What are the common problems encountered during Ramadan?

Do you encounter health problems during Ramadan? Our nutrition expert Christelle Bedrossian will tell us the causes and offer tips concerning the treatment of each one

 Why do we encounter health problems during Ramadan?

–          Health problems are Complications of Fasting.

–          They are due to the sudden change in food and fluid intake

–          They are aggravated by  the food and drinks taken during iftar and suhur  if not chosen carefullyàthey can be easily avoided

–          Health problems can have serious consequences for some people if they don’t take serious measures

 What are the most common problems encountered?

–          The most common complaints during Ramadan are headaches.

–          Low Blood Sugar

–          Digestive problems: constipation/ indigestion, flatulence,reflux and  heartburn

–          Low blood pressure and lethargy

–          Muscle cramps

–          Kidney stones

Why do you suffer from headaches?

–  The most common complaints during Ramadan are headaches. Headaches can occur as the day passes and can worsen by the end of the day.

–  No one is quite sure what causes the “first-of-Ramadan headache,” but there does seem to be a correlation between caffeine intake pre-Ramadan and headaches during.

–   Reducing caffeine intake gradually during the two weeks leading into Ramadan seems to ease the headaches. Never cut it off directly

–   Dehydration seems to have something to do with the headaches. Very little fluid intake can lead to dehydration, especially on particularly hot days. If untreated, dehydration can lead to fainting or shock (very low blood pressure)

–          Hunger

–          Working too much

–          Lack of sleep

Why people face Low Blood Sugar?

–          Most cases of hypoglycemia are related to diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic condition that leads to increased blood sugar levels. Treatment is aimed at decreasing blood sugar, but many factors can lead to sugar levels dropping too low.

–          During Ramadan, healthy people with no history of diabetes can also suffer from low blood sugar. The most common factor is

ànot eating suhur or the length of time between meals

àHaving too much refined carbohydrates example sugar, especially at suhur. The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop.

–          The problem is that a person with no history of diabetes may not recognize the signs of hypoglycemia.

–           Hypoglycemia can cause confusion, slurred speech, weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiration, feeling shaky, an inability to perform physical activities, headaches and palpitations.

Why do people face problems in the digestive system?

• Constipation can cause discomfort, making you feel bloated. This can be caused by

–          eating too much refined food

–          drinking too little water

–          not eating enough fiber.

• Indigestion, reflux, flatulence and heartburn can be caused by

–          over-eating

–          eating too many fried and fatty foods

–          spicy foods

–          foods that produce gas: eggs, cabbage, grains

–          Coffee and cola drinks worsen the conditions

–          fasting itself: during Ramadan, the stomach is empty, it will increase the acid levels and aggravate the condition

What are the symptoms of low blood pressure and why do people face it?

The symptoms of Low blood pressure are:

–          Excessive sweating

–          Weakness

–          Tiredness

–          lack of energy

–          dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position

–           pale appearance

–          feeling faint

NB:

–          Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present.

–          Persons with high blood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadan. They should consult their doctor

Low blood pressure tends to occur towards the afternoon and is due to:

– Too little fluid intake
– decreased salt intake.

 Why do people face muscle cramps?

Muscle cramps are due to an inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods.

Why do people face kidney stones during Ramadan?

Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquids to drink.
Therefore, it is essential to drink extra liquids to prevent stone formation.

Ramadan Kareem!

Love,

Helwi El Hayet

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