Ramadan Health Tips: Managing Smoking and Caffeine Intake
Fasting during Ramadan can disrupt habits for smokers and caffeine drinkers. Doctors advise reducing cigarette and stimulant consumption, especially after Iftar, to prevent health complications. Staying hydrated and engaging in regular exercise can mitigate withdrawal effects, making Ramadan a prime time to quit smoking.
During Ramadan, many individuals alter their habitual consumption of coffee, tea, and cigarettes due to fasting, which can lead to adverse effects like stress and headaches. To mitigate these outcomes, healthcare professionals offer a series of recommendations specifically for smokers and caffeine aficionados.
Dr. Marwa Al-Husseini, a general physician, underlines the health benefits of fasting but acknowledges that it can disrupt mood for individuals accustomed to high levels of nicotine or caffeine. She advocates for Ramadan as an ideal time to decrease smoking and stimulant intake, particularly coffee, to avoid potential health complications such as hypertension and rapid heart rates.
Furthermore, excessive intake of both coffee and tea after Iftar can worsen health issues. Dr. Al-Husseini warns that compensating for fasting by overindulging in tea can lead to increased urinary issues and heightened blood pressure. She encourages ample water intake during fasting to combat dehydration.
In addition to maintaining hydration, Dr. Al-Husseini advises limiting stimulant consumption post-Iftar to three cups of tea, with green tea as a superior option. Regular exercise is also recommended to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches.
Dr. Fouad Ouda, the President of the European-Middle Eastern Medical Association, cautions against continued smoking during Ramadan. He recommends that smokers take this opportunity to quit, especially avoiding smoking directly after Iftar. He explains that smoking right after fasting can significantly increase the risk of strokes due to heightened blood viscosity and slowed circulation during the fast.
Dr. Ouda elaborates that smoking after a protein-deficient fasting period may disrupt digestion and bile secretion, leading to constipation and appetite loss. He emphasizes that reducing cigarette consumption is crucial during Ramadan, with the aim of quitting completely as a long-term goal.
In summary, Ramadan presents unique challenges for smokers and caffeine enthusiasts. Doctors recommend using this period to cut back on smoking and stimulant intake, emphasizing moderation in consumption and hydration. Regular exercise can assist with withdrawal symptoms, while immediate post-fasting smoking should be avoided to minimize stroke risks. This time should be leveraged as an opportunity to quit smoking altogether.
Original Source: www.jordannews.jo
