It starts with a headache. A dull throb at your temples that you try to ignore. Then, as the afternoon sun rises higher, the dizziness kicks in. Your mouth feels dry, and your energy levels are crashing. Sound familiar? If you've ever fasted during Ramadan, you've probably felt the effects of dehydration. While fasting has immense spiritual and physical benefits, ignoring hydration can leave you struggling to function.
As a Dubai neurologists would tell you, dehydration doesn’t just cause discomfort; it can trigger serious health issues, from migraines to fainting spells. And yet, so many of us overlook just how essential water is, especially when our bodies go hours without it.
Why hydration matters more than ever in Ramadan:
I’m sure everyone’s heard of the importance of water from the minute they gain consciousness. You don’t even need to hear of it to know it - you can always feel it. Your body is made up of around 60% water, and even mild dehydration can throw off essential functions. Normally, you drink water throughout the day without giving it much thought. But during Ramadan, that luxury disappears. Suddenly, your body has to adapt to long hours without hydration, making every sip you take during suhoor and iftar even more crucial.
Water regulates everything: body temperature, blood circulation, digestion, and even cognitive function. It’s not just about quenching thirst; it’s about keeping your body running. During fasting, your kidneys work overtime to conserve water, but if you’re not replenishing properly when you can, you’re putting yourself at risk of exhaustion, dizziness, and even kidney issues.
How does dehydration affect your body?
Imagine this: You’ve had a full day of fasting, and as maghrib approaches, you start feeling lightheaded. You chalk it up to hunger, but what you’re actually experiencing is dehydration. The signs aren’t always obvious. It’s not just thirst. It’s also accompanied by other bothersome symptoms, such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even irritability.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that drinking a few glasses of water at Iftar will be enough to sustain them. The reality is a little different. Your body needs time to absorb and distribute that hydration. Gulping down water too quickly can overwhelm your system, leading to bloating rather than effective rehydration. Remember: we’re human beings, not camels. We can’t just store all this excess water, so just drinking gallons of it in a minute when our bodies clearly can’t handle it isn’t exactly the best way to tackle this. The best strategy is consistent hydration between iftar and suhoor—small sips spread throughout the night.
Here’s something you probably haven’t considered: hydration plays a role in your breathing too. Your sinuses and airways rely on moisture to function properly. Ever noticed how your nose feels dry and stuffy after a long day of fasting? That’s because dehydration thickens the mucus in your nasal passages, making it harder to breathe. This also puts you at increased risk of sinus infections. AnÌýENT in DubaiÌýwould tell you that staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to keep your airways clear and reduce the risk of post-fasting congestion.
Hydration also affects your hormones.
Water doesn’t just affect your immediate physical state. It plays a huge role in your hormones. Your endocrine system relies on hydration to regulate everything from metabolism to stress responses. When you’re dehydrated, your cortisol levels (the stress hormone) rise, which can leave you feeling anxious and fatigued.
For those with conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders, hydration is even more critical. Dehydration can spike blood sugar levels and make hormone regulation harder. That’s why an endocrinologist would always emphasise water intake, especially during Ramadan.
Fasting is about discipline, reflection, and care—not just for your soul but for your body, too. Neglecting hydration can turn what should be a spiritually uplifting month into a physically exhausting one. By making small but consistent efforts to stay hydrated, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, healthier Ramadan.
And as anyÌýendocrinologistwill tell you, your body will thank you for it in the long run.
