Fasting in the month of Ramadan, when viewed from the standpoint of health, has several benefits. And today’s medical science has recognized the benefits of fasting which reflects the good health and one’s body and mind. This article is a translation of an article which I have translated from the writings of Dr. Farouk Haffejee entitled: “Some health guidelines for fasting”, of course, after asking permission from the editor of its website in advance and thank God I was allowed to translate this article.
This article provides suggestions useful to avoid some common health problems that can be encountered during the month of Ramadan. If the recommendations are followed, God willing, someone will be able to fast comfortably and enjoy the spiritual benefits completely from the month of Ramadan.
During the holy month of Ramadan, the food we eat is not much different effort with our food daily before the month of fasting and attempted simple as possible. The food we eat should be regulated in such a way that we can still maintain a normal weight, no increases or decreases. However, if you have excess weight, then this Ramadan is an ideal time to normalize body weight. Because of the fast of Ramadan that we will carry out lasted a full day, we need to consume foods that are slowly digested, including fiber-containing foods, fast food is not digested. Slowly digested foods can last up to 8 hours, while fast food is digested only lasted 3 to 4 hours. Examples of foods that are slow to digest such foods containing whole grains (grain) and grains such as wheat, beans, peanuts, wheat flour, white rice, etc. (or are classified as complex carbohydrates) and fiber-containing such as vegetables. Examples of fast food are digested foods that contain sugar, flour, etc. (which are classified as refined carbohydrates).
Foods eaten should be balanced, contain components from each food group of fruits, vegetables, meat / chicken / fish, bread / cereals and dairy products. Fried foods are not healthy and should be limited. Foods like these can cause digestive distress, heartburn, and weight problems.
As far as possible to avoid:
- Foods that are fried and fatty foods
- Foods that contain too much sugar
- Excessive Eating primarily at dawn time
- Too much tea during the meal. The role of urine more spending that helped bring mineral salts that will benefit your body needs throughout the day fasting.
- Smoking. If you are difficult to stop smoking, decrease gradually from a few weeks before Ramadan. Smoking is not healthy and as far as possible be stopped during the month of Ramadan.
Strive to eat:
- Complex carbohydrates at the dawn of time so that you eat foods that last longer and make you feel less hungry.
- Tofu is a protein source that is very good and the food is digested slowly.
- Dates are excellent source for sugars, fiber, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium.
- Fruit almonds (almond) are rich in protein and fiber with little fat.
- Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.
- Drink as a possible of water or fruit juice between breaking time to sleep the night so your body may adjust fluid levels in time.
