Fasting and Health

At this time of the year many of the Muslim online community are fasting. In Qatar, they have also been joined by many non-Muslim members, whether out of curiosity, sympathy, respect or for religious reasons.

What makes fasting particular hard for Muslims, especially in the heat, is going without water. Hard for non-smokers, that is. Muslim smokers have told me that the desire for water pales into insignificance compared to the lust for tobacco that they suffer.

Health problems

Paradoxically, many health problems occur in Ramadan as a result of over eating. After fasting, it is tempting to over-indulge.

This is of course against the spirit of fasting. Mohammad is said to have warned Muslims against over-eating, recommending that after a meal our stomach should be a third full of food, a third full of water and a third empty – actually pretty good dietary advice.

We should also have less need for food. When we eat less, our metabolic rate slows and less energy used. Then when we do eat, more food is converted into fat. Despite this, many people consume more food – and sweeter food - in Ramadan than at other time of the year, leading to weight gain.

Fasting can lead to gastronomic problems . These can be exacerbated by some of the foods consumed at Ramadan, While sweets are a favourite at Ramadan, their high sugar content means that their energy value does not last long. Spicy food and fried foods should also be avoided. Eating foods rich in fibres, such as brown bread or rice, will help to avoid gastronomic problems.

Perhaps the biggest danger to health during fasting is that of dehydration. While not everyone fasting will suffer from dehydration, it is important to know the signs.

Dehydration

Dehydration is caused by the loss of fluids and electrolytes, and is more likely to occur in hot countries such as Qatar.

Dehydration symptoms can include dizziness, nausea and, diarrhoea, dark urine or an inability to urinate and a dry mouth and nose. Children may show additional symptoms, such as a sunken abdomen or skin which does not hold its shape after being pinched or pressed.

Special care should be taken with children who are more susceptible to dehydration. Some Muslims I know set reduced targets for children, for example asking them to fast till 11 o’ clock or till midday.

Mild dehydration can be treated easily with oral rehydration formulas. These are available, normally in powder form, in every chemist. Alternatively make sure that you consume food containing sodium (i.e. salt) and potassium along with your water. Dates, a traditional food eaten when breaking fast, is a good source of electrolytes such as potassium, and their high tanin content should also help with any gastronomic problems.

When to stop fasting

Ultimately, it is not advisable to fast if you are sick or to continue to fast if you start to feel sick. In fact, the Quran specifically makes an exception for the sick and for travellers, albeit with the proviso that days should be made up either by fasting at a later date or by paying someone to fast for you.

Specifically, the Qu’ran states that the intention of fasting is not to cause severe hardship:

“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and wants for you to complete the period and glorify Allah...” (Surah 2:185)

But if you are fasting, don’t complain too much. In Qatar, at least, we have the benefit of air-conditioners – something that Mohammad would have had to without.

Happy fasting!

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