Summer is just weeks away and it’s time to recheck your fluid intake
Besides water, there are certain fruits and vegetables that can also fulfil your fluid requirements and provide you with vitamins, minerals, fibre and protein.” Zeina Younes, clinical diabetes dietitian specialist, Dubai Diabetes Centre
Fluid balance is crucial to staying healthy and maintaining the functions of every system in your body, which includes your heart, brain and muscles.” Dr Wafaa Ayesh, director of clinical nutrition, DHA
6g carb per 600ml and a small amount of salts: what rehydration drinks tend to have
dubai — The weather is changing and summer is just around the corner with temperatures that will touch 40°C and above.
According to health experts, it is the time of the year when people are most at risk of heat stroke and dehydration. And so, it is important to cover up, stay indoors in the middle of the day and drink as much water as possible.
The experts say that it is essential to stay hydrated irrespective of the weather. However, in summer, since the body loses more water than usual, it is necessary to take extra care regarding one’s water or fluid intake. “Fluids carry nutrients to your cells, flush bacteria from your bladder, maintains fluidity of your joints and prevent constipation,” said Dr Wafaa Ayesh, director of clinical nutrition at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
“Dehydration can have a noticeable effect if you lose as little as two per cent of your body’s water content. Fluid balance is crucial to staying healthy and maintaining the function of every system in your body, which includes your heart, brain and muscles.”
According to Dr Wafa, water is almost the best hydrating beverage. “But you also don’t want to over hydrate as it can water down electrolytes. It’s important to remember that some beverages can be dehydrating if taken in high amount,” she said.
“While hydrating drinks tend to have a dilute amount of carbohydrate, salt and potassium, rehydration drinks will tend to have about 6g carb per 600ml and a small amount of salt.”
Yet, no other dietary strategies enjoy the reputation of proven performance and health promoting benefits as the consumption of water, she added.
“Besides water, there are certain fruits and vegetables that can also fulfil your fluid requirements and provides you with vitamins, minerals, fibre and protein,” said Zeina Younes, clinical diabetes dietitian specialist at the Dubai Diabetes Centre.
During summer, exercise needs to be well planned and accommodated for water losses. If you are exercising, it is recommended that you still aim for two litres per day plus an extra 250ml per half hour depending on the heat.