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.
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