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Make up for lost water {and techniques to drink the daily requirements}

There are some situations, which may require extra water in order to maintain a healthy fluid balance, especially in hot countries like Australia {and even more importantly in tropical areas like Queensland}. For example, hot and humid weather causes the body to perspire and so lose more water. Hot air also has a dehydrating effect on the body. Recirculated air in planes, cars, buses, and trains has a drying effect on our body, as can diuretics like coffee, which contain substances facilitating the body to lose water.

Those involved in exercise programs should be drinking extra water before, during and after workouts in order to maintain sufficient body hydration.

It should be borne in mind that thirst may lag far behind the body's need for water and therefore is not always an accurate indicator of your body's hydration. We may need to make a conscious decision to maintain our water levels. For instance, we could drink before exercise thus anticipating the need, rather than simply drinking water as a response thirst.

As we perform our daily work, a glass of the water should be in front of us. When it is emptied we should fill it again. We'll be astonished at how much we drink without any difficulty. We should stop and refresh ourselves whenever we pass a drinking fountain. Also, we start trying to put a pitcher for estimated daily requirements of water in the refrigerator, and periodically have a glass until it is exhausted.

Children are particularly at risk from dehydration so it is important to encourage them to drink plenty of water. This simple practice may enhance their school performance and general behaviour.

Conclusion

The aim of this study is to encourage people to correct their water intake before and during Ramadan {insh'Allah}. The month of fasting imposes great stress on the body, especially at the beginning and it is essential to maintain a health balance. Make sure to drink plenty of water before Fajr and at Maghreb. During the later evening, perhaps at Isha, two more glasses of water helps energise your body. In conclusion, do not rely on your thirst sensation but take active steps to keep up your cool, clean and fresh water intake.

References

1. F. Alderdice, M.J. Renfrew, S. Merchant et al Labour and birth in water in England and Wales. British Medical Journal, 310, p 837, 1995
2. F. Alderdice, M.J. Renfrew, J. Garcia and R. McCandish, "Labour and birth in water" British Medical Journal, 311, p 390, 1995
3. Encyclopedia Britannica 1997
4. John Archer, The Water You Drink, Pure Water Press, Pearl Beach, NSW 2256, p 20 - 21., Australia 1996
5. The number in the brackets refers to the water volume in the specified part of the body weighing 70 kg.
6. A. K. McIntyre, (editor) Water: Planets, Plants and People, Australian Academy of Science, Canberra p 63, 1978
7. John Archer, The Water You Drink, Pure Water Press, Pearl Beach, NSW 2256, p 21 - 22., Australia 1996
8. 'Are You Drinking Enough', Evian, Australia, September
9. 1992. FDA Consumer, p 28., November 1983
10. Ibid, p 29.
11. F. Batmanghelidj, Your Body's Many Cries for Water, Global Health Solutions, Vermont, p 11, 1992
12. Ibit, p 50.

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