Health issues during Ramadan also affect the elderly, the weak, women who are pregnant or nursing, and people who are new to Islam. Being aware of the health issues and making appropriate preparations will help you make the best of Ramadan to spend it focused on worship instead of health factors that could have been managed better.
Health Issues that Might Occur In Ramadan
Many of us face too many health issues in the month of Ramazan due to dehydration and diet, health issues including,
- Heartburn
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Constipation
- Stress
- Dehydration
Causes of occurring issues in Ramadan
Here we will discuss the reasons why these health issues occur during the month of Ramadan,
Heartburn (indigestion)
Health issues related to our stomach is a big problem. Our stomach has an acidic environment. It helps to kill the bacteria. During Ramadan, the amount of acid reduces in our stomachs. But thoughts of food or its smell make our brain order the stomach to produce more acid, resulting in heartburn.
Diabetes
Those individuals who are taking insulin injections are advised not to fast.
Pregnancy
Health issues of pregnant and nursing women are exempted from Fasting if they have a genuine reason to fear harm to themselves or their child, based on reasonable surety and not merely unfounded fears and worries.
Constipation
Health issues of constipation could be very irritating. It would be best if you aimed to have lots of fruit and vegetables and fluids to facilitate your bowel movements. Increase fibre content in your diet and reduce the amount of processed and fatty foods.
How can we avoid the above health issues that might occur in Ramadan?
There is no reason to feel guilty about taking care of your health needs during Ramadan. These exemptions exist in the Quran for a reason, as Allah knows best what issues we may face. Moreover, even if one is not fasting, one can feel part of the Ramadan experience through other areas of worship — such as offering additional prayers, inviting friends and family for evening meals, reading the Quran, or donating to charity.
Heartburn
It can be reduced by avoiding spicy and oily foods, reducing caffeine intake, and avoiding smoking. Sleeping with your head raised on a few pillows may also help prevent heartburn.
Diabetes
Suppose you have diabetic health issues and are fasting during Ramadan. In that case, you must have a check-up by your doctor to ensure you are physically healthy and that your diabetic control is reasonable. Your treatment for Diabetes may change because you are fasting. Please consult your GP before making any changes to medication or insulin dose.
Pregnancy
You should seek advice from your GP, who can evaluate any specific concerns. The doctor could also assist pregnant women in planning their meals to receive adequate nutrition during non-fasting hours to avoid fatigue. New and expecting mothers also have to be particularly aware of their intake of fluids to nourish their babies effectively.
Constipation
Increase fibre content in your diet and reduce the amount of processed and fatty foods to treat constipation in the month of Ramadan.
How does stress affect the body?
In daily routine, there are severe stress health issues. However, you can manage your stress by different methods according to your stress levels. For instance, you can catch up on your sleep during the daytime, don’t play sports or exercise in the hot sun, control your anger in advance, etc.
What Does Allah say about who are ill and are in journey?
In Quran Allah says,
أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَٰتٍ ۚ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُۥ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ ۖ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُۥ ۚ وَأَن تَصُومُوا۟ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers well [i.e., excess] is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَٰتٍ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
The month of Ramadhān [is that] revealed the Qur’ān, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allāh intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and glorify Allāh for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful.
– Qur’an 2:184-185
