Hello,

 

I am writing a dissertation on the physiological implications of the Ramadan fast, and I have read in several sources that pre-loading the body with salt and water just before the fast (at dawn) could help slow down dehydration during the day.

 

I don't get how this is possible... Don't we have a very fine system to regulate salt and water, and flush out any excess?

I thought excess salt/water would increase the GFR, and activate the atrial natriuretic peptide and suppress aldosteron and vasopressin, thus effectively ridding plasma of all the 'pre-loaded' salt and water... What are your thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance.

Don't we have a very fine system to regulate salt and water, and flush out any excess?

 

Yep

I suppose it could help. Not sure about salt, but drinking a lot of water will definitely help.

Even if you might go to the loo due to the excess water, it will bring body fluid to an optimal level, thus keep you hydrated.

In my opinion, it's probably a placebo, if you think it slows down dehydration through out the day, then it most probably will.