10 tips to prevent headaches while fasting in Ramadan

Headache is a primary symptom for many fasting people, especially during the first days of the blessed month of Ramadan, as a result of the rapid change that occurs in food habits, reducing fluid consumption, and changing sleeping habits, which is represented by staying up late for long hours, and not getting enough sleep during the night. Dr. Youssef Al-Tayeb, senior consultant in emergency medicine at Hamad Medical Corporation, said in an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that some people may get a headache before breakfast, and others after it, and it differs from one person to another, as it includes two types: primary headache and headache. secondary. Al-Tayeb added that headache often occurs when feeling a headache before breakfast, due to a lack of glucose in the blood, and its level lower than normal levels, as glucose is an important source of energy in the body, and food is its main source, so after eating food and entering the process of digestion And metabolism, it turns into a simple sugar, known as glucose in the bloodstream, and is transferred to the cells of the body for use by the various organs in it, to perform various vital processes. Some may feel a headache after eating breakfast, and this often occurs as a result of indigestion and fullness of the stomach, which exceeds its need for food and drink, which leads to pressure on the diaphragm, and thus hinders the breathing mechanism, making the fasting person feel shortness of breath, fatigue and headache. Dr. Youssef Al-Tayeb provides 10 tips for fasting people to avoid feeling a headache during the holy month, the most important of which is delaying the pre-dawn meal, eating a healthy and complete meal that provides the body with energy throughout the fasting period, preferably from slow-digesting foods, such as grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits, and regulating sleep hours. During Ramadan, avoid staying up late, take a nap during daylight hours, and consume a large amount of fluids, that is, up to three liters of fluids distributed over periods from iftar to suhoor. It is also advised to maintain the blood sugar level within the normal range by eating food rich in sugars and starches in moderate quantities during the Suhoor and Iftar meals, and eating a healthy and complete breakfast to ensure that the body gets what it needs of vitamins, salts and minerals, without overeating until feeling full, and staying hydrated. In cold places during the hot hours of the day, and try to avoid being under the sun or in hot weather as much as possible, and avoid strenuous work and postpone it until after Iftar, to avoid sweating and to maintain body moisture, and thus prevent headaches during the day in Ramadan and from thirst and dehydration. The Senior Consultant of Emergency Medicine at Hamad Medical Corporation stresses the importance of staying away from drinking stimulants that contain caffeine, scheduling medication doses, especially for those with chronic diseases and high pressure patients, staying away from sources of anxiety and stress, and reducing exposure times to electronic screens.