Ihsaan Magazine May 2017 (Ramadhan Issue) | Página 32

Health & Lifestyle
Common problems during fasting
Through the Mercy of Allah (SWT), many Muslims are able to fast even though they may have some medical
issues. However, fasting can also bring along new issues as well as exacerbate pre-existing conditions. While
we fast to gain patience, there is no need for us to cause more difficulties on ourselves. Rather, we should try
to avoid problems when we can so we can have a better Ramadhan and have the health and energy to do more
worship. Here are some of the common ailments associated with fasting and how we can avoid them:
Headaches: Tension and Migraine
Possible causes for headaches are caffeine withdrawal,
dehydration and low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).
Headaches can be quite challenging as level of pain can
range from mild to severe.
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• Do not miss Suhoor
Consume more/sufficient liquids
Replenish blood sugar at Iftaar time
Use paracetamol at Suhoor
Stay out of the sun and use shades
Massage tense muscles
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• Consult your doctor
Take medication at Suhoor and Iftaar
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• Drink more water and fluids before and after fasting
Consult your doctor about fasting if you are on
medication such as diuretics.
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• Consult your doctor
Eat properly especially more complex carbohydrates
at the time of suhoor.
Take medication at the time of Suhoor and Iftaar if
oral.
Test your blood sugar often, even while fasting.
If your blood sugar goes too low, break the fast.
Prescription and non-prescription medications
Some people do not take their medication while fasting.
This can lead to more problems such as worsening of
their ailment or additional issues.
Dehydration
During fasting the body loses water and salts through
urine, sweating and breathing which is less of a problem
for healthy individuals but can be a problem for others;
labourers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, persons ill
with urinary tract issues and the elderly
Improving YOUR Health in Ramadhan
There are many benefits which can automatically be deriv ed from Ramadhan, if we fast in the best manner, as an
additional favour from Allah. Such as weight loss, which can aid in lowering blood pressure, decreasing the pressure
on joints and improving heart and organ function. We can achieve this by avoiding over-eating (do not try to ‘make
up’ for missed meals, especially at Iftaar), eating a balanced diet and choosing the right types of food such as complex
carbohydrates (provisions, grains and beans) and fibre-rich foods (cereals, vegetables and fruits).
Avoid:
• Highly processed foods such as biscuits or cakes
• Deep fried foods such as samosas, pakoras or
fried chicken
• Sugary foods such as ice-cream, chocolates,
biscuits or barfi
• Refined carbohydrates such as white flour
• Caffeine which is a diuretic and therefore
stimulates water loss like cola, coffee and tea
Alternatively:
• Drink lots of water
• Shallow fry instead of deep fry
• Bake instead of shallow fry
• Use whole wheat or gluten free flour
• Grill or bake meats instead of frying
• Use fish and chicken instead of red meats
• Use olive oil instead of creamy salad dressings
• Cook with cooking spray or olive oil
• Use low fat or skimmed milk
Allah says: Eat and drink but do not be extravagant. (Chap.7, Verse 31)
In Ramadhan, we are taught to control overeating and drinking to improve our health as well as to not show
extravagance. Let us use this great opportunity to increase our faith (Imaan) as well as our well-being .
Diabetes
The diabetic person can have low blood sugar especially
at the ending of the day. He or she may be restricted in
medication during the fast. This can lead to dizziness and
dry mouth.
Important note:
Insulin injections can be taken during fasting.
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Heartburn
Indigestion can occur during fasting as our stomach acids
builds up with nothing to digest and worsen when we eat
heavily at night. Heartburn is extremely uncomfortable
and the effects can be reduced if not avoided.
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Take your regular medication (eg. Gauixon, Nexium,
Zantac) at Suhoor time or Iftaar.
Avoiding fried and spicy food and caffeine
Use peppermint oil or ginger
Sleep with head raised on a few pillows.
Constipation
This can be a very upsetting problem as a fasting person
may eat irregularly and nutritionally poor. It can cause
stomach bloating and cramps as well nausea.
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Use fibre rich foods such as brans and oats, fruits
and vegetables.
Drink lots of water
Try to be active
Use mild laxatives if necessary
Ihsaan | Issue 2 | 31