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DIAGNOSIS ADD ADHD Now What?
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WATER
FOR YOUR BRAIN
Remember your basic science class in high school? When they talked about the brain in my class - way back when - they said that brain tissue is 85% water. Now that is interesting because they also said the brain is only 1/50th of the total body weight and it uses 1/20th of the blood supply. Hmmm, logically, that tells me for optimum brain function, we need water. I'm wondering if students get enough water.
It seems to me that if our brains are mostly water, then it seems logical that a lack of water would cause a person's brain some real problems. I've studied (on the internet) for a couple days about dehydration. Dehydration is a nasty thing! With dehydration, the level of energy generated in the brain is decreased. I read on the Internet that depression can be a result of dehydration. It also causes stress.
One site mentioned that an excessive amount of salt, sugar, or protein in our diet requires more water to process. Also, it was stated that some of the symptoms of dehydration are - among others - thirst, dry mouth, lethargy, MENTAL CONFUSION etc.
When I polled the students in my elementary classroom about the
amount of water they drink, a couple said they NEVER drink plain water except at school. They drink pop, kool aide, and milk but
rarely water. Pop is full of sugar and sometimes caffeine. Even pop without sugar and caffeine is NOT a healthy substitute for water.
Remember, sugar in our diet requires more water to process.
What about milk? The latest I read about milk is that it may not be all that good for children. Milk is associated with iron-deficiency anemia, cramps and diarrhea, allergies and other problems. Many people are "lactose intolerant". A child who is "lactose intolerant" and drinks milk may suffer from bloating, excessive gas, cramps, and diarrhea. Additionally there is concern about the antibiotics, pesticides, hormones, etc. that may be present in milk due to farming practices. Need calcium? - try broccoli, kale, almonds and sesame seeds.
What about fruit juices? If you don't like to drink water, fruit
juice is probably a viable substitute. BUT fruit juices have a lot of sugar in them and the processed juices frequently contain added
sugars. Instead, add some lemon and DRINK
WATER.
Ah then, what about sports drinks? Water is still the best, but sports drinks may be a better selection IF you are engaging in activities that produce large amounts of sweat. Sports drinks have sugar in them to enhance energy. (see above)
How do you know you're getting enough water? A properly hydrated
person urinates about 5-6 times per day. If urination is only once or twice a day, that person may be dehydrated and need more water.
I am wondering if there is such a thing as semi-dehydrated. I think about my students "drink breaks" at school. Time wise, it would be impossible for a child to drink the recommended 6-8 glasses of pure water a day based on the number of drink breaks taken in most schools. Could a slight case of dehydration be a contributing factor to some student's inability to focus and do well in school? I don't know but it certainly is something to think about.
THE BOTTOM LINE
DRINK MORE WATER - IT WILL HELP YOUR BRAIN WORK BETTER.
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Please fwd to others who may benefit.
BJ
Madewell
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DISCLAIMER
This information is for
educational purposes only. Much of the information is from classes and workshops
I’ve taken during my 30+ years of working with ADD & ADHD students –
sprinkled with my own comments, thoughts and insights.
Some information has been
acquired from the INTERNET. Be
aware that not all information on the WWW is accurate.
Use your own judgment.
This information is not
intended to replace information from your doctor, therapist, lawyer,
psychologist, nutritionist or psychiatrist.
Consult your child’s (or your own) doctor for additional input.
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Editor: BJ Madewell
Wichita, KS area
316-733-9532
FAX not available
Email ADDchoices@aol.com
or ADDchoices@yahoo.com
You may copy and print this
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Please include my email
address, web site address, & phone # on anything you give to others.
BJ Madewell
