CAIRO: Foods and drinks that people intake during the holy month of Ramadan affect their ability to overcome the fasting difficulties, especially during long hours in the summer.
Muslims around the world on Thursday began the first day of fasting at sunrise, the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, during which they stop eating or drinking during daylight hours.
Doctors have regularly advised Muslims who fast to drink large amounts of water, more than any other kind of fluid, but not in a short time. In order to replenish thirst during Ramadan; water used to break one’s fasting should be at room temperature.
It is also believed that exercising during the last hour before Iftar (evening meal to end fast) time can help people burn fat and lose weight.
Cairo Health directorate head Hossam el-Khateeb told Youm7 several tips to “significantly reduce difficulty of fasting in the summer,” and to keep oneself energetic and hydrated in Ramadan.
Here are the tips:
1- Drink at least eight glasses of water, and divide water among your meals.
2- Avoid eating spices, pickles or foods high in salt.
3- Eat fluid-rich fruits and vegetables.
4- Drink fresh juices instead of soft beverages.
5- Fasting pregnant should drink large quantities of fluids and stay away from tea and caffeine.
6- Cardiac patients should reduce salt and fats in their Ifitar and avoid overheat at Sohour (predawn meal.)
7- Patients with Chronic gastrils and ulcers are preferred to intake warm liquids.
Additional reporting by Maged Tamraz