6 ways to stay hydrated during Ramazan
A few tips and tricks that can help you avoid dehydration during Ramazan.
Staying hydrated is important for respiration, acid-alkaline balance, weight management, skin health, kidney health and joint health. As a rule of thumb, you are supposed to drink eight glasses of water every day to stay hydrated. Some experts recommend even more. This seems like an incredible amount even on normal days.
In Ramazan, it seems impossible. But don’t worry. We have you covered. Here are 6 ways to stay hydrated during Ramazan:
1. Avoid caffeinated drinks (such as tea or coffee) and soft drinks (such as coke and pepsi)
Caffeinated drinks contain diuretics and hence increase dehydration. Diuretics increase urine production and flush out the salts and water from the body. It is best to avoid tea at Sehri and Iftar and to replace it with a glass of purified water.
2. Substitute sparkling water or low-sodium vegetable juice for soda, soft drinks and fruit juice
The sugar in soda and fruit juice can trigger blood sugar spikes and a host of other unwanted reactions in your body. Soft drinks also cause dehydration because of the high caffeine contents. Replace these drinks with purified water and low-sodium vegetable juice.
3. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
You don’t have to drink all the water that your body needs. It can be obtained from foods too. Roughly 20% of our daily intake of water should come from foods, especially fruits and vegetables that are high in water content. Fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, lettuce, celery, radishes, tomatoes, cauliflower, watermelon and cantaloupe contain 90% water and are excellent sources of food at Sehar and Iftar.
4. Avoid salts and spices
Salt and spices increase the body’s need for water which results in the person feeling thirsty throughout the day. Keep intake of salts and spices low during Ramadan
5. Replace table salt with high-quality sea salt
Unrefined sea salt is rich in trace minerals and lower in sodium content than regular table salt. Using it for cooking will be beneficial for health and hydration.
6. Stay cool and avoid the heat
Limit time spent outdoors to avoid sweating and losing essential fluid. When going outdoors, carry hats and umbrellas to seek protection from the heat.
