Muslims in Ramadhan always turn inwards, much more so than usual during the month. It is the time to seek beauty in every form and part of an attempt for a spiritual renewal. It is an ennobling process, but the first days are always hard.
For now, our bodies are already used to fasting and more so with withdrawal symptoms for morning coffee at work. The headache that most people usually get because of lack of water has also started to subside. One thing most people are sure of is that Ramadhan is here to teach us how to see beauty in everything. Whatever we do in Ramadhan, we should try as much as we can to see beauty in them – whether positive or negative.
Despite the efforts by many to keep healthy, we should always remember that walking and exercises are essential. On this note, there has been a debate over the merits and demerits of exercise while fasting but following the advice of those who have tried it, it works wonders.
A point to remember is that since this Ramadhan falls in the summer months, we will have to fast longer hours. Therefore, we have to take note of that and drink lots of water in the evenings to remain hydrated.
During Ramadhan, we should be aware of our actions and choices. Most times, outside of Ramadhan, we do not give too much thought on what we eat. However, the fasting month helps us live more deliberately with Allah on our minds, which Muslims are encouraged to do not just during the month, but every day of our lives.
For Muslims, this world is the ultimate test to find out if one is able to withstand the lure of fame and wealth to be a believer. Muslims are expected to go about their regular lives even if they are fasting.
And this means going to work and exercising and keeping the same level of activity as the non-fasting months.
Now, getting back to the real point – eating healthy during Ramadhan – health experts emphasise that eating heavy meals and fried items can cause health complications. We need to stop overeating and watch what we eat.
According to health experts, we should avoid spicy and non-vegetarian food at suhoor. They say such foods make one thirstier and feel fatigued, so need to be avoided.
There is also need to avoid cold water. Cold water further increases thirst; it does not quench thirst. Laban is a more favourable drink. In addition, dates and bananas provide extra calories, so one should add these to the main course.
On what to avoid, all health experts advise against soft drinks. Have natural juices instead.
Additionally, oral hygiene is particularly important during Ramadhan as fasting can cause oral bacteria to build up. Fasting and, therefore, abstaining from liquids can lead to the development of oral bacteria – the primary culprit of bad breath, cavities and gum disease.
We need to adapt our oral hygiene routine during Ramadhan, being sure to brush our teeth after iftar as well as suhoor to prevent bacteria from forming.
@shadadm
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