It is Ramadan, and many people are desperate with thirst. On top of that there is the heat: step outside and you are soaked in sweat.

So at iftar almost everyone quenches their thirst with cold water. It can seem there is no alternative, but does cold water really harm the body, or is that just a misconception?

According to experts, cold water can be drunk in hot weather, but drinking too much water can be bad for the body. Many people believe cold water increases fat, but that belief has no basis.

Still, care is needed before drinking cold water in the heat, or a host of problems can set in. In particular, avoid sipping from a bottle or mug of cold water as soon as you come in from outside.

Koyel Pal Chowdhury, a noted nutritionist in Kolkata, has described several problems that can arise from drinking very cold water in severe heat:

• Drinking cold water in intense heat lowers body temperature suddenly, producing a contrary reaction in the body that can bring on a chill.
• Cold water in hot weather raises the risk of mucus or phlegm building up in the lungs.
• The risk of catching a cold can increase several times over.
• It can cause toothache.
• People with tonsil problems can get a sore throat.

So do not drink large amounts of very cold water. In particular, give up the habit of drinking ice-cold water as soon as you come home from the sun, or the problems may get worse. Instead, mix cold water from the fridge with water at room temperature, and there will be no problem.

This will also keep the body's pH balance in order, so no problems arise. Those who drink lukewarm water on an empty stomach should not give up the habit.

A glass of lukewarm water on an empty stomach relieves many problems: digestion works properly, body fat falls and even constipation eases.

In this hot season everyone should drink 3-4 litres of water a day. You can also drink green coconut water, fruit juice and sherbet, but add no sugar to these drinks, and do not buy drinks from outside.

Citing Ei Samay.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.