Expert warns against excessive intake of cold drinks

Dr Safiya Ojo, General Medical Practitioner, Wuse General Hospital, Abuja, has warned Nigerians against excessive intake of cold drinks to avoid cold related ailments.

Ojo gave the warning on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

However, the expert advised that drinking cold water in moderation would not have adverse effect on their health.

“Drinking very cold water could be harmful to the body because there is a belief that the bacteria dwelling the in cold environment will trigger children to have catarrh, cough and respiratory tract infection.

“Children and adults that experience skin allergies and asthmatic patients should avoid excessive cold water because they experience attacks,’’ she said.

Ojo said during hot weather, people tend to lose extra fluids and beverages in the temperature range would have a cooling effect on the body.

She added that drinking cool beverages could help to cool one from the inside.

“The best indicator on whether your body is getting enough water is urine colour. If your urine is dark yellow, chances are you’re not getting enough water.

“If you pass clear to very light coloured yellow urine, your fluid intake is adequate.

“But remember that urine colour in the morning will always be a little darker,’’ she said.

Ojo said to function properly, all the cells and organs of the body need water, adding that water also lubricate the joints, protect the spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.

Other advantages, she listed, are that water regulate body temperature and assist the passage of food through the intestines.

She said although some of the water required by the body was obtained through foods with high water content from soups, tomatoes and oranges.

She explained that the majority water was gained through drinking water and other beverages.

“Drinking water, be it from the tap or a bottle, is the best source of fluid for the body.

“Beverages such as milk and juices are also decent sources of fluid, but beverages containing alcohol and caffeine, such as soft drinks, coffee and beer, are not ideal because they often contain calories,’’ Ojo said.