Nutritionists.. Fasting is an annual rest that is beneficial to the body

Al-anbat  Farah Musa

Translated by Batool Alhajjaj 

During the holy month of Ramadan, our eating habits change, by abstaining from food throughout the day, which is accompanied by a pattern of breaking the fast that is not commensurate with the rules of fasting, as we find sometimes an increase in weight, and at other times an imbalance in the health of those who suffer from chronic diseases  , such as diabetes and pressure, so those who are fasting should consult a nutritionist to get food and drinks that are suitable for their health.  

Nutritionist Suhaib Al-Zoubi said that diabetes is one of the chronic diseases of the age, and it is divided into two parts: The first part is defined as a deficit, or defect, that occurs in the body, preventing it from producing insulin, and usually, this type;  Genetic, hereditary, and the other section has more than one explanation, as it can be defined as;  A defect occurs in the pancreas, which reduces its efficiency to produce sufficient amounts of insulin.  

It can be defined as a defect that occurs in the cells of the body, and the efficiency of cells in responding to the hormone insulin decreases, and this is called insulin resistance that leads to type 2 diabetes. 

 Al-Zoubi added that insulin is one of the body's hormones, which is expressed as the key to cells, as when the level of sugar in the blood rises;  The pancreas secretes insulin, which in turn stimulates the cell to receive the sugar molecule and enter it into the cells. 

This regulates and corrects the level of sugar in the blood. 

 He added that fasting is suitable for diabetics.  Pointing out that there are three types of diabetics who have a cumulative diabetes mellitus less than (7.5), and fasting with this number of cumulative diabetes is good, and fasting can improve their cumulative diabetes reading.  

As for if the cumulative score is between (7.5-8.5), then people can fast, but with caution, as they must control their behaviors when breaking the fast so that their sugar levels do not rise due to improper behaviors.

Finally, the cumulative score is higher than (9).

 Doctors do not recommend fasting with this number of cumulative diabetes, except under medical supervision, due to the risk of dehydration, damage to eye fluids, and increased cracks in the skin after the holy month. 

It is possible that the kidneys and the brain may be damaged during fasting. 

 It is possible for a person to suffer from a sharp drop in the level of sugar, the consequences of which are not known, and the last category of fasting people can fast if there is prior preparation for the month of Ramadan, according to the opinion of the nutritionist. 

 Nutrition specialist Farah Khaled explained that the mechanism for losing weight in Ramadan, through suhoor and breakfast, is by focusing on portions of dates to break the fast, avoiding fullness of the stomach so as not to develop imaginary laziness, and also warned against unhealthy cooking methods and from fried foods and fatty foods.  

She called for not exaggerating in eating unhealthy sweets, using healthy alternatives, choosing drinks intelligently, focusing on low-calorie drinks, and a lot of leafy greens, vegetables, and fiber, for a quick feeling of satiety, and because it increases body moisture..and focused on eating wheat bread instead of wheat.  

White flour, and taking care of protein during the suhoor, especially if the exercise is before the suhoor, and you must keep walking before breakfast. 

 And Khaled indicated that fasting gives health to the average person who does not suffer from any diseases, and at the same time gives appropriate health to those who suffer from pressure diseases, diabetes, liver diseases, and other diseases.

Tasneem Obeidat, a specialist in clinical nutrition, said that diabetics should monitor their blood sugar during Ramadan in order to notice the effect of fasting on blood sugar.

  It contains complex carbohydrates because it has a low glycemic index so that it does not increase blood sugar quickly, and it also contains a sufficient amount of protein and fiber to make you feel full for a longer period, for example, a loaf of brown bread, two tablespoons of fava beans, and a cup of fresh vegetables. 

As for breakfast, you must start  With a cup of soup and salad, then eat the main meal without eating too much rice and samosa.

 It is preferable to use long-grain rice because it has a low glycemic index as well, and eat a sufficient amount of protein, for example, chicken breast. It is preferable to refrain from consuming soft drinks and Ramadan juices because they contain a percentage of  As for Ramadan sweets, it is preferable to eat grilled Qatayef instead of frying, without eating too much sweets. 

Obeidat stressed that exercise, especially walking, is very important for diabetics because it increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin. 

Therefore, it is preferable to exercise two hours after Iftar.