While the health benefits of fasting are well known and this encourages many non-Muslims to fast along with their Muslim friends, there are a few health issues that arise for some from fasting. The National Health Service gathered advice from medical experts and Islamic scholars to address normal issues that arise while fasting:

website: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Healthyramadan/Pages/fastinghealthrisks.aspx

Headache – This common problem has many causes. Headaches during a fast could be due to dehydration or hunger, lack of rest, or the absence of addictive substances such as caffeine or nicotine. A moderate and balanced diet, especially not missing the pre-dawn meal, taking in enough fluids and, if necessary, some painkillers such as paracetamol, can help prevent or reduce the risk of headache. Headaches can also be prevented by being exposed to direct sunlight, wearing a hat when out, using sunglasses to reduce the effect of glare from the sun and relieving any tense muscles with a short, gentle massage.

Dehydration-Dehydration is common during a fast. The body continues to lose water and salts through breathing, perspiring and urinating. If you don’t drink sufficiently before a fast, your risk of dehydration increases. This risk is higher in older individuals and in those taking medications such as diuretics. If you are unable to stand up due to dizziness, or you are disoriented, you should urgently drink regular, moderate quantities of water – ideally with sugar and salt – or Dioralyte or Lucozade. If you faint due to dehydration, your legs should be raised above your head by others, and when you awake, you should urgently rehydrate as outlined above.

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Healthyramadan/Pages/fastinghealthrisks.aspx

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One Response to Tackling Common Health Complications while Fasting

  1. Sana says:

    I love Hanna Siddiqui’s posts!

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