There are important principles to consider when performing fasting during Ramadan. Although fasting has health benefits, it can harm our body with the mistakes we make. During Ramadan, there are significant changes in the functioning of the body and our metabolism. Prolonged dehydration causes some changes in fluid balance and electrolytes in body fluids. These changes affect patients with chronic diseases, receiving multiple drug treatments, and the elderly more. Most of the drugs taken are excreted from the body through the kidneys and with water. Therefore, adequate fluid intake is very important. Those who have stomach ulcers, gastritis, reflux disease, cardiac disease, patients who use regular or multiple medications, and those who have diabetes and high blood pressure should consult their physicians and get advice before fasting. It is necessary to pay more attention to nutrition during Ramadan than other times. It should not be forgotten that disruption of the water and electrolyte balance, which are the basic building blocks of our body, will affect the entire body functioning and therefore the joints.
Head and neck pains are situations we encounter very frequently during Ramadan. Particularly tension-type headaches, neck, musculoskeletal system pain, and cramp-like pain are some of these.
Since we are having a hot summer and the fasting period is long, active operation of air conditioners will increase the pain due to muscle stiffness.
Going hungry, skipping meals or fasting causes migraine attacks in many patients. The most important reason for headache complaints while fasting is not drinking water despite the high air temperature and the high amount of fluid lost through sweat, contrary to healthy eating rules.
Everyone knows the beneficial effects of fasting for the body, but this is not the case for the stomach and intestines. It should not be forgotten that the process may create some difficulties. It should not be forgotten that loading the empty stomach, especially during Ramadan, during iftar and sahur times can lead to serious stomach and digestive system disorders. Consuming heavy, fatty foods should be avoided during iftar and sahur times.
During long fasting, some secretions in the stomach decrease. This condition affects the stomach and intestines. It makes it more sensitive to external factors, and a mild gastritis, a healing ulcer or similar diseases become evident under these conditions. Therefore, it would be appropriate for those who have stomach complaints or a history of ulcers or stomach bleeding to take into account the doctor's advice before starting to fast.
It is seen that fasting can cause problems in reflux disease, which is a common condition. Normally, reflux patients should eat little and often and not lie down immediately after eating. During Ramadan, eating fast at iftar after being hungry for a long time will trigger reflux attacks.
Also, plenty of liquids, vegetables and fruits should be consumed between iftar and sahur. For dessert, light and milky desserts should be preferred instead of heavy pastry desserts. Since gastric emptying is delayed, especially with fatty meals, symptoms of reflux disease may increase. It is known that lying down immediately after eating increases the symptoms of reflux disease. For this reason, it is necessary not to eat too much and variety of food at sahur.
Forty-minute walks, especially about an hour after breaking the fast, are important for cardiovascular health, as well as strengthening our muscles and reducing joint pain. We should not suddenly do heavy exercise or sports during Ramadan.
Skipping the sahur meal while fasting is not suitable for our health. In addition, if nutritious foods are not consumed at sahur, health problems due to unbalanced nutrition will occur. These simple precautions can help us have a more comfortable time during Ramadan.
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