5 ways to stay hydrated in Ramadan

Those who are visiting or living in Pakistan, and celebrating Ramadan are fighting a constant battle against dehydration intensified by the summer heat. Water is the most vital fluid to fulfill our thirst; unfortunately, people do not consume enough of it. Even though staying hydrated in Ramadan may seem challenging, especially if you are traveling by road, it is all about consuming the right food or drinking water at the right time.

1.    Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day

This can be done by drinking 2 glasses of water at sehri, breaking your fast with another 2 glasses and drinking four or more glasses in the duration between.

2.    Consume foods with high water content

Drinking 8 glasses of water over such a short span of time may seem to be an impossible task. Fortunately, there is another way out. You can compensate for lack of water in the food you eat. Fruits and vegetables with high water content are cucumbers, lettuce, green peppers and watermelon.

3.    Drink fresh fruit juices rather than sweetened juices

Sweetened juices not only contribute to weight gain but are not as effective as fresh fruit juices in quenching thirst. Fresh fruit juices are rich in water and fibre and remain in the intestine for longer reducing thirst.

4.    Avoid food with too much salt and spice

Salt and spice increase the body’s need for water and therefore cause dehydration more than any other foods. This goes for all the food lovers in Karachi and Lahore who are found eating their favorite spicy food at streets after iftar.

5.    Avoid drinking too much water at iftari

Consuming too much water at iftari time not only doesn’t help reduce dehydration, but causes indigestion which creates more problems rather than solving them.