But First, Health – Experts on Ramadan Fasting This Season

This year, Ramadan has arrived earlier on the calendar, coinciding with the final stretch of winter. While cooler weather may appear to make fasting easier, health experts say winter fasting brings its own challenges - particularly frequent hunger, lower energy levels, and increased vulnerability to illness.

During colder months, the body often demands more energy to maintain warmth, leading many people to feel hungry more frequently throughout the day. Combined with shorter daylight hours, disrupted sleep, and reduced physical activity, winter conditions can make fasting more physically demanding than expected. This year’s harsher winter has further affected overall health, with higher rates of seasonal illness and fatigue reported in many communities.

For people living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, asthma, and digestive disorders, these factors can increase health risks during fasting. Medical professionals stress that fasting decisions should be based on individual health status rather than assumptions about the season.

Doctors strongly advise individuals with chronic illnesses to consult their healthcare providers before Ramadan. A pre-fasting medical review can help assess risks, adjust medication schedules if necessary, and identify warning signs that require breaking the fast.

Proper nutrition remains essential, especially when hunger is more pronounced in winter. Suhoor meals should include slow-digesting foods such as whole grains, eggs, dairy products, vegetables, and legumes to help sustain fullness and energy levels. At Iftar, breaking the fast gradually with water and light foods before eating a balanced meal is recommended. Overeating and excessive consumption of fried or salty foods should be avoided.

Hydration is often overlooked during colder weather, but health experts warn that inadequate fluid intake can still lead to dehydration. Drinking sufficient water between Iftar and Suhoor is particularly important for individuals with kidney or heart conditions.

HyperTension and Fasting

People with chronic conditions are urged to monitor their health closely while fasting. For those with high blood pressure, a low-sodium, heart-healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is essential. Limit fried and fatty foods, monitor blood pressure regularly, take medication as prescribed, and engage in light activity like walking or stretching, while avoiding strenuous exercise during fasting hours.

Symptoms such as dizziness, severe fatigue, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of abnormal blood sugar should not be ignored. If these occur, the fast should be broken immediately and medical care sought.

Physical activity should be adjusted during Ramadan. Light to moderate exercise is generally safe, while strenuous activity during fasting hours may increase health risks. Scheduling physical activity after Iftar is often safer, particularly during winter months.

Health authorities emphasize that fasting is a personal decision guided by medical advice and religious principles. Even in cooler weather, no one should feel pressured to fast if it compromises their health. Ramadan, they stress, is a month of balance, compassion, and care for both spiritual and physical well-being.