How to Increase Your Water Intake

This was a good suggestion to a question from a mom about her concern that her child was not drinking enough fluids.

(Dr. Weil)

I wouldn't worry so much about a specific fluid amount. Checking her urine will help you figure out if she is getting enough water. It should be a pale yellow. If it isn't then you may need to increase her fluid intake. If she takes a multivitamin that will change the color of her urine temporarily, maybe one potty break. If you are needing to increase her fluid intake and she is resistant to taking more fluids try to increase her intake of fruits like fresh grapes (my kids love them frozen), berries, melon, and citrus. I also use flavored stevia to sweeten and flavor my kids water to encourage them to drink more. A favorite in my house is a pitcher of water with lemon and lime slices with lemon flavored stevia. I use about 10 drops per pitcher. It can be a lot of fun to create our own flavored water. Maybe you can let your child play the chef and create her own flavor.

(Try other fruits to flavor the water, such as watermelon. Cucumber slices are good with citrus slices.)