No doubt Ramzan brings with it a culinary awakening, but at the same time Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. Even a sip of water can invalidate one’s fast. This year, the month of Ramzan is going to be the longest in 33 years — it coincides with the summer solstice, which mean long summer days. Entrepreneur Samia Alam Khan feels those in good health with no major health issues can observe the fast. But if weak, he or she is exempt from fasting. “Ramzan is purification of the soul, it is considered to be the most pious month for Muslims. When we fast, it is about the spirit of Ramzan, it is about abstinence, sacrifice, pondering, reflecting, realising and being thankful. Yes, it may be an hour or so extra of keeping the fast but it doesn’t have any adverse effects on a healthy person; if a person is weak, he or she is exempted from fasting. It’s about the niyyat or ‘intention’ of offering something to God, so eventually it’s between you and the almighty,” says Samia.
Fasting in hot weather can be difficult, but there are ways to tackle these obstacles. Educationist Shagun Ali says, “Keep yourself hydrated when you are not fasting. Patience is the greatest virtue which you are gifted with, but that is only when you are friends with it. This month is also scientifically beneficial. It helps you get rid of your fat and you get fit. Also if you fast for three consecutive days, then your immune system gets revived. One thing I like about being in Hyderabad is that in such times you get to have rich food like haleem which is rich in proteins and has the right quantity of ingredients required after not eating anything for the entire day. Fasting gives your digestive system a rest, and energises your metabolism to burn calories more efficiently.”
Those fasting this Ramzan will need to take special precautions with the right management in diet, sleep and exercise to ensure they remain healthy throughout the month, expert suggests. “It’s an opportunity to turn our diets and bad eating habits around and even lose a few kilograms,” says Dr B. Vijay Kumar, senior general physician, Internal Medicine, Yashoda Hospitals.
“During Ramzan water, fresh fruits and vegetables, and nutritious grains are the tools of healthy fasting. But gaps in food intake leads to heartburn, gastric issues, poor control of diabetes, dehydration, headaches, constipation, mood disturbances and malnutrition,” adds Dr Kumar.
