Dubai — Rayed Al Suwaidi and Sara Al Kawari
As temperatures rise during summer, the search for effective ways to keep the body hydrated and replenish lost fluids and salts intensifies. While electrolyte drinks have topped the lists of the most popular products during this period, specialists stress that the need for them is not universal.
As many people believe, water remains the primary and safest option for most people, with the role of these drinks limited to specific situations requiring additional replenishment of fluids and minerals.
Dr Mohammed Saeed Yadi, a consultant in internal medicine, explained that the body normally obtains its required salts and minerals through a balanced diet.
He noted that electrolyte drinks — beverages designed to replace the fluids and mineral salts lost by the body — are beneficial in cases of excessive sweating, diarrhoea, vomiting, or prolonged intensive exercise.
He added that the sense of energy felt after consuming them may be linked to the sugar or stimulants that some varieties contain, and not necessarily to an improvement in hydration levels.
He also pointed out that symptoms such as severe dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, headaches, and low blood pressure may indicate significant loss of fluids and salts, which could require the use of rehydration drinks depending on need and medical assessment.
Specialists agree that water remains the primary means of maintaining the body's fluid balance, while some athletes, elderly people, and children under certain health conditions may benefit from rehydration drinks after their health status has been assessed. Milk is also considered a good nutritional option, thanks to its content of salts and proteins, according to Dr Hisham Abdel Wahab, a consultant nephrologist.
Dr Nadine Oun confirmed that rising temperatures increase fluid loss through sweating, making drinking water and consuming water-rich foods among the most important ways to maintain health and energy during summer. Nutritionist Raghad Nasser noted that regular hydration supports physical and mental performance
and helps the body adapt to high temperatures. In contrast, specialists warned against treating electrolyte drinks as a daily option for everyone, as some varieties contain high levels of sugar and sodium, and sometimes caffeine.
Clinical dietitian Natasha Ajaka noted that excessive consumption may lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, disrupted blood sugar levels, and fluid retention, particularly in people with chronic illnesses or those who are physically inactive.
Dr Hisham Abdel Wahab also cautioned that patients with chronic kidney disease need to be especially careful, given their bodies' difficulty in eliminating excess sodium and potassium, which can cause fluid retention, blood pressure disorders, and heart rhythm problems. Diabetic patients should also pay attention to the sugar content in these drinks.
Nutrition experts note that there are effective natural alternatives for hydration, including coconut water, yoghurt, and water-rich fruits such as watermelon, oranges, cantaloupe, and pineapple, in addition to fresh vegetables and soups. Natural juices are also a popular choice during summer for the fluids and refreshment they provide.
Specialists emphasise that maintaining healthy hydration depends not so much on specialised drinks as it does on drinking water regularly, following a balanced diet, and choosing natural sources of fluids.