Five fasting tips for a healthy Ramadan

Staying wholesome throughout Ramadan reduces cravings and helps you've gotten extra power throughout the day (Image: Getty)

We’re presently every week into Ramadan; the Muslim month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and group.

These observing Ramadan abstain from all foods and drinks throughout sunlight hours, breaking their quick at nightfall with a meal known as Iftar.

For these of us who’ve by no means fasted earlier than, it looks as if a mammoth job to keep away from even ingesting water for hours on finish.

Nevertheless, tens of millions of Muslims all over the world participate in Ramadan yearly, managing to remain hydrated and wholesome – even in extraordinarily sizzling climates.

In case you’ve been by way of many a Ramadan, you’ll pay attention to the widespread methods used to assist issues run easily. Not skipping Suhoor/Sehri (the morning meal earlier than daybreak breaks) is one, and a few folks like to interrupt their quick within the evenings with a candy snack like dates to spice up blood sugar ranges.

There are many methods to take care of your self throughout this holy month, although, and meals makes up only one aspect of self-care all through Ramadan.

To present you a serving to hand, Boots Pharmacist Sunila Naz has shared her high 5 suggestions that will help you really feel your greatest till Eid celebrations, protecting every thing from skincare to unhealthy breath.

Freeze don’t fry

It’s tempting to go for consolation meals in relation to breaking your quick.

But, in response to Sunila, meals with a excessive fats content material can really hinder digestion and make you are feeling uncomfortable.

She tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Keep away from heavy, fried meals and as an alternative go for one thing somewhat more healthy.

‘After a protracted day of fasting, consuming a variety of spicy, fried meals could contribute to heartburn and indigestion, so top off on greens, salads, and fruit – and batch-freeze wholesome meals to avoid wasting time.’

Scale back ‘Ramadan breath’

It isn't one thing many individuals speak about,’ says Sunila. ‘However “Ramadan breath” is likely one of the downsides to fasting.’

She explains: ‘Throughout fasting, our mouth produces much less saliva and never ingesting means it's not being washed away.

‘Irrespective of how drained you might be, attempt to brush and floss twice a day, and even use a tongue scraper, which may be more practical on unhealthy breath than brushing.’

Breaking the quick is a celebration, however attempt to not go too overboard as it's possible you'll find yourself with indigestion (Image: Getty)

Some Muslims select to avoid swilling water and toothpaste in Ramadan, in order to not by accident swallow any and danger their day’s fasting.

Sajad Mahmood, CEO of Muslim Charity Charity Proper, informed Metro.co.uk: ‘So long as neither product [toothpaste or mouthwash] is ingested, there is no such thing as a official rule stating whether or not or not these are prohibited.

‘Alternatively, Miswak, a enamel cleansing twig, is utilized by some to keep away from error.’

Eat your H2O

Staying hydrated throughout the day could be a problem, however planning your meals to incorporate a excessive water content material ought to fight points.

Sunila says: ‘Ensure you drink plenty of water at Sehri after which, come sunset, eat slowly.’

Meals with a excessive fluid content material that Sunila recommends for Iftar embody yoghurt, soup, cucumber, and watermelon.

Breaking the quick with water is conventional, however keep away from glugging litres directly as this may dilute your physique’s electrolytes and make you in poor health.

Additionally attempt to not drink caffeinated drinks a lot – if in any respect – throughout Ramadan. Caffeine acts as a diuretic which is able to dehydrate you, to not point out hold you up all evening leaving you groggy the following day.

Get some shuteye

As a result of nighttime is your consuming window throughout Ramadan, a superb sleep schedule is crucial for sustaining power ranges throughout the day.

Sunila says: ‘One of many hardest issues to cope with is the shortage of sleep after waking for pre-dawn meals and prayers. However a 30 – 40-minute energy snooze at lunchtime may very well be the reply.

‘A brief nap can assist refresh you – however any longer than 40 minutes and you might be possible to enter a deeper sleep and get up groggy.’

Communicate to your boss to see if there’s an area you should utilize to your noon restoration session. If this isn’t potential in your office, attempt to slot a nap in between your morning meal and preparing for the day.

Absorb skincare

Washing earlier than prayers 5 occasions a day can dry out pores and skin, so it's all about skincare merchandise that enhance hydration,’ says Sunila.

Significantly as you’re not topping up your physique with water all through the day, it's possible you'll discover dry patches or areas that seem flaky and irritated.

Sunila says: ‘Replenish on lengthy lasting moisturisers to maintain pores and skin feeling and looking nourished. In case you’re battling dry and chapped lips, go for a lip balm that soothes and locks in moisture.’

You could not be capable of drink water throughout the day, however your pores and skin certain can, and also you’ll look more energizing and extra alert because of this.

Total, it’s about what works for you.

Take heed to your physique’s alerts and converse to a healthcare skilled when you’re feeling unwell. Bear in mind, too, that you just’re exempt from fasting when you’re menstruating, pregnant or breastfeeding, have acute or power diseases that imply you’d be harmed by a quick, or are aged and frail.

It is a time for celebrating your devotion to Allah by way of persistence and restraint. It’s not a punishment – and positively shouldn’t jeopardise your well being.

So long as you’re ready and staying cognisant of any struggles which will crop up, you’re in for a wholesome and joyous Ramadan.