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Food For Thought
The Importance of Water
By Susan Lee M.Ed

Did you know that getting enough water is an important aspect of brain function? It is especially important for children who are in a stage of trernendous brain growth to drink enough water. Eric Jensen in Teaching With The Brain In Mind tells us thee dehydration in children leads to lethargy and impaired learning Some children will seem to "wake up" after a few days of adequate water intake. Pure water assists digestion, washes away toxins, aids the lungs, heart and blood vessels and energizes the brain and body.

Think of a living sponge. Without water a, sponge does not receive oxygen or nutrients and therefore has limited function. Thinking skills are related to the quality of
"spongabiliy" of the brain which has an almost unlimited capacity when working at it's maximum potential.

Potential. Potential is a good word to understand the role of water in the brain. Without enough water to carry the electrical potential of cells, our thoughts do not move from one brain cell to another as well. Water has the amazing ability to enliven us, fostering the development of energetic, naturally curious, and more focused children.

Carla Hannaford, Ph.D., in Smart Moves: Why Learning Is Not All In Your Head; says that the brain is between 75% and 90% water. Especially in Texas, we need to teach our children the importance of drinking enough water all day long. Like?rain, water is best taken in frequent small amounts. Parents and teachers should make sure all children have easy access to water and, if possible, carry their own water bottle throughout the day.

Let's teach our kids the water habit. Parents need to set a good example, and would be wise to carry a water bottle with them to work and in the car. Many of us have a habit of choosing soft drinks, carbonated beverages and juices over water. Try an experiment. For one week, choose water instead of drinks and notice the difference. Children will learn from our example and encouragement. Great job, Mom and Dad!

Susan Lee is an educational consultant for brain development with the Brain Train Center of Austin.

This copy compliments of The Brain Train Center. May be reproduced with this information included:

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"If we are to be co-creators of our reality, it is necessary to 
understand the basics of brain care." - John Bradshaw

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