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March 11, 2025 | 03:45 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Suhoor is the time to consume food in the morning before starting the fast. It helps charge the body's energy during fasting. Skipping suhoor can increase various health risks, such as dehydration, decreasing the immune system, and the possibility of hypoglycemia.
As quoted from Siloam Hospitals, hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop below the normal limit, which is less than 70 mg/dL. Glucose is the main energy source for the body, especially the brain, so glucose deficiency can cause symptoms.
Health Risks of Fasting Without Suhoor
Before fasting, it is important to ensure that the body receives a balanced intake of nutrients through suhoor. Without suhoor, the body can experience various health disturbances. Here are some potential risks.
1. Increasing Dehydration
One of the main dangers of skipping suhoor is the increased risk of dehydration during fasting. Dehydration occurs when the body does not receive enough fluid intake, which can make the body feel weak, have difficulty concentrating, and experience decreased blood pressure.
To avoid dehydration, drink at least two glasses of water during suhoor and choose foods with high water content, such as chicken soup, vegetables, and fresh fruits.
2. Lacking Energy
When fasting, the body is deprived of eating and drinking for several hours. If you skipped suhoor, the body will lack energy, leading to feelings of fatigue and lethargy.
To maintain stamina, consume foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as potatoes, brown rice, oatmeal, and sweet potatoes during suhoor. High-fiber foods, such as vegetables and fruits, are also recommended because they can slow down the digestive process and help maintain a feeling of fullness longer during fasting.
3. Weight Loss
According to Ciputra Medical Center, fasting without suhoor can cause significant weight loss. This happens because the body does not receive adequate calorie and nutrient intake during fasting.
As a result, the body becomes weak and lacking in energy. In this condition, the body will start breaking down fats and proteins as a source of energy. If this continues, it can cause potential health problems due to weight loss.
4. Weakened Immune System
In addition to decreased energy, skipping suhoor could weaken the body's immune system. This condition increases the risk of contracting diseases due to specific bacterial and viral infections.
When nutritional needs are not met, the body's immune system weakens, making it more susceptible to health disturbances such as sore throat, constipation, diarrhea, flu, cough, and cold.
5. Stomach Disturbances
Fasting for about 13 hours on an empty stomach can cause hunger and abdominal pain. This happens because stomach acid production remains high, even if someone has no history of stomach acid disturbances before.
This condition can trigger gastritis or GERD at a more serious level. When nutritional intake is not met, the muscles around the esophagus weaken, allowing the risk of stomach acid fluid to rise and cause discomfort.
6. Decreased Concentration
Skipping suhoor can result in the body lacking energy, leading to decreased concentration and memory. This can hinder productivity, especially during work or study. In addition, skipping suhoor can encourage excessive eating when breaking the fast as compensation. This habit increases the risk of obesity.
7. Imbalance of the Body
Skipping suhoor can disturb the body's balance. This disturbance can be characterized by the onset of dizziness after intense headaches. If experiencing this condition, it is best to rest the body and immediately eat to restore balance. If the condition is severe enough, it is not recommended to force oneself to continue fasting on that day.
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