Fasting and your health

For most healthy adults, fasting in Ramadan is safe and can be a good time to build better eating habits. But long hours without food and water can be risky for some people, especially those with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, and for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Islamic teaching allows people for whom fasting may cause harm, such as the sick, not to fast. If you have a long-term illness, talk to your doctor well before Ramadan.

Suhoor: do not skip it

  • Eat suhoor as close to dawn as you can. It helps you keep your energy during the day.
  • Choose foods that release energy slowly: whole-wheat bread, oats or porridge, eggs, yogurt, lentils and beans, vegetables and fruit.
  • Drink several glasses of water. Limit salty food and too much tea, which can make you thirstier.

Iftar: break the fast gently

  • Start with water and a few dates, then wait a little before the main meal.
  • Eat a balanced plate with vegetables, some protein (meat, chicken, lentils or beans) and a moderate amount of rice or bread.
  • Avoid too much fried food, sweets and sugary drinks. They can cause tiredness, indigestion and weight gain.
  • Drink water little by little between iftar and suhoor.

If you take medicines

Do not stop or change your medicines on your own. Many medicines can be taken at suhoor and iftar, but the timing or dose may need to change. People with diabetes, especially those who use insulin or certain tablets, can get dangerously low blood sugar while fasting. They must agree a plan with their doctor and check their blood sugar as advised.

When to see a doctor

Break your fast and eat or drink something sweet at once if you feel shaky, sweaty, confused or faint, as these can be signs of low blood sugar. Break your fast and get help if you are very thirsty, are not passing urine, or feel very weak. Go to the nearest hospital immediately if you have chest pain, fainting, a severe headache, or confusion that does not improve.

Before Ramadan, book a consultation with a doctor in the app or visit a clinic to plan safe fasting with your medicines.