It is very natural for a fasting person during the month of Ramadan to feel thirsty, especially in Arab countries where temperatures are high. In addition, there are certain foods and drinks that increase thirst and reduce a fasting person’s ability to endure it.
Some people may feel thirsty during the daytime in Ramadan and resort to drinking more water at suhoor, but without benefit, because some of the foods and drinks they consume actually cause thirst during Ramadan.
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Wrong habits
Among the most important foods, drinks, and bad habits that cause you to feel thirsty during Ramadan are caffeinated beverages, as caffeine increases urination, which leads to thirst.
Salty foods also increase your body’s need for water. This is what some people do when they eat pickles at the Ramadan table, which leads to feeling thirsty during the day.
In addition to salt, sugars also increase urine flow, which in turn increases the feeling of thirst, according to a report published by the website Maalouma Tibbia and cited by Al-Hal Net.
Meals and foods containing large amounts of spices and seasonings also cause thirst, because they require drinking large quantities of water after eating them. These foods absorb water, leading to dehydration in the body, so fasting people should avoid them, especially at suhoor.
It is also important for fasting people to avoid soft drinks during iftar, because they contain carbonation, which causes bloating and a feeling of fullness, and prevents the body from properly benefiting from fluids.
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How to avoid thirst
In addition to those factors, continuous exposure to the sun makes your body dry and causes it to lose water and fluids through sweating.
To avoid thirst during Ramadan, here are some ways to overcome it: drink at least 8 glasses of water daily, but do not drink it all at once; instead, drink water between meals.
Avoid eating pickles and salted fish such as herring and feseekh, and also avoid spicy dishes, as they increase the feeling of thirst.
Drink fresh homemade juices instead of sweetened juices, because adding sugar to juices increases the feeling of thirst. Also eat vegetables and fresh fruits because they contain a high amount of dietary fiber.
Try to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, and bathing with cold water during the daytime in Ramadan can help protect you from feeling thirsty.
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