free from any sort of germs.

Aerated drinks contain empty calories, and don’t offer the nutrition of milk or juice. They don’t provide the body with any sort of vitamins or proteins.

Furthermore, the carbonation can fill up the child so that he won’t drink or eat as much as he needs to. As some of these drinks may contain caffeine, which is likely to make most children restless and uneasy.

Sources of water

Juices, drinks and other beverages contain large amount of water, as do fruits, vegetables and other foods. Foods that appear dry like cereals, bread and meats also contain certain amount of moisture in them.

Water Balance and deficiency

There is a water balance maintained in the body. The amount of water ingested is equal to the amount excreted or lost from the body.

Though the fluid intake varies from day to day, this balance is maintained. Certain regions of the hypothalamus are believed to regulate the water balance in the body.

Water content in our food

• Fruits and vegetables (watermelon, cucumber, bittergourd, tomatoes, spinach, pumpkin) – 75 to 95 percent.

• Cereals and pulses- - 10 to 25 percent.

• Milk, juices, soft drinks – 85 to 100 percent

• Meat, fish and poultry – 60 to 75 percent.

As every drop counts, care should be taken to incorporate all these in your child’s diet.