Common health problems during Ramadan and their solutions
Constipation: Constipation can cause piles (haemorroids), fissures (painful cracks in anal canal) and indigestion with a bloated feeling. Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fibre in the diet can cause constipation.
Indigestion and wind: Over-eating and too much fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks like cola produce gas and indigestion. Do not over-eat, drink fruit juices or better still drink water to avoid these problems.
Lethergy: Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with "low blood pressure". This tends to occur towards the afternoon during fasting hours in Ramadan. Too little fluid intake, decreased salt intake usually cause these problems. To get remedy, keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake. Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present. Persons with high blood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadan. They should consult a physician.
Headache: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal or doing too much in one day, lack of sleep, hunger usually cause headache as the day goes by and it worsens at the end of the day. When associated with "low blood pressure", the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar. Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadan. Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Reorganise your schedule during the Ramadan so as to have adequate sleep.
Peptic ulcers, heart burn, gastritis and hiatus hernia: Increased acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadan aggravate the conditions. It presents as a burning feeling in the stomach area under the ribs and can extend up to the throat. Spicy foods, coffee, and Cola drinks worsen these conditions. Medications are available to control acid levels in the stomach. People with proven peptic ulcers and hiatus hernia should consult their doctor well before Ramadan.
Kidney stones: Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquid to drink. Therefore, it is essential to drink extra liquids so as to prevent stone formation.
Joint pain: The increased pressure on the knee joints during Salat (Prayer) and pain due to this may aggravate during Ramadan. In the elderly and those with arthritis this may result in pain, stiffness, swelling and discomfort. Lose weight so that the knees do not have to carry any extra load. Exercise the lower limbs. Being physically fit allows greater fulfillment, thus enabling one to be able to perform salat with ease.
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