By: Deborah Amewoyi
Dry seasons or harmattan in Ghana begins in November and ends in March the next year and it is important to stay hydrated during this season to ensure a healthy system.
Staying hydrated requires the consumption of the right balance of water into our body systems. Research has proven that 75% of an average human’s body consists of water hence water is released frequently through excretory practices like sweating and urinating. As the body cools down, the adequate proportion of water needs to be replaced.
It must be a priority for every individual to stay hydrated during this harmattan season due to the dry dusty air that quickly dehydrates the body.
To stay hydrated during this period, it is advisable to;
- Drink more water: Do not wait until excessively thirsty to drink water.
- Eat water – rich foods: soups, fruits and vegetables with enough water should be consumed frequently.
- Avoid excessive alcohol, soda and sugary drinks: encourage the intake of fruit juice.
- Low intake of fatty foods.
- Avoid Caffiene: energy drinks and carbonated drinks should be avoided.
Eventhough there are speculations that drinking 8 glasses of water keeps the human body fully hydrated, further scientific research has proven that the human body’s level of hydration can be determined by the body size and the amount of energy exerted by the body during the day.
