Health Guidance for Smokers and Caffeine Users During Ramadan
The article discusses the effects of Ramadan on individuals accustomed to drinking coffee and tea, as well as smoking. Health professionals, Dr. Marwa Al-Husseini and Dr. Fouad Ouda, provide guidance on managing these habits during fasting. Key advice includes reducing stimulant intake, maintaining hydration, and exercising, while highlighting the health risks associated with smoking, particularly post-Iftar.
Ramadan significantly alters the daily routines of many individuals, particularly affecting those who habitually consume coffee, tea, or smoke. These changes can result in mood swings and headaches, prompting the need for guidance from health professionals on managing these habits during fasting.
Dr. Marwa Al-Husseini, a general physician, asserts that while fasting generally has health benefits, it can pose challenges for individuals reliant on smoking or stimulants. She recommends using Ramadan as an opportunity to reduce such habits, especially warning against over-indulgence in coffee to compensate for fasting. Excessive consumption of coffee can potentially lead to hypertension and gastrointestinal distress.
The same caution applies to tea, as drinking excessive amounts in an attempt to mitigate fasting effects may lead to increased thirst and urinary complications. Dr. Al-Husseini emphasizes the importance of maintaining hydration throughout the fasting period and suggests limiting stimulant intake to three cups of tea post-Iftar, with a preference for green tea and nuts.
The physician also highlights the necessity of regular physical activity to alleviate withdrawal symptoms from stimulants, suggesting that exercise occur either an hour before or two hours after Iftar to assist in calorie burning.
Dr. Fouad Ouda, President of the European-Middle Eastern Medical Association, cautions against smoking, particularly advising that Ramadan be used to quit or diminish this habit. He indicates that smoking immediately after Iftar may expose individuals to substantial stroke risks due to the physiological state engendered by fasting.
According to Dr. Ouda, the body’s status after a day of fasting, marked by high blood viscosity and slow circulation, makes post-Iftar smoking particularly treacherous. He asserts that carcinogens from cigarettes can enter the bloodstream and disrupt numerous bodily functions, leading to severe health complications such as strokes. Thus, reducing cigarette consumption during Ramadan is essential, and the month presents an opportune time for cessation efforts.
In summary, the onset of Ramadan necessitates significant lifestyle modifications, especially for smokers and caffeine consumers. Health professionals encourage gradual reductions in these habits, along with proper hydration and exercise, to minimize withdrawal symptoms and health risks. By adhering to these recommendations, individuals can improve their well-being and mitigate potential complications associated with fasting.
Original Source: www.jordannews.jo
