Elderly Members of The Household Should Take Some Necessary Steps Before Fasting In Ramadan 2024
Muslims around the world are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, but individuals aged 60 or older often decide whether to observe the fast. To guide elderly Muslims in observing the fast of this month, the question arises:
Should the elderly members of the household fast?
Elderly individuals in good health without major health problems should consult a doctor before attempting to fast. Frail elderly patients who experience rapid functional decline may be at risk of complications such as hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in addition to metabolic fasting.
For elderly people who are not generally healthy, it is crucial to discuss the necessary steps with their doctor before attempting to fast. Assessing the functional capacity and mental health of individuals with diabetes is particularly important.
What Problems Can Elderly People Face by Fasting?
Dehydration is one of the many issues elderly individuals may face due to a lack of sensation of thirst and reduced water intake. The Suhur meal should be balanced with various nutrients to ensure a complete diet with low-calorie, easily digestible food, and low-fat ingredients.
An unbalanced diet can lead to complications in the liver and blood vessels. Additionally, excessive fat can impede digestion, causing elderly individuals to experience headaches, especially in the initial days of fasting when the body is adjusting and adapting to the fasting process.
Necessary Measures for the Elderly During Fasting
A well-cooked meal:
Consuming well-cooked food is crucial because it facilitates easier digestion and swallowing. Green salad helps provide vitamins, minerals, essential salts, and fiber.
A short walk is essential:
Experts recommend taking a short walk after breaking the fast, as it helps improve blood circulation and relax the muscles.
Make a quick breakfast and eat comfortably:
Suhoor is particularly important for the elderly as it provides the body with necessary food and energy, helping them endure the fasting period. Suhoor should not be delayed, as it may decrease the feeling of thirst.
For the best diet plan, you can now contact the dietitian.
Get enough sleep:
Overeating, unbalanced diets, and a lack of sleep can lead to many health problems. To avoid experiencing excessive thirst during fasting, ensure you get enough sleep, along with incorporating prayers into your routine.
Give the body instant energy in Iftar:
At the time of breaking the fast, the body needs immediate energy, especially for the brain and nerves. Obtain a readily available source of energy in the form of glucose, including dates and fruit juice, which are good sources of energy. Dates provide an excellent combination of sugar, fiber, carbohydrates, potassium, and magnesium for daily energy needs.
Quit smoking:
Smoking is a major health hazard, and doctors advise against smoking after breaking the fast. If quitting is challenging, consider cutting back a few weeks before Ramadan to minimize its impact on your health. Smoking negatively affects the utilization of various vitamins, metabolites, and enzyme systems in the body.
Avoid foods high in sugar and salt:
Consuming sugary foods can cause your blood sugar levels to rise and then drop quickly, leading to feelings of fatigue. To maintain a healthy diet during Ramadan 2024, choose foods that are low in sugar and salt.
We hope this article has assisted you or your elderly family members in better understanding how to fast safely this Ramadan 2024. If you have any doubts, always consult a doctor. You can talk to the doctor through an instant video call, allowing the elder of the house to seek advice and find solutions to problems conveniently using our app.
Patients with high blood pressure must take precautions before Ramadan 2024
Fasting during the holy month is a spiritual practice, but it can be challenging for individuals managing high blood pressure. The fasting process, combined with significant changes in eating and sleeping patterns, may lead to fluctuations in blood pressure.
Several misconceptions exist about high blood pressure and fasting during Ramadan. A common myth suggests that fasting negatively impacts the health of individuals with high blood pressure, implying that they should avoid fasting. Recent studies, however, indicate that individuals effectively treated for high blood pressure through lifestyle practices and medications can successfully observe fasting without compromising their health.
Lifestyle Tips for Hypertensive Patients in Ramadan 2024:
Below are some useful tips for those who suffer from high blood pressure on how to fast during the month of Ramadan without harming their health.
Consume plenty of water:
While there is no permanent cure for high blood pressure, symptoms can be controlled and prevented from worsening. Patients with high blood pressure should drink plenty of fluids and avoid sugary juices to prevent dehydration.
Limiting caffeine and caffeinated beverages is advisable, as they can cause dehydration and other complications. Including fresh fruits and vegetables in Iftar and Suhoor meals can help control high blood pressure.
Physical Activity:
Exercise is essential to keep the body active during Ramadan. Physical activity also helps lower and control blood pressure. Consider going for a walk of at least 4 km several times a week shortly after Iftar.
Avoiding Fat:
Controlling blood pressure involves avoiding high-fat dishes and consuming fewer dairy products. Individuals with high blood pressure should consistently monitor their health and be vigilant for symptoms such as headaches and dizziness. If these symptoms occur, it is important to contact a doctor immediately to prevent further health issues.
Medicines in Ramadan:
Most medications prescribed for people with high blood pressure need to be taken once or twice a day, with the effects lasting for twelve to sixteen hours. Tablets can be taken at Suhoor and in the evening at Iftar.
Patients on a three-times-daily prescription should consult their doctors about the midday dose to determine if it can be adjusted for optimal support during the fasting month. Most doctors are usually willing to assist with such adjustments.
Avoid Smoking Completely:
Smoking is a cause of high blood pressure, and Ramadan provides a prime opportunity for smokers to quit, as smoking increases systolic pressure, subsequently elevating the risk of heart diseases and stroke. While control of diabetes and cholesterol is crucial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, they are not directly related to high blood pressure. It’s important to remember that alcohol, cigarettes, and drug use are extremely harmful to health. If you want to quit, you can consult the best experts in this regard.
Contact a Doctor:
Adopting a clean and healthy lifestyle helps manage the onset of high blood pressure and its complications. For early diagnosis and to avoid further complications, it is always better to undergo regular checkups. Individuals dealing with high blood pressure should maintain constant communication with their doctor, in addition to taking prescribed medications. Click here to connect with the best and qualified blood pressure specialists for guidance.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle:
A healthy lifestyle involves weight loss, regular exercise, and reducing salt and alcohol intake, while also controlling food quality and quantity. Regularly practicing these lifestyle changes can significantly reduce complications.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the well-being of elderly members during Ramadan is of utmost importance. By adhering to proper health measures, consulting with doctors, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, they can navigate fasting with minimal risks. From managing blood pressure to ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition, these guidelines aim to enhance the fasting experience for elderly individuals. For personalized advice and support, consider reaching out to qualified professionals through our platform. Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy and blessed Ramadan.
