Al Amn Magazine # 162

APRIL 2023 36 amadan is the month of r i g h t e o u s n e s s and self-control, commun i c a t i on and mercy. Healthy adult Muslims fast daily from dawn until sunset, and social life is especially active. People either take advantage of the holy month to correct their health conditions, abandon bad habits, and draw closer to God, or they receive this month as an opportunity to gather around the iftar table, stay up late with relatives and friends, and have delicious food and drinks to celebrate their fast. Some people may not be able to engage in any physical activity due to lethargy and lack of time, so they gain weight during Ramadan. Some patients may not be able to control their health well with fasting, especially if they follow unhealthy eating habits. It is known that fasting has positive effects and many benefits on health, especially for treating obesity and controlling chronic diseases such as diabetes and high levels of harmful fats in the body. One can lose weight and reduce the level of sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. On the contrary, fasting may result in weight gain if one gives himself free rein and overeats. A recommended nutritional and health rule is to drink large amounts of water between breakfast and suhoor to compensate for the fluid lost by the body during the day (at least 10 cups) while avoiding exposure to sunlight, and working in shaded places when the heat intensifies, because it may cause more sweating. Having a healthy and balanced fast-breaking meal to compensate for energy levels, and breaking the fast with three dates is considered a traditional and healthy way to start, because dates are rich in fibre, minerals and sugars. Do not forget to eat a lot of vegetables to provide the body Atime topractice self-control Eatinghealthy inRamadanamust MEDICAL Dr. Zahra Khalifa Family Medicine Consultant R