Drinking water during the school day. What are the benefits?

August 24, 2019

• Effective Revision

Though it is constantly being debated, most doctors and nutritionists would agree that it is best to make sure you are drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day. This is something that has been drilled in to children at school, and at home. However, can drinking water more can actually improve children’s school experience in addition to effective revision being carried out?

Firstly, water is good for the brain, since over 90% of blood plasma is made up of water, and so drinking more water can increase the flow of oxygen to the brain. Moreover, if the body consistently receives an insufficient amount of water, this can lead to dehydration, making it more difficult to think and reason. Therefore, drinking water can improve children’s ability to stay alert and focussed during their lessons.

Secondly, a crucial part of each child’s day is exercise: it can improve performance in class, and works as an effective tool for stress relief; however, this must be accompanied by regular consumption of water. According to the NHS, a lack of water can affect performance in physical activity. In addition, dehydration can occur if the body is not rehydrated during or after exercise.  

There are many other physical and mental health benefits to drinking plenty of water. However, often both adults and children would prefer to have another drink, such as juice or soft-drinks.

Here are 5-tips to make drinking water more enjoyable (for children and adults!):

1. Add some mint, lime, cucumber or even fruit to your water to make it more tasty
2. Try cold-infuse tea-bags, or a sugar free cordial
3. Drink sparkling water (paired with a cordial, this can be a healthy substitute for soft-drinks)
4. Invest in a re-usable water bottle, so that you can carry your water around throughout the day
5. Add ice-cubes to your water (perhaps in fun shapes for children)

References

https://www.brainmdhealth.com/blog/6-amazing-health-benefits-of-drinking-water/ [accessed 12/08/2018]

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/290814.php [accessed 12/08/2018]

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-and-drinks-for-sport/#water-and-exercise [accessed 12/08/2018]