Researchers evaluated the effect of not drinking enough water and its association with increased calorie intake from sugar-sweetened beverages, in children and young adults.
Sugar-sweetened beverages are generally loved among children and many young adults and these drinks make up a large percentage of daily calories consumed. The human body requires water to thrive, about 60% of the human body is water. Water keeps our system from burning out preventing illnesses from heat exhaustion, constipation, dehydration, kidney stones, kidney failure, and even death. Plain water contains no calories and can help with weight control.
Water consumption may come from plain water, food, fruits, milk, vegetables, or other beverages. The daily recommended water intake for an adult male is about 3.7 liters (15 cups), and 2.7 liters (11 cups) for the average adult female.
Not drinking enough water may be dangerous
Many people consume sugary drinks in place of water when they are thirsty, which can include juices, sweetened tea, coffee, sodas, and even energy drinks. A recent study in the US surveyed published in JAMA Pediatrics, 8,400 children and young adults between the ages of 2- 19 years old. The survey evaluated the number of calories consumed per day consumed by those that drank more water compared with those who tended not to drink water.
Not drinking enough water led to increased calorie consumption
The researchers observed a significant increase in calorie intake from sugar-sweetened beverages in those not drinking enough water compared with participants who drank more water.
This study not only supported the importance of drinking water to stay hydrated and satisfy thirst but also showed that not drinking enough water may result in the increased consumption of more sugary beverages that contain more calories.
The researchers suggest that children and young adults ought to be encouraged to keep off from sugary beverages with extra sugar and high calories to avoid preventable diseases like obesity and diabetes.
Written by Ijeoma C. Izundu, MBBS
References:
Asher R, Hilary B, Lori F. Association of caloric intake from sugar-sweetened beverages with water intake among US children and young adults in the 2011-2016 National Health and Nutrition examination survey
Not drinking water associated with consuming more calories from sugary drinks
[internet]. Public release. Available from:
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-04/jn-ndw041819.php
