How to Maintain Hydration in Ramadan

Hydration during Ramadan can be quite a challenge during the summer months and dealing with thirst is often the hardest part. That is why it’s so important to consume water wisely after breaking the fast in a way that will keep thirst at bay the following day.

So far our Ramadan Series has covered general tips for Ramadan and we have talked about how to stay sporty in Ramadan, so today we thought we’d talk more about that much-needed water, with a full list of how, when and what to drink and eat this month, to keep you happily hydrated.

Avoid those chilies

For your suhour meal you want to avoid spicy and salty foods, as these will absorb the water in the body, which will make you thirsty during the long day ahead. Don’t forget that water can also come from the food that you eat and there are many types of water-packed foods that are considered a great source for hydration. Try out these foods for their high water content:

Watermelon 92%

Cucumber 96%

Iceberg lettuce 95%

Celery 95%

Radish 95%

Tomato 94%

Green Pepper 93%

It’s a great idea to start your iftar meal with a light salad or a soup packed with some of the vegetables mentioned, and you can start your day off the same way, eating foods with a high water content to keep you going for the day. Try out some of our Summer Smoothie ideas on our blog for some creative and equally delicious suhour options this Ramadan.

Take your time

Don’t shock your body with a large amount of water or sugary juice after a long day of fasting – it’s all about maintaining a slow and steady approach. Drink a glass of water every 30-60 minutes after breaking your fast, and support your body with herbal teas or natural fruit juices to keep the digestive processes going. Aim to consume about 2L of water steadily from iftar time until you fast again the next day.

What to drink

Our ancestors had the wisdom to choose the right drinks that refill our bodies with not only hydration, but also with the vitamins and minerals needed to keep us going like clockwork. These drinks include Qamardeen (apricot juice), Eric Soos (licorice juice), Tamr hindi (tamarind juice), Ayran (yogurt beverage) and Jallab (a mix of dates, grapes and rose water). These drinks work as natural anti-oxidants and provide support to the immune and digestive systems – empowering the blood circulation and maximising the body’s physical and psychological functionality. These traditional Ramadan drinks are considered as a mine of minerals and vitamins; they provide Iron, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphor and Calcium with a wide range of vitamins including A, B3, B6, K and C. Just be mindful not to add sugar because these drinks are already high in natural sugars. Hot herbal drinks also provide great support to the body after fasting, as well as the benefits of hydration – try a cup of Slavia, Chamomile or Green Tea after iftar to aid digestion of the food consumed.

Sign up to the SSS Blog to stay updated on all our Ramadan features and follow the series so far:

• Top 5 Ramadan Tips
• Exercises in Ramadan
• 10 foods to keep you energised this Ramadan

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