By Ayesha Ayath Aslam
We have now arrived ‘the days of the Cosmic Thermostat’. Right! These are the days of the sun that loves to suck water off the face of the earth and your body. Noting this, we bring you a few tips and formulas for your rescue.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) provided a formula to calculate the ideal amount of water intake for you. Your weight (in kg) x 0.033 = Water in litres. So instead of following the ‘8 cups water everyday’ theory, do the math yourself, because there is no ‘one-size fits all’ in this case.
The solution is not in all fluids. So, if you do not wish to make things worse, avoid drinking caffeinated, carbonated, & sugary drinks. Sodas, coffee, sugary fruit juices among others puts even more pressure on the body to keep energy levels in balance, and work against hydration.
While water is the ideal fluid for summers, you can opt for coconut water, lemon water and natural fruit juices with less sugar contents in it too. Go smart and plan your diet accordingly.
Know that about 20% water intake comes from food and consume more whole fruits and vegetables that are rich in water content like berries, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, radishes, peppers, cauliflower, watermelon, broccoli, and lemon. You can consider a probiotic too.
Hydration requires both drinking water and regulating your body temperature. So wear light colored loose-fitting clothing; regulate your diet; schedule your physical activities during cooler times of the day; protect yourself from the sun; & mist yourself if you become overheated.
Spicy food and above mentioned drinks, if not balanced with fluid intake can increase thirst and fluid loss. Strenuous and physical activity will make you sweat making you lose your fluids. So, drink more to make up for every fluid you lose.
Understand the causes of dehydration and implement such small tips in your daily lives. With that, have an amazing summer of good health and energy.