ISLAMABAD: Experts say fasters should be careful with their eating habits during the fasting month of Ramzan and recommend that fasters, especially those suffering from ulcers, not skip sehri (the predawn meal).
Noting that it is essential for fasters to wake up to have sehri, Dr Aslihan Ugur said equally important is not going to bed immediately after sehri.
“Not waking up at night for sehri or waking up only to drink water is unhealthy. Fasting without having sehri may cause hypoglycemia, hypertension, headache, sleepiness and dizziness. It can particularly be dangerous for people suffering from ulcers,” Ugur noted, arab news reported.
Recommended sehri foods include items like eggs, cheese and yoghurt that are rich in protein and take a long time to digest. Also, complex carbohydrates during suhur take longer to digest, leaving fasters less hungry throughout the day.
Fasters are advised to consume bread during sehri which helps balance blood glucose levels. Dates, which are an excellent source of sugar, fiber, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium, are also highly recommended. Fasters should avoid foods like honey, molasses or jam, which can lead to increased thirst throughout the day.
Stating that people with acid reflux should refrain from caffeinated and carbonated drinks during sehri, Ugur said fasters should avoid fried and fatty foods as they cause indigestion, heartburn and weight problems.
“People eating fatty foods are more likely to get hungry during the day, and this may also lead to weight gain. Equally important is avoiding spicy and salty foods, which make fasters thirsty during the day.
As people are likely to feel tired and sleepy while fasting due to a decrease in blood glucose levels, experts strongly recommend taking an afternoon nap, which prevents blood glucose levels from remaining too low.
