Doha: Maintaining normal fluid levels plays an important role in staying healthy during Ramadan, according to Ashwak Muhamad, dietitian at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
“Water is one of the most important components of the human body, representing between 60 and 70 percent of the body weight. It plays an important role in maintaining the performance of many body systems and organs.
“Water maintains the balance of electrolytes within the body and it is necessary for the absorption of many nutrients. Water also provides a suitable environment for many of the body’s chemical reactions,” she said.
According to recommendations by the US-based Institute of Medicine, men and women should drink 3.7 litres and 2.7 litres of water respectively a day.
“During Ramadan, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, because of the long period of fasting and the high temperatures. Water, juices, soups and vegetables and fruits are good sources of fluids for the body,” she said.
Muhamad said a fasting person should drink more water than any other drink because water contains no calories and can compensate for the loss of fluids due to fasting. “Other calorie-rich drinks can cause weight gain and stimulant drinks such as coffee and tea can increase fluid loss because they are diuretics. Some vegetables such as watercress and fruits like watermelon known for their high water content are a rich source of liquids.”
Eating food which is high in salt and hot spices can make fasting people feel thirstier than usual, increasing the body’s need for water. Eating such foods is not recommended at Suhoor as they can cause people to feel extremely thirsty when fasting. It is also better to drink lukewarm water instead of cold water especially at Iftar as this aids digestion,” Muhamad said.
“To encourage drinking more water, lemon slices or mint can be added to give it a sweet flavour and make it tastier to drink.
“Water is vital for life and without it the body may not perform some of its vital functions efficiently,” she added.
HMC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and the Primary Health Care Corporation, has launched a website to help people stay healthy during Ramadan.
The website (www.hamad.qa/ramadanhealth) provides important information on healthy eating and other strategies for staying safe and well during Ramadan.
The Peninsula
