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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics
Diet
Beat the heat, not your hydration! Some summer favourites can actually drain water from your body. Let's uncover the sneaky culprits.
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Chips, and namkeens may taste great but are loaded with sodium, which pulls water out of your cells and leads to dehydration.
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Tea, coffee, and energy drinks are mild diuretics. Excessive consumption can increase urination and fluid loss, so sip wisely.
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Pakodas and samosas are summer staples, but deep-fried snacks are hard to digest and low in water, slowing down hydration.
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Pickles and soy sauce are sodium-rich. Even small servings can disrupt your body's fluid balance, especially in hot weather.
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Cocktails and cold beers may feel refreshing, but alcohol interferes with the body's antidiuretic hormone, leading to faster fluid loss and making you dehydrated.
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Too much protein without adequate water can put stress on your kidneys and cause dehydration. So, hydration must match your overall protein intake.
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Pastries, candies, and cold desserts may cool you down, but excess sugar draws water into the digestive tract, leading to fluid imbalance.
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Chillies trigger sweating, which can cause you to lose body fluids more quickly; you should be cautious if you're already low on water.
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Stay hydrated the smart way. Balance salty, spicy, and caffeinated treats with plenty of water, electrolyte drinks, coconut water, fruits like watermelon, and cooling curd-based dishes.
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