Khaberni - Many feel this year that the fasting hours do not seem long, but thirst remains a troublesome companion that exhausts the fasting individuals, especially on hot days.
But have you heard about the idea of "storing water" in the body during fasting? The scientific truth is far from this common belief.
The body is not a camel
Many people circulate the idea that the body can "store" water like a camel in its hump to benefit from it throughout the hours of fasting, but science does not support this idea.
According to a medical review on StatPearls regarding physiology of water balance (Water Balance), drinking large amounts of water at once does not actually hydrate the body but leads to increased kidney activity to excrete the excess through urine, which may increase your thirst the next day and strain the renal system.
Risks of drinking water quickly
The risks are not limited to thirst only. The MSD medical guide explains that consuming large amounts of water quickly can lead to a decrease in blood sodium levels, known as Hyponatremia.
This occurs when the amount of water you drink exceeds the body's ability to maintain salt concentration in the blood, pushing it to expel the excess water as a defensive mechanism. This can be particularly dangerous for those with heart or kidney diseases.
Tips for better hydration in Ramadan
The good news is that the solution is simple and practical: drink water slowly and periodically between Iftar and Suhoor instead of consuming liters at once.
Studies indicate that the body cannot absorb more than about 250 ml per hour, so dripping is better than flooding.
You can enhance hydration by "packing" water with fiber by consuming water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, lettuce, and light salads at Suhoor, as liquids gradually release in the body and contribute to prolonged hydration during the fasting hours.
Lifeline
Even water, which is a lifeline, can cause damage if overused especially for those with certain health conditions or those taking medications that affect fluid balance.
Therefore, it is essential to regulate water consumption instead of indulging in a large quantity that exits quickly and leaves you thirstier.
As the saying goes, "Haste makes waste, and caution brings safety" so make your steps in drinking water deliberate and slow, to hydrate smartly and not all at once.
