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Ramadhan: Drinking plenty of water essential   ( This article was published in Oman Daily Observer, Oman's most prestigious Newspapers.The article is reproduced with the permission of the author ) By Hasan Kamoonpuri

 During the Holy Month of Ramadhan it is important for the fasting people to drink plenty of water during the time between iftar (fast-breaking meal) and suhur (pre-dawn meal).

Doctors say in order to maximise the innumerable benefits of fasting for human body, mind and soul, one needs to drink water at short intervals during suhur and iftar.

Water has innumerable health benefits for the human body. Apart from its role in reducing stress, it keeps the body hydrated. It is good to replace caffeine, tea and carbonated drinks with water, fresh fruit juices and coconut water. Caffeine and carbonated drinks affect the amount of water and the speed at which the body loses it.

Because of its importance in the body, nutrition experts agree that people should drink a minimum of six to eight glasses of water per day as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Water is an important structural component of skin cartilage, tissues and organs. For human beings, every part of the body is dependent on water. Human body comprises about 75 per cent water: the brain has 85 per cent, blood is 90 per cent, muscles are 75 per cent, kidney is 82 per cent and bones 22 per cent. Every person loses around 2½ quarts of water per day through urination, perspiration, respiration and bowel movements and people must replenish this loss by drinking plenty of water.

There are numerous alternatives to plain bottled or tap water to consume a healthy amount of water each day. About 87 per cent of milk is made up of water and juices or decaffeinated coffee can be as much as 90 per cent water. Caffeinated beverages cannot be included in a person's daily fluid content due to their diuretic effect, as they actually deplete the body of water and fluids.

Water contains essential minerals such as calcium, potassium and sodium, which play various roles in human body. Calcium helps to make bones and teeth healthy and strong and also help in the proper functioning of the heart and nerves. It also helps muscle contractions and reduces blood clotting. Potassium plays a key role in regulating the nervous system. Sodium has many benefits for the body, including the heart. Similarly, magnesium, bicarbonates, chlorides and sulphates are important for keeping fit and healthy.

If the body is not sufficiently hydrated, the cells will draw water from the bloodstream, which will make heart work harder. At the same time, the kidneys cannot purify blood effectively.

Drinking plenty of mineral water during suhur and iftar is important not only to keep the body hydrated but also to replenish its vital minerals. It also replenishes electrolytes that help in proper body functioning. Water is the most abundant substance in the human body; accounting for 60-75 per cent of the body weight and plays a key role in numerous bodily processes and functions.

In the blood, water is used to transport nutrients, oxygen and glucose to all parts of the body. Water also carries wastes to the kidneys for elimination from the body. Water is essential for digestion and relieves constipation. Water acts both as a lubricant and a cushion for organs. It regulates the body temperature through perspiration.

Fasting with plenty of water during and in between suhur and iftar is a boon for the human body.