ADVERTISEMENT
Hydration Matters—Water Is Still the Best Choice
When experts talk about healthy hydration habits, they mean prioritizing water above all else. According to public health recommendations, kids and teens should stick to plain water, plain milk, and occasional 100% fruit juice. Drinks with added sugar, caffeine, or artificial sweeteners should be limited or avoided altogether.
Some practical guidelines for supporting kidney health in children include:
- Encouraging daily water intake and limiting sugary snacks and beverages.
- Promoting regular activity, balanced weight, and routine medical checkups.
- Being mindful of over-the-counter medications that may unintentionally harm kidney function
A Painful Lesson—and Hopeful Outlook
For that young girl, the consequences were serious. She’s now undergoing dialysis and may require a kidney transplant in the future. Her situation stands as a powerful and painful reminder: what we or our children drink daily matters just as much as what we eat.
But it also offers hope—because kidney damage from lifestyle choices can often be prevented or slowed. By teaching teens about preventing chronic kidney disease, encouraging kidney-friendly nutrition, and monitoring beverage habits, parents and caregivers can reduce future health risks.
What Every Family Should Know About Teen Hydration and Kidney Health
1. Be savvy about sugary drink marketing. Teens are often targeted with flashy ads for SSBs—awareness and alternatives help empower healthier choices.
2. Make water appealing. Infuse it with fruit, serve it chilled, or add fun reusable bottles.
3. Model healthy behavior. Parents who drink water, not sweetened beverages, set a powerful example.
4. Know the risks. High sugar and caffeine intake can fatigue internal organs quietly over time.
5. Act early. Swelling, fatigue, or changes in urination shouldn’t be dismissed—get medical advice before small signs escalate.
ADVERTISEMENT
