Ramadan 2018: The Importance of Water

A severe lack of water can lead to a myriad of problems with the human body and how it functions, from dizziness all the way to stomach ulcers and even death.

With the blessed month of Ramadan so near and in recognition of upcoming World Water Day on 22nd March, it is vital that we understand the importance of water in our lives. So, here are some of the most common problems you may encounter when dehydrated to show just how crucially important water actually is. 

• A lack of water in the body can lead to increased fatigue and severe lethargy, leaving you with quite an evident lack of physical energy. Not only this, it can also have a major impact on your head, provoking severe headaches along with dizziness, leaving you unstable and in some cases, even unconscious
• A severe lack of water can significantly reduce signals to the brain, which, ultimately, can lead to shrinking of the brain itself
• Dehydration can lead to constipation, which can trigger numerous other health issues within the human body, not to mention how uncomfortable it can be
• Dehydration can result in an influx of acidity within the stomach, resulting in stomach ulcers
• Dehydration can also cause poor blood circulation which can reduce blood flow in the arteries and veins. Your body can end up producing more cholesterol as a result of lost liquid, increasing cholesterol levels in the process
• Dehydration can cause numerous other health issues including high or low blood pressure, heart palpitations, irregular heart rhythm, increased toxins in the body, joint pain due to a lack of lubrication in the joints, nausea and so much more

Keep Hydrated this Ramadan

Keeping hydrated whilst fasting during the month of Ramadan is not as difficult as you may think. Around 70% of our body is made up of water which needs to be replenished. If your body’s fluid intake is reduced, it can have a serious impact on your nervous system.

Here are a few tips for the month of Ramadan to ensure you keep hydrated.

• Many of those fasting tend to develop cravings for drinks that do nothing for hydration and end up opening the fast with fizzy drinks, sugary juices and caffeine. This is one of our biggest mistakes and one of the primary reasons many tend to put on weight during the fasting month. Sugary drinks slow down the digestion process and do absolutely nothing to reduce the toxins in the system
• If the weather is warm during the month of Ramadan, then try your best to stay indoors wherever possible as being in direct sunlight causes sweat, which, in turn, causes loss of body fluid
• Many people eat incredibly spicy meals at iftar during Ramadan; this can majorly increase thirst. Also, adding excess salt to your food can enhance thirst levels too
• Fresh fruit contains a lot of water; stick to fresh vegetables as opposed to the frozen variety which is mainly stripped of all its nutritious qualities
• During suhoor and iftar, ensure you have small, nutritious meals, rich in fibre and nutrients, with a glass of water. Don’t forget that dates are incredible for sustaining the body during the fasting period and carry uncountable health benefits

Without water, the earth and its people would cease to exist. In all likelihood, most people who are currently reading this take this for granted without even realising.

Initiatives such as the water and sanitation project with Muslim Aid serve as a well-needed reminder of those who do not have access to something as simple as clean, safe water.

This Ramadan, donate towards a good cause with Muslim Aid.

For more information on our current projects and campaigns, call us on 020 7377 4200 or visit us online.