Benefits of yoga: Prevent dehydration during summer with these yoga asanas

Benefits of yoga: Certain yoga poses and breathing exercises, such as Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) and Ustrasana (Camel Pose), help balance electrolytes by stimulating adrenal glands and thyroid function (Image: Ishwari Patil)

To beat the summer heat, it is important to consider introducing yoga into your daily life to stay cool, composed, and moisturised, advises Sherin George, Group head, Physiotherapy , SPARSH Hospital, Bengaluru. "General fitness training provided by a medically qualified exercise trainer or physiotherapist, combined with guidance from a yoga therapist, enhances strength, endurance, and flexibility. It further brings a good lifestyle change and improves  the quality of life," adds George.

Here's how yoga can help prevent dehydration during summer months.

Yoga enhances body awareness: Yoga helps you recognise thirst signals early on. By staying mindful during practice, you are more likely to notice when you need to hydrate, preventing dehydration before it becomes an issue. Increased awareness encourages regular water intake, ensuring adequate hydration levels.

Regulates body temperature: Yoga, along with various breathing techniques, asanas and poses, help to  regulate body temperature. Practices like Sitali and Sitkari Pranayama (cooling breaths) help cool down the body, reducing the risk of dehydration from excessive sweating. Cooler body temperatures require adequate fluid intake to maintain hydration.

Improves circulation: Yoga poses promote blood circulation, facilitating the transport of nutrients and water to cells and tissues. Improved circulation not only benefits your health but also enhances hydration by allowing your  body to utilise water more efficiently.

Reduces stress: High levels of stress can increase the risk of dehydration. Yoga helps relieve stress through meditation, deep breathing, and resting poses, which calm the mind and reduce stress levels. By reducing tension, yoga helps prevent dehydration caused by stress, especially during hot summer months.

Promotes well-being: Regular yoga practice promotes a holistic approach to well-being, including awareness of diet and hydration. When you practice yoga you naturally incorporate sufficient hydration into your daily routines, which leads  to a balanced lifestyle and optimal hydration, particularly important during summer.

Balances electrolytes: Summer heat and excessive sweating can lead to electrolyte imbalances. Certain yoga poses and breathing exercises, such as Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) and Ustrasana (Camel Pose), help balance electrolytes by stimulating adrenal glands and thyroid function. This helps regulate electrolyte levels in the body, reducing the risk of dehydration.

Proper breathing techniques: Mastering correct breathing techniques can enhance oxygenation and blood flow to the kidneys. This aids in regulating water balance in the body, thus preventing dehydration through optimal respiratory function.