Book 10, Question 130
Why Is It Smart to Sip Water Before You Feel Thirsty?
It is smart to sip water before you feel thirsty because thirst is a late signal. By the time you feel thirsty, your body already needs water. Sipping through the day keeps you ahead of it.
More fun facts
- Thirst usually kicks in only after the body has lost about 1 to 2 percent of its water.
- Scientists used to think thinking skills dropped only after losing 2 percent of body water, but newer research shows even 1 to 2 percent can affect them.
- That means by the time you feel thirsty, your focus and memory may already be starting to slip.
- A survey in 13 countries found that 61 percent of children and 75 percent of teens did not get enough water from drinks.
- In one school study, classrooms that made water easy to get helped children drink more, and their short term memory improved.
Sources: National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Health
Questions kids ask
How can I remember to drink water?
Keep a water bottle nearby and take sips at regular times, like between classes or before going outside to play.