Monitor hydration through urine colour during hot weather

Nutritionist Dr. dr. Tan Shot Yen, M.Hum has reminded the public to pay attention to their body’s hydration status during hot weather, one way being to monitor urine colour, rather than just relying on the advice to drink around two litres of water per day. Hot weather has recently been felt in several regions of Indonesia. These conditions can cause the body to lose more fluids through sweat, especially when engaging in outdoor activities. According to Tan when contacted by ANTARA on Wednesday, a simple indicator to determine whether the body’s fluid needs have been met is urine colour. “This is the parameter for whether you need more or not. If it is still clear, light yellow, then you are safe,” said the nutritionist, a graduate of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI). Tan also addressed the assumption that coconut water is better than mineral water for maintaining hydration during hot weather. “It is fine, but not mandatory,” she said. According to her, coconut water can be consumed if available, but it is not a necessity. She also reminded that coconut water should be consumed without added sugar. “It is not a necessity. If it is available, please go ahead, without added sugar,” she said. When asked about coconut water with added sugar, Tan assessed that the drink is no longer a healthy choice. “Well, it is not healthy anymore,” she said. The nutritionist, who enjoys educating the public through social media, added that mineral water remains the primary choice for meeting the body’s daily fluid needs. “Mineral water,” she said when asked whether plain water is still better for maintaining body hydration.