MUSCAT, MARCH 11
Ramadhan is a month of spiritual reflection and discipline, and fasting offers many health benefits when practiced correctly. However, changes in daily routines, eating habits, sleep patterns, and fluid intake for several days may lead to certain common and largely preventable health complaints.
Medics and hospitals dealing with patients complaining about lifestyle ailments say that a fasting person may experience some discomfort as his system is subject to a regime that it has never experienced before, and he or she needn’t worry about them, and instead, consult a doctor.
Among the most frequently reported ailments reported during Ramadhan are dehydration, headache, fatigue, dizziness, gastritis, constipation, hypoglycaemia, sleep disturbances, tiredness, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, and for some, the blood sugar fluctuates, and may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), causing dizziness.
Also, exacerbation of pre-existing ailments like Hypertension. Diabetes and cholesterol are some of the common ailments seen around. “These issues are often related not to fasting itself, but to insufficient hydration, excessive caffeine intake, poor food choices, overeating at Iftar and inadequate sleep,” says Dr Mahmoud al Rahbi, head of emergency medicine at the Samayil Hospital.
However, he advises that prevention remains the cornerstone of good health during the holy month and it pays to follow some precautionary measures which include ensuring adequate fluid intake between Iftar and Suhoor, consuming balanced meals rich in fibre, protein and complex carbohydrates, avoiding excessive fried, salty and sugary foods, gradually reducing caffeine consumption before and during Ramadhan and maintaining good sleep hygiene.
“It is important to emphasise that fasting is safe for the majority of healthy individuals when proper precautions are taken. Special attention should be given to high-risk groups such as patients with diabetes, the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses, who should consult healthcare professionals before and during Ramadhan," Dr Al Rahbi said.
Medics advise that people need to be aware of preventive measures which can support public health efforts and ensure that Ramadhan is observed in a manner that is healthy, safe, and spiritually fulfilling.
According to Dr Benny Panakkan, medical director and specialist in cardiology at the Badr Al Samaa Hospitals, the common issues faced by doctors are people discontinuing medications during the daytime. “Also, those who require strict balancing of fluid intake, like those who have heart failure or kidney disease, start fasting without consulting doctors and end up in problems,” he said.
Dr Dilip Singhvi, Specialist, Internal Medicine, Burjeel Hospital, recommends light meals and oily food at Iftar and Suhoor, and to maintain good hydration, one should take ample water and fluids during eating hours. In Ramadhan, it requires long hours of fasting, almost 13 to 14 hours, which leads to many changes in the body, as the normal routine of food intake is altered and we are left with only 9 to 10 hours for eating and replenishment.
According to him, one should make it a point to break the fast with water, dates, have some light snacks, then after some time have a proper meal, a balanced, healthy diet, avoiding oily food. Besides, he or she should try to take adequate rest and sleep for a minimum of 6 to 7 hours.
Dr Muhammed Muneer, Diabetologist and General Physician at the Al Salama International Medical Centre, gives some tips to manage common ailments during the month of Ramadhan. "Stay warm and avoid direct AC, especially after bathing or when wet-headed. Between Iftar and Suhoor, drink plenty of water," he said.
BLURB
Among the most frequently reported ailments reported during Ramadhan are dehydration, headache, fatigue, dizziness, gastritis, constipation, hypoglycaemia, sleep disturbances, tiredness, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, and for some, the blood sugar fluctuates, and may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) causing dizziness.
HEALTHY TIPS
- Ensure adequate fluid intake between Iftar and Suhoor
- Consume balanced meals rich in fibre, protein and complex carbohydrates
- Avoid excessive fried, salty and sugary foods
- Gradually reduce caffeine consumption before and during Ramadhan
- Maintain good sleep hygiene
- For individuals with chronic conditions, seek medical advice
- Avoid spicy and oily foods at dawn; they trigger acidity during the day
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