Be Alert to Signs of Mild Dehydration During Fasting — Don’t Let It Catch You Out

Dehydration can occur during fasting when the body starts to run low on fluids, and this condition is often marked by excessive thirst, a dry mouth, and urine that is more concentrated than usual.

Dr. Ihsanul Rajasa, Sp.PD, FISQua, Internal Medicine Specialist at RS Pondok Indah, explained that these signs are early signals that the body is not receiving sufficient fluids.

‘Dehydration is a condition in which the body lacks enough fluids so that organ function is impaired,’ said Dr. Ihsanul in an exclusive interview with Kompas.com on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

This condition can occur during fasting if the fluids consumed at sahur are not sufficient or the body loses more fluids through daytime activity.

The most common symptoms are a stronger thirst than usual. The mouth and lips may also feel dry because the body is running low on fluids.

Additionally, the colour of urine can become darker or more concentrated than normal. The amount of urine is also typically less.

Dizziness or a feeling of weakness that is more pronounced than usual can also occur in this condition.

High daytime physical activity can accelerate dehydration. This condition causes the body to lose more fluids through sweating.

Symptoms such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, and more concentrated urine signal that the body needs fluids.

If this condition is neglected, the risk of dehydration can increase and disrupt activities during fasting.

Understanding these early signs helps someone take the right steps to maintain the body’s fluid balance while undertaking the fasting practice.