6 Common Health Problems During Fasting and How to Overcome Them

February 28, 2025 | 10:13 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ramadan 2025 is just around the corner. As the countdown begins, Muslims worldwide prepare to observe the holy month by fasting, refraining from food, drink, and other actions that invalidate the fast from dawn to sunset.

Beyond being an act of worship, fasting also offers several health benefits. However, for those unaccustomed to it, fasting can bring noticeable changes to the body.

These lifestyle adjustments may be challenging, and if the body is not prepared, they can lead to various health issues. If not managed properly, these problems could interfere with the smooth observance of fasting.

Here are some common health issues that often arise during fasting and how to address them:

1. Acid Reflux

Acid reflux or heartburn is one of the diseases that often haunts humans. As reported by Primaya Hospital, the causes of this disease are often due to consuming spicy or acidic foods, junk food, drinking caffeinated beverages, and excessive stress.

Solutions: To prevent this condition from worsening while fasting, individuals with acid reflux or heartburn should manage their diet carefully. Ensure proper nutrition during suhoor and iftar, and avoid excessive stress, as it may trigger acid reflux.

2. Low Blood Pressure

During fasting, we often feel weak, easily tired, sweat a lot, and feel dizzy. This could be a sign that your body lacks blood.

Solutions: Increase your fluid intake and ensure sufficient salt consumption during suhoor and iftar. However, be mindful to adjust your salt intake based on your body's needs to prevent overconsumption.

3. Constipation

Constipation, or difficulty passing stool, occurs when stool is difficult to pass. Symptoms include a feeling of fullness, hardness, and discomfort in the abdomen. As the condition worsens, pain may occur in the digestive tract. The main cause of constipation is a lack of fiber and fluids.

Solutions: To prevent this condition while fasting, ensure adequate nutrition during suhoor and iftar. Consuming vegetables, fruits, and sufficient water is essential for maintaining health.

4. Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar is often characterized by dizziness, weakness, easy fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. The best way to relieve these symptoms is to reduce your intake of sweet foods and foods high in carbohydrates. Sweet foods and carbohydrates can trigger excessive insulin production in the body, which can have negative effects.

Solutions: It is best that the intake of sweet and starchy foods consumed during suhoor and iftar is not excessive. Try to adjust the consumption of both according to the body's needs to avoid overconsumption.

5. Dehydration

During fasting, the body is deprived of fluids for about 13 hours, which increases the risk of dehydration. This condition is exacerbated by hot weather and heavy physical activity, which cause the body to lose more fluid.

Solutions: To prevent dehydration during fasting, as recommended, it is important to fulfill fluid needs by drinking water regularly during iftar and suhoor.

6. Dizziness

Headache or dizziness during fasting can arise due to various factors, such as lack of fluids or dehydration, rising blood pressure, psychological pressure or stress, anemia, or even as a sign of another illness.

Solutions: Preventive measures include keeping the body well-hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and eating a balanced diet of nutritious foods.

Melinda Kusuma Ningrum contributed to the writing of this article.

Editor's Choice: 5 Tips for Maintaining Optimal Health During Ramadan Fasting

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