Use The 2-4-2 Formula During Fasting, God Willing, Your Body Will Stay In Shape

Illustration-Hydrates the body by drinking water. (Freepik via ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Diana Sunardi, a medical nutritionist from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) Jakarta, advised Muslims to keep drinking eight glasses of water a day while fasting.

This is to avoid dehydration or the body lacks fluids.

"Even though fasting, it must be remembered that our bodies still need eight glasses of water per day. So, to stay hydrated during fasting, drink it with a glass and the formula '2-4-2', ”said Doctor Diana in a virtual press conference, Tuesday, April 20, reported by Antara.

According to Diana, the need for body fluids is not calculated by how many takjil in the form of syrup or sweet drinks, such as cendol ice or ice teler, are consumed.

So what is the 2-4-2 formula? Drink two glasses of water besides enjoying takjil. After that, Muslims can pray maghrib and then eat. Then, between night activities until bedtime and resting, drink four glasses of water.

"During breaking the fast, at least the body gets water which functions to neutralize the body which does not get fluid intake all day," said Diana, who is also the Chair of the Indonesia Hydration Working Group (IHWG).

Finally, Diana continued, drink two glasses of water at dawn. Such drinking patterns can be used as a benchmark so that in undergoing fasting the body can work and function properly to carry out daily activities.

By staying hydrated during fasting, it means that Muslims have tried to avoid the negative effects of lack of fluids.

Some of the effects caused by a lack of fluids include reduced muscle mass (muscle shrinkage), urinary tract disorders, kidney problems, fatigue, anxiety, and loss of self-awareness (fainting).

He also reminded that during fasting, you should not forget to drink water and rely only on takjil, which usually has a sweet taste and is full of sugar so as not to cause new problems in the body.

"Keep in mind that our bodies still need water during fasting. It is permissible to break the fast with a sweet one, but of course it is limited. "The best recommendation to drink water and three dates is enough to break the fast, it is written in the Prophet's Sunnah," said Diana.