A medical expert, Dr Bolaji Salako, has urged Muslim faithful to prioritise their health and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and healthy fasting experience.
Salako, a Consultant, Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Ibadan.
According to him, fasting during Ramadan can pose certain health risks, particularly if not done with proper care.
He said that one of the main concerns was dehydration, especially in regions with hot climates.
“Not drinking water for long hours can lead to dehydration, which can result in fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and even more serious complications like kidney challenges if not addressed.
“It is crucial for fasting individuals to stay hydrated during non-fasting hours,” Salako said.
He said another concern was nutritional deficiencies because fasting involved abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours, which can sometimes lead to imbalances in nutrient intake.
Salako urged those who are fasting to endeavour to consume balanced diets during non-fasting hours, that is, at the beginning or at breaking of the fasting.
He said that consuming diets that are not balanced could potentially lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals if not managed properly.
“Additionally, fasting can affect blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes.
“It is important for those with diabetes and other diseases like hypertension, cancer to work closely with their medical doctors to adjust their medication schedules and monitor their health conditions carefully during Ramadan,” Salako said.
He said that irregular sleep patterns and changes in meal timings during Ramadan could also impact overall health and well-being, potentially leading to issues such as fatigue, irritability, and difficulty in concentrating.
According to him, while fasting during Ramadan can have spiritual benefits, it is essential for individuals to prioritise their health and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and healthy fasting experience.
“It is important to maintain physical activity during Ramadan. The benefits of light to moderate exercise such as walking, or stretching during non-fasting hours is advantageous to our wellbeing,” he said.
He said that in cancer management, patients are advised on whether to fast or not, especially those with advanced disease and on regular medications.
“We do not want their performance status to get worse,” he said.
