Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

water for life

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Intake of water is a topic of utmost concern when the temperature is rising and we constantly lose water from our bodies leading to dehydration.


This is even more important at a time when day-long fasting is round the corner. Medics say an adult should drink about 2 litres of water daily in order to keep him/her healthy. Studies suggest that lack of water in our body is the root cause of many diseases and early ageing.


Fatigue, overweight, obesity, high and low blood pressure, digestive issues such as constipation, gastritis, ulcer, and respiratory issues, unbalanced pH, eczema, urinary tract infections, rheumatism and finally, brain damage are some of the issues associated with inadequate intake of water.


Doctors say people need to sip water constantly throughout the day even if one is not thirsty as dehydration happens without our knowledge. If sufficient water is not taken at regular intervals, by the time one is thirsty, he might have already entered into the dangerous condition of dehydration which leads to several short and long term health problems.


“Take as much water as possible in sips at regular intervals”, says Mini Padikkal, Clinical Nutritionist at NMC Oman. “Chronic dehydration is the root cause of kidney malfunction, dizziness, and it can lead to diseases, such as diabetes and, in the most severe cases, death”, she adds.


During the holy month of Ramadhan, one should avoid spicy, salty and meaty foods and instead, rely on more vegetables and water and maintain the energy level.


“One should change the rhythm of our lifestyle and tune our body to attune to natural foods during the holy month of Ramadhan. The big problem one would face in the initial days of fasting is the headache, exhaustion and fatigue against which no medicine should be taken”, says Dr Mohammed Younis, a Rehabilitation Specialist.


“Likewise, one should avoid taking caffeine, nicotine, and energy drinks as they can adversely affect our system which was fasting throughout the day. Refrain from coffee or tea at suhour and iftar times but taking them later is acceptable”, he adds.


Also, no high salty food, cheese, pizza, sweety foods are advised. Break your fast with dates and leban followed by freshly cut fruits.


Fresh vegetables are a good source of water during the hot days. Water melon, avocado, banana, and the like are good to have at both iftar and suhour times.


KABEER YOUSUF


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