Beginning last Friday, Ramadan represents a period of profound change in eating habits. It is eaten before sunrise or after sunset. During this period, during the day, it is not allowed to consume food and drinks. Neither take medicines or smoke. Instead, two meals are allowed: at sunset («iftar») and before sunrise («suhoor»). An aspect that extends the time of fasting up to sixteen hours, making it more difficult for the almost two million followers of Allah who live in our country to follow Ramadan in conjunction with a standard working regime. Especially by those who have health problems or are going through a particular phase of their life. Ramadan is not for everyone
The Islamic religious authorities allow the exemption from fasting to sick people or in particular situations. A variation to the program that arises from the needs of health protection. All diseases or stages of life that put it at risk are not compatible with fasting. Reason why elderly people, traveling, with cardiovascular problems, cancers (under treatment), immune system diseases, diabetes, pregnant and lactating women, children and girls during their menstrual cycle are recommended to avoid fasting. On the other hand, patients with renal, hepatic and respiratory insufficiencies must be evaluated individually. The advice, in these cases, is to consult your doctor and avoid “do it yourself”. Once the fast has begun, whoever experiences difficulties is called to interrupt it immediately. Benefits could instead emerge in people who have some cardiovascular risk factors: such as hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. The latest evidence, in this sense, came from a study published in the journal “Nutrients »in 2020. In this case, fasting can also have beneficial effects on reducing risk. But the decision to adopt it must always be “authorized” by a specialist. Focus on type 2 diabetes
There are approximately 1.5 billion Muslims in the world – nearly a quarter of the world’s population. Of this share, 4.6 percent are affected by type 2 diabetes . And fifty million, but this is only an estimate, would be diabetic Muslims who follow fasting to the letter. Hence the choice of the Italian Society of Diabetology (Sid) to draw up a position paper on diabetes and Ramadan. The document is from 2017, but the content is always current. “We want it to be a useful tool for diabetologists to promote full socio-health integration and respect for freedom of worship”, explained Giorgio Sesti, professor of internal medicine at the University of Catanzaro and at the time president of Sid . Type 1 diabetics are considered even more at risk, who are advised not to follow the Ramadan fast. Diabetes and Ramadan: how to behave at the table
The focus is on fluctuations in blood glucose values. Consuming high calorie meals at sunset, snacking high in refined carbohydrates and sugars during the period from dusk to dawn, consuming large portions of high-glycemic foods and fried foods, and reduced physical activity may contribute to establishing a state of hyperglycemia. To counterbalance it, however, other behaviors: starting with the long fast between the two main meals. Hence the advice of Italian diabetologists. At least 130 grams of carbohydrates per day should be consumed, preferably with a low glycemic index: such as those contained in whole grains, legumes, fruit and vegetables. Standard must remain the fiber intake: between 25 and 30 grams per day. As for proteins, compared to the rest of the population, a slightly higher consumption is recommended: 1.2 grams per day per kilo of body weight. It is essential to drink water, while the consumption of coffee, tea and cola should be reduced: due to the diuretic effect that risks accelerating dehydration. As for the first meal of the day, it is best to eat it as late as possible: in order to shorten the fasting period. What to bring to the table
More proteins and fats, to reduce the risk of hyperglycemia and promote a greater sense of satiety. Finally the snacks: yes to one or two a day with fresh fruit, nuts or vegetables.
