Fasting is a worship that involves refraining from eating, drinking, and various other activities from dawn to maghrib. In addition to providing spiritual benefits, fasting also has a significant impact on the health of the body. However, changes in diet, sleep patterns, and activities during Ramadan can trigger certain health problems if not managed properly. Here are some diseases that often occur during fasting and how to prevent them.1,2,3,4,5
Diseases that are susceptible to occur during fasting
The following are health problems that can recur during fasting, namely: 1,2,3,4,5
1. Dehydration
Dehydration is a common problem during fasting because the body does not get fluid intake for hours. Symptoms include excessive thirst, dizziness, weakness, and difficulty concentrating. To prevent dehydration, apply a 2-4-2 drinking pattern (two glasses at dawn, four glasses at night, and two glasses at iftar).
2. Elevated Acid Resurgence (GERD)
An empty stomach for a long time can lead to an increase in stomach acid, especially for those who suffer from ulcers. Symptoms that may appear include pain in the heartburn and nausea. It is best to avoid spicy, fatty foods, as well as caffeinated or fizzy drinks during suhoor and iftar.
3. Constipated
Lack of fiber and fluids while fasting can lead to constipation. Make sure to eat fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables and fruits, during suhoor and iftar to maintain smooth digestion.
4. Headache
Headaches are often caused by dehydration, lack of sleep, or a drop in blood sugar levels while fasting. To prevent this condition, it is important to get enough rest and maintain a good diet.
5. Diarrhea
Eating spicy or unclean food while breaking the fast can cause diarrhea. Make sure the food you choose is hygienic and avoid excessive consumption of oily foods.
6. Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure often occurs due to dehydration or lack of salt intake during suhoor. Symptoms can range from dizziness to excessive weakness. To overcome this, make sure you eat a balanced nutritious diet with enough fluids.
7. Breath
One common problem when fasting is bad breath (halitosis), which can reduce self-confidence and annoy others. To prevent this, maintain oral hygiene by brushing your teeth and tongue after suhoor and breaking the fast, and using dental floss.
Tips for Preventing Disease During Fasting
To maintain health during the month of Ramadan, here are some steps that can be taken: 1,2,3,4,5
1. Consume Nutritious Food: Choose foods rich in fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates, and vitamins to maintain your body's energy throughout the day.
2. Meet Fluid Needs: Adopt a 2-4-2 drinking pattern (two glasses at suhoor, four glasses at night, and two glasses at iftar). In addition, increase the consumption of foods that contain a lot of water, such as watermelon, melon, orange, and tomato.
3. Avoid Oily Foods: Limit spicy, fatty foods, as well as caffeinated or fizzy drinks during suhoor and iftar.
4. Don't Miss Sahur: Suhoor provides important energy to carry out activities throughout the day.
5. Get Enough Rest: Getting enough sleep helps the body stay fit even if you have to wake up early for suhoor.
6. Light Exercise: Do light physical activities such as walking after breaking the fast to maintain physical fitness.
By implementing a healthy lifestyle during Ramadan, you can carry out fasting smoothly without being disturbed by health problems. Always be aware of the symptoms of the disease and consult a doctor immediately if necessary.
Reference:
1. Adrian, K.. Be careful! These are 4 Diseases That Are Vulnerable to Occur During Fasting. January 28, 2025. Alodokter. Available at: https://www.alodokter.com/hati-hati-ini-4-penyakit-yang-rentan-terjadi-saat-puasa
2. Fadli, dr. Rizal. 7 Health Problems That Often Recur During Fasting. March 20, 2024. halodoc. Available at: https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/7-masalah-kesehatan-yang-sering-kambuh-saat-puasa
3. Setiawati, A. N. I. 9 Tips for Healthy Fasting to Stay Fresh in Ramadan. 17 February 2025. Hello Healthy. Available at: https://hellosehat.com/nutrisi/tips-makan-sehat/8-cara-menjaga-tubuh-agar-tetap-fit-saat-puasa/
4. 7 Dangers of 12 Diseases During Fasting and How to Prevent Them. June 14, 2024. Ciputra Hospital. Available at: https://ciputrahospital.com/jenis-penyakit-saat-puasa/
5. Setiawan, A. W., M.Kes.. ). 8 Common Types of Diseases Attacking During Fasting. January 31, 2025. Hello Healthy. Available at: https://hellosehat.com/sehat/gejala-umum/penyakit-saat-puasa/