ISLAMABAD: Health experts have advised the faithfuls to increase water intake during the duration from `Iftar’ to `Sehri’ and avoid overeating during Ramzan to stay healthy.
Talking to APP, Senior Physician, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Dr. Waseem Khawaja said the faithfuls must increase water intake from seven to eight glasses during the duration from Iftar to Sehri to avoid dehydration.
Dr. Waseem said the healthy Ramzan diet may include brown rice, brown bread, whole grain bread, “lassi”, yoghurt and barley flour.
To avoid or minimize hunger and thirst during fasting, he said, one must add whole grain bread, “lassi”, yoghurt and `qehwa’ of green cardamom in Sehri’ diet.
About Iftar’s diet, the senior Physician advised the faithfuls to take vegetable soup, boiled meat, fruits, dates and water with gaps.
He recommended the sugar patients who suffer from frequent and sudden fluctuation in sugar level must avoid fasting. While those who think they have stamina to resist the disease, can go for fasting after doctor’s consultation.
The patients suffering from chronic diseases of heart, liver and kidney should also avoid fasting, Dr. Waseem said.
Dr. Waseem also warned the people to avoid going outdoor frequently during the hot weather conditions and use umbrella, wear light coloured and loose clothes while moving outside.
Meanwhile, Senior Physician, Poly Clinic Hospital, Dr. Sharif Astori said the month of Ramzan brings many health benefits for the faithfuls if they keep on following the concept of balanced diet during Sehri and Aftar.
“One can improve his liver functioning and control cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar level through taking balanced diet in Ramzan”, he said.
He said no doubt the human body requires energy after bearing 15 to 16 hours hunger and thirst however it is essential to focus on balanced diet to avoid stomach disturbance.
Fasting in Ramzan improves the health of faithfuls physically and spiritually and one’s health remains stable during the month if he keeps on following the real spirit of it, Dr. Sharif added.
