UAE doctors urge Ramadan precautions

With the summer heat and the long daylight hours, people who are fasting must take extra care to maintain their health, say doctors.

Doctors say eating healthy food is a must to stay fit during Ramadan. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

ABU DHABI // Doctors have warned people who are fasting to take extra precautions to maintain their health in the summer heat and long daylight hours of Ramadan.

Dr Zeeshan Khan, a specialist in internal medicine at Medeor 24X7 Hospital, said people must ensure they are properly hydrated during the hours of darkness, do not drink too much caffeine and try not to overexert themselves during the day.

“Also, avoid staying up late and attending or hosting too many iftar parties, as this increases the stress on the body and will make observing the fast more difficult,” Dr Khan said.

“Make sure you get a good night’s sleep in order for your body to rejuvenate for the next day.”

Eating healthy food is also a must.

“Go easy on the oil,” he said. “Deep fried food is a staple of iftar tables and these can disturb the metabolism and can cause dizziness, headaches and fatigue.”

He recommends breaking fast with dates and a glass of water or laban. People should then eat soup, as this replenishes fluids and helps settle the digestive system, and thereafter a balanced meal containing complex carbohydrates, protein, fruits and vegetables.

Dr Issam Badaoui, medical director at International SOS, a global health company, said, “With Ramadan falling during the warm months of June and July this year, it is all the more important that people are careful to avoid any immediate health risks, particularly low blood sugar and dehydration.

“Those who fast should exercise moderation in their eating and drinking habits, for their bodies to adjust to keeping and breaking the fast every day.”

Dr Georgie Thomas, a cardiologist at Burjeel Hospital, said people who had been prescribed medication should follow their doctor’s advice on taking their medicine.

The importance of the suhoor (predawn meal) was also stressed.

Dr Anita Gupta, a clinical dietician at the same hospital, said this was “the single most important meal of the day”.

“Avoid overeating and taking heavy meals before sleeping as this will put the body under stress. Take foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates and protein, fruits or vegetables, and drink plenty of water,” she said.

Dr Gupta said staying in a cool area during the hottest part of the day and limiting physical activity were also vital.

“Make sure you have a well-balanced dinner which contains items from each of the food groups such as cereals, fish or meat, vegetables, fruits and dairy products,” she said.

“Eat your meals slowly. Especially for suhoor, choose from whole grains, seeds, oats, semolina, beans, lentils, rice and wheat, as these are slow digesting food”