Ramadan begins today, and as a month of fast and prayers, we cannot fail to highlight the health risks associated with Intermittent fasting. Before you embark on Intermittent fasting during this Ramadan period, make sure you are free from the highlighted health conditions below:
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1. Diabetes:
If you are diabetic, it’s recommended you do not embark on intermittent fasting at all because that will place you at risk of low blood sugar.
According to the American Diabetes Association, Fasting every other day impairs the action of sugar-regulating hormone, insulin, which may increase diabetes risk.
2. Stomach ulcer:
Fortunately, we have already shared some misconceptions, precautions and treatments on stomach ulcer last week.
Intermittent Dieter, in a study, answering the query ‘Does Intermittent fasting have any effect on stomach acid you might ask?‘ answered;
“Yes, it might. Sometimes fasting can cause acid reflux, which comes from acid indigestion also called dyspepsia.“
The News also mentioned that ulcer patients while fasting for over 16 hours a day may develop life-threatening complications including haemorrhages if they do not take extra care in their diet and medication.
3. Underweight:
People struggling with weight gain are not advised to embark on Intermittent fasting. Dr. Jason Fung, founder of Intensive Dietary Management Program said;
“One of my primary rules for fasting is that if somebody is underweight or there is concern about malnutrition, then they should not fast. Underweight is defined by Body Mass Index < 18.5.”
List of things to avoid during intermittent fasting
Given the directives of The Star, highlighted below are things to avoid during long fasting especially in this month of Ramadan:
> Fried, fatty and acid-containing foods and fruits (e.g. citrus fruits like lemons, limes, grapefruits and oranges) along with tomato-based products (tomato is technically a fruit containing a lot of acids).
> Extra-spicy foods and tinned/processed foods, especially tomato-based products. Processed foods with a long-shelf life typically have a lot of chemicals, including preservatives, which could further exacerbate gastritis or PUD.
> Foods containing too much sugar and refined carbohydrates.
> Over-eating during breaking of fast and suhur and delaying breaking of fast.
> Caffeine-containing drinks like tea, coffee, sodas, etc. These make you pass more urine, taking with it valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the long day of fasting.
> Smoking is associated with gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. So, Ramadan is a brilliant opportunity to cut down on cigarettes. Smoking also slows the healing of existing ulcers and contributes to ulcer recurrence.
> Medications that can irritate the lining of the stomach.
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