Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar and is being observed by Muslims worldwide and the fast have significant relation with ones health. It’s a time for prayer, giving, fasting, and introspection.
The spiritual cleansing and increased self-control associated with Ramadan fasting are widely held beliefs. From sunrise till sunset, practising Muslims do not consume anything, including water and gum. The fast typically lasts between 12 and 18 hours.
Everyone who has attained puberty in the Islamic faith is required to fast, with a few exceptions. Those who are unable to fast due to age, illness, incapacity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, travel, or other circumstances are excused from fasting by the Islamic Societies.
Ramadan and medication
Those who need to take medication every day, such as those with diabetes or heart disease, face a number of health risks if they try to fast. Putting a pill in the mouth would mean breaking your fast.
Talking to your doctor or primary care provider about this is important because “this is something that needs to be discussed with your doctor or primary care provider to see if there are ways that medications can be adjusted, that timing of medication can be adjusted, and also to be aware of which medications might put them at greater risk for low blood sugar or high blood sugar,” as Dr. Ameenuddin explains.
Doing exercise during Ramadan
Maintaining physical activity is recommended throughout the month-long fast of Ramadan. It can help you feel more energised and upbeat overall. The heat makes it difficult to work out during this time. Dr. Ameenuddin recommends drinking water and eating regularly to prevent dehydration which will ultimately result in health gains.
“I really found that a very practical method to do this is to break my fast by drinking two full cups of water and then attempting to drink in between prayers during the night and making sure that I’m hydrating well in the morning as well,” she explains.
Fasting is not a suitable time for strenuous exercise, such as running or lifting weights.
According to Dr. Ameenuddin, “a good rule of thumb is that if you usually exercise at X amount when you’re not fasting, maybe decrease the intensity or the duration to about half of that” during Ramadan. This will prevent you from overexerting yourself, becoming dehydrated, and exhausting your energy reserves too quickly.
Health gains from abstaining from food
Fasting improves insulin sensitivity, has cardiometabolic advantages, and aids in weight loss, as stated by the World Health Organization. Dr. Ameenuddin thinks fasting may help patients with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Ameenuddin says fasting can be used as an opportunity to improve one’s diet by focusing on foods that are high in fibre and low in sugar. Yet, she stresses the importance of talking to one’s doctor.
Notwithstanding the challenges posed by the fast and the resulting exhaustion, Muslims eagerly anticipate this time of year. This impacts overall health in a good way.
Dr. Ameenuddin explains the purpose of Ramadan: “This is meant to be a good month, a month of blessing for all of us. It is not meant to be a hardship. It is designed to help us have greater empathy for others who might be suffering in the world and to bring us closer to God.”
To read our article about “How can you spend Ramadan in the best way possible” click here.
