Ras Al Khaimah-based RAK Hospital has launched an initiative wherein those fasting during Ramadan can avail free consultation with hospital’s nutritionist and get advice on individual nutritional and diet requirements.

During long and hot summer days, it may be required to observe the fast for as many as sixteen or more hours at a time. Prior to Ramadan, one must consult with a doctor about the safety of fasting in individual health circumstances, a hospital statement said.

It is also important to plan one’s schedule and meals ahead of time in order to get the nutrients, hydration, and rest needed, the statement added.

Fasting along with soaring temperatures can cause health issues such as headaches, heartburn, dehydration, etc. and hence it is very important to consult a nutritionist to remain fit when fasting. It is vital for pregnant and lactating mothers, very young children, the elderly, hypertensive people to consult their GP while fasting during Ramadan. In addition, diabetic patients should also visit and consult general practitioner to seek changes in their medication.

Nutritionist & dietician Alice Mohan will provide free consultation on healthy eating, suitable diet, food allergies, gastrointestinal health and weight management between 11 am and 1 pm every day throughout Ramadan at RAK Hospital, Ras Al Khaimah.

“Balanced food and fluid intake is important between fasts, if the correct diet is not adhered the benefits of fasting can be lost and worse still be detrimental to health by weight gain,” said Mohan.

“The deciding factor is not the fast itself, but rather what is consumed in the non-fasting hours. The diet should no different to a healthy balanced diet. Remember the principles of Ramadan are self-discipline and self-control.”

Balanced diet- top tips

-    Complex carbohydrates (e.g. grains, barley, wheat, pats semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour and basmati rice) help release energy slowly during the long hours of fasting. So suitable for the pre-dawn meal.

-    Fibre-rich foods which are also digested slowly, such as bran, cereals, whole wheat, grains and seeds, potatoes with the skin, vegetables such as green beans and almost all fruit, including apricots, prunes and figs.

-    Foods to avoid are the heavily-processed, fast-burning foods that contain refined carbohydrates (sugar and white flour), as well as fatty foods (for example, cakes, biscuits, chocolates and sweets such as Indian mithai).

-    Avoid caffeine-based drinks such as tea, coffee and cola. Caffeine is a diuretic so stimulates water loss through urination.

-    Aim to drink around 10 glasses of water each day.

-    Avoid prolonged contact with the sun.

-    Taking a multivitamin once a day can ensure daily dose of vitamins and minerals. – TradeArabia News Service