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A Consultant, Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Dr Bolaji Salako, has called on Nigerians to prioritise their health and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and healthy experience while fasting.
The expert said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to him, fasting especially during Ramadan can pose certain health risks when not done with proper care.
He said one of the main concerns was dehydration, especially in regions with hot climates.
“Not drinking water for long hours can lead to dehydration, which can result in fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and even more serious complications like kidney challenges if not addressed.
“It is crucial for fasting individuals to stay hydrated during non-fasting hours,” Salako advised.
He said another concern was nutritional deficiencies because fasting involved abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours, which can sometimes lead to imbalances in nutrient intake.
Salako urged those who are fasting to endeavour to consume balanced diets during non-fasting hours, that is, at the beginning or at breaking of the fasting.
The oncologist said consuming diets that are not balanced could potentially lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, adding, “Additionally, fasting can affect blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes.
“It is important for those with diabetes and other diseases like hypertension and cancer to work closely with their medical doctors to adjust their medication schedules and monitor their health conditions carefully during Ramadan.”
He said irregular sleep patterns and changes in meal timings during Ramadan could also impact overall health and well-being, potentially leading to issues such as fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
According to him, while fasting during Ramadan can have spiritual benefits, it is essential for individuals to prioritise their health and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and healthy fasting experience.
He added, “It is important to maintain physical activity during Ramadan. The benefits of light to moderate exercise such as walking, or stretching during non-fasting hours is advantageous to our well-being.”
He said that in cancer management, patients are advised to either fast or not, especially those with advanced disease and on regular medications.
(NAN)
