Written by Amal Allam
Saturday, March 18, 2023 11:19 AM
The month of Ramadan, celebrated by millions around the world, begins next week, as Muslims prepare for one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar. We take a look at the health effects of Ramadan, and the extent of its many benefits, according to the British Daily Mail.
Ramadan, a period of fasting observed by Muslims around the world, can carry a number of health benefits as well as some potential health risks for some groups of patients.
During Ramadan, most Muslims eat only twice a day, at the pre-dawn meal called suhoor and once more following, the paper said Breakfast It is called iftar, in which any food or drink is prohibited from sunrise to sunset, as food and drink are consumed before dawn at the pre-dawn meal, and once more at breakfast, at sunset, and smoking is also prohibited during daylight hours in Ramadan.
The newspaper said that the aim of fasting is that it allows Muslims to sympathize with those who are less fortunate, to feel the poor as well as to draw closer to God by reciting the Qur’an, and another aspect of Ramadan is that the spiritual rewards multiply during this month..
The newspaper indicated that Muslims are prevented from insulting, lying, fighting and arguing during the holy month, while encouraging alms towards others..
Are some Muslims exempt from fasting?
Those who suffer from certain diseases that affect the health of the fasting person are generally exempted. These categories include the elderly, the frail, the sick or those being treated for a chronic medical condition, pregnant women, menstruating women, lactating women, and children who have not reached puberty.
Those who miss fasting for a temporary reason, such as menstruation or due to illness, are encouraged to make up the fast at different times of the year, and pregnant women are considered among the categories exempt from Ramadan fasting.
For those who are unable to make up for the fast, a donation is made to feed the poor in lieu of fasting for those who are unable.
What are some of the health benefits of fasting?
Fasting has the obvious benefit of reducing the number of calories consumed, which in theory might help you lose weight, however, whether or not a person loses weight depends on what they eat during the pre-dawn and following-sunset meals, if the person chooses caloric foods. high, he will not lose any weight despite not eating or drinking during the day, and that is why Muslims are advised to eat a regular balanced meal, which includes a variety of the main food groups for suhoor and iftar.
For some people who are obese or overweight, a change in their usual diet can lead to weight loss during Ramadan. However, unless they make changes to their eating habits for the rest of the year, the weight will return. Some studies have also found that fasting during Ramadan It lowers cholesterol levels and boosts the immune system.
The newspaper said, preventing smoking levels, which is fasting Ramadan, may be beneficial because it may encourage people to quit smoking permanently.
Are there health risks from fasting Ramadan?
Muslims who are at risk of potential health complications from fasting, such as sick and pregnant women, oral medications can be considered to break the fast, people with critical illnesses are exempt from fasting, and many medication regimens can be changed so that they are taken with suhoor and iftar, and with However, anyone with concerns should consult their GP or physician before deciding not to take their medication.
And the newspaper stressed that one of the health conditions that you should be aware of is diabetes and the effect of fasting on blood sugar levels. Muslims with diabetes are encouraged to speak to the diabetes team before Ramadan to discuss whether or not fasting is harmful to their health. In general, fasting can cause some minor health problems.
And the newspaper added, that mild dehydration can occur from not drinking as a result of fasting, which can cause headaches, fatigue and difficulty concentrating, and this also happens to people who usually consume caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee during the day, and changes in eating habits and lack of Fluids during the day can cause constipation in some people.
Fasting people are advised to eat plenty of high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, high-fiber cereals, bran, fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, dried fruits, and nuts along with plenty of fluids during their meals before dawn and following sunset. In addition, light physical activity, such as walking, is recommended. After breakfast, to reduce the risk of constipation.