Tricks to stay wholesome whereas fasting throughout Ramadan

Muslims worldwide are observing Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar. It’s a time of religious reflection, elevated devotion, charity work and fasting.

Dr. Nusheen Ameenuddin, a Mayo Clinic pediatrician, gives tricks to stay wholesome whereas fasting.

Fasting throughout Ramadan is believed to be a method to purify the soul and develop self-discipline. Muslims abstain from all meals or drink, together with water and chewing gum, from daybreak to sundown. Relying in your location, the quick lasts 12 to 18 hours.

Medicine throughout Ramadan

A number of well being issues exist for individuals with diabetes or different medical circumstances who wish to quick and must take every day medicine. Taking oral drugs would break the quick.

“That is one thing that must be mentioned together with your physician or major care supplier to see if there are methods that drugs might be adjusted, and likewise to pay attention to which drugs would possibly put them at better danger for low blood sugar or excessive blood sugar,” explains Dr. Ameenuddin.

Exercising throughout Ramadan

It’s a good suggestion to remain lively whereas fasting throughout Ramadan. It may well preserve your power ranges up and enhance your temper. Nevertheless, exercising within the warmth throughout this time might be difficult. Dr. Ameenuddin says the secret is to remain hydrated and quench your thirst when you’ll be able to eat and drink.

“I really discovered {that a} very sensible method to do that is to interrupt my quick by ingesting two full cups of water after which making an attempt to drink in between prayers through the evening, and ensuring that I’m hydrating effectively within the morning as effectively,” she says.

Well being consultants say it’s not a good suggestion to do intense cardio exercises and heavy weight-training workout routines whereas fasting.

“There’s a very good rule of thumb that if you happen to normally train at X quantity while you’re not fasting, possibly lower the depth or the length to about half of that in Ramadan to just remember to’re not pushing your self too onerous and that you simply’re not getting dehydrated or utilizing up your power shops too rapidly,” says Dr. Ameenuddin.

The advantages of fasting

In keeping with the World Well being Group, fasting has a number of bonuses, together with improved insulin sensitivity, cardiometabolic advantages and weight reduction. Dr. Ameenuddin says fasting can typically assist individuals with Kind 2 diabetes who’ve their situation underneath management.

“Fasting can really be a possibility to just remember to’re maintaining a healthy diet, consuming the correct sorts of meals to assist regulate blood sugar,” says Dr. Ameenuddin. Nevertheless, she recommends that individuals seek the advice of with their healthcare workforce.

Though the quick and the accompanying fatigue might be daunting, Muslims look ahead to this time yearly.

“That is meant to be a very good month. It’s meant to be a month of blessings for all of us. It’s not meant to be a hardship. It’s meant to assist us have better empathy for individuals who is perhaps struggling on the earth and to deliver us nearer to God,” says Dr. Ameenuddin.