Many chronic troubles result from the simple neglect to supply the body
with sufficient water. An average grown person should have two quarts
of water a day and more in warmer weather. The lack of any habitual
time for drinking this water usually results in not getting it at all.
Continued disregard of the craving of the body for water, because "it
is not convenient to get it" at the time, will result in the cessation
of this natural demand. Many persons have said, "I don't require that
much water; I never drink but a glass or two." Inquiry will reveal the
fact that these persons are usually sufferers from constipation or some
other chronic trouble. Drinking a proper amount of water will cure many
cases of constipation.
To be sure that the child gets sufficient water adopt some systematic
time for drinking. A glass before meals is beneficial to digestion.
It stimulates the flow of the digestive juices. Drinking during meals
is not injurious under one condition, that is that no water is taken
while you have any food in the mouth. Clear the mouth of food and then
drink, do not wash your food down. Be careful not to take cold water
soon after eating hot food, there is danger of cracking the enamel of
the teeth. A habit should be formed of drinking a glass of water when
washing in the morning; wash the stomach as well as the face and hands.
An average meal requires moisture equal to about five glasses. This is
drawn from the system if not supplied with the meal. A glass of water
before and one after each meal is an aid to digestion rather than a
detriment. Make this a habit. It is a convenient time to furnish the
amount of water required by the body, and more than the two glasses is
better than less.
If the child is troubled with constipation or an approach to it see to
it that he gets a copious supply of water and you will find the trouble
relieved.