Month brings peace and comfort

Ramadan has many physical and psychological benefits, says a health expert.

Fasting not only helps people get rid of the extra fat in their bodies and lose  excess weight, it also gives their metabolism system a chance to rest.
The Health Ministry’s head of health education Dr Amal Al Jowder said smokers who fast during the month will also find it much easier to trash the ash.
“Smoking is prohibited during the fasting period which lasts from dawn to sunset, therefore the smoker will not be able to smoke even if he had the urge for a cigarette, and day-by-day he will find it easier to control this unhealthy habit and hopefully stop it,” she said.
“People in Ramadan become more spiritual and religious and that by itself brings peace and comfort to one’s mind and heart.  We are living in a very stressful and tensed environment, so a break from all that is very useful to our bodies.”
Dr Al Jowder said to get the best out of this month the fasting person should apply its regulations.
“Excessive eating and drinking during the night is unhealthy. What is the use of fasting if instead of eating all the time during the day the person is eating all the time during the night?
“To maintain a healthy diet during the month, a person should break his fast with some dates and by doing that he will be following the footsteps of Prophet Mohammad and increasing the level of sugar in his blood very quickly and then drink a glass of fresh juice.
“Before starting the main course, pray first and then continue eating with a bowl of salad and only one main dish.  At around 10pm have a snack or some traditional sweet dishes or fresh fruit, but don’t over do it and at Sehoor (the last meal before resuming the fast) it is advisable to eat yogurt with some kebabs, brown bread and milk.  A meal like this will help you control your thirst and hunger.”
Dr Al Jowder said pregnant women, ulcer and cancer patients, diabetics as well as those who suffer from high fever and diarrhea don’t have to fast.
“If a person is very sick and is under medication, he or she is not required to fast during the month of Ramadan,” she said.