Ramadhan Diet

We are already half way through fasting months and Alhamdulillah, we are given the strength and good health to carry out this third "Rukun Islam" with peaceful mind and surroundings. Though there are few turmoils in our country recently like the issues of Tan Beng Hock, Kartika Sari, Kampung Buah Pala and the cow's head at the Secretariat Building. Even the flood affects the villages in Yan, Kedah is nothing compared to earthquake that struck Indonesia on 3 Sept. 2009.



It claimed 33 lives, 305 injured, 40 missing and dozens of buildings collapsed. "Innalillah...."



We really have to be grateful as everyday, we have food on our table and able to break fast and "sahur" with our beloved family. Sometimes, we take things for granted as we only think of delicious foods without consider the health aspects.



Actually, we should maintain the diet simple as possible similar to our daily diet. We should eat a balanced diet that contains fruits, vegetables, meat or fish, bread, cereal and dairy products. Oily and fried food should be limited.



I would like to highlight some health problems during fastings related to poor diet as follows:

Constipation

Too much refined food, lack of fibre intake and too little water.

Indigestion and wind

Overeating, oily, fatty and spicy foods. Also food that produce gas like eggs, cabbage, lentils and carbonated drinks.

Lethargy

Too little water and reduced salt intake.

Headache

Dehydration, caffeine and tobacco withdrawal, hunger, lack of sleep and too active during the day.

Low blood sugar in non-diabetics

Refined carbohydrates such as sugar and white flour.

Muscle cramps

Lack of calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Peptic ulcers, heartburn and gastrics

Increased acidity in stomach. Avoid spicy foods, coffee and carbonated drinks.

Hopefully we will benefit from this informations.

Source : The New Straits Times, 29 August 2009.