fasting

angketam

Fasting is a practice carried out by Muslim community every year during the month of Ramadan. It is good exercise to instill self-discipline as well as to increase will power and self-control.

To understand the physiology of fasting, one must first look at the physiology of eating. The body normally secretes gastric juice at meal times. It has come to be accustomed to food being served at certain times, or signals such as the aroma of freshly cooked food.

Fasting is made more difficult by the triggering of the thirst mechanism. We normally drink fluids every one or two hours while we are awake, and this feeling of thirst can be made worse by medications. Medications such as antihistamines, cold cures, anti-depression drugs and tranquilizers (for controlling mood swings) can cause dryness of the mouth. Hence when fasting, one must learn to avoid these medication if possible.

That being said, it is important that all essential medications are continued during the fasting period. At least ten percent of the population suffer from some form of chronic illness such as hypertension, diabetes, heart failure and ischemic heart disease. For these patients, stopping medications during the fasting month is not an option.


As a typical fasting period lasts for about 14 hours, it is essential that the effects of the medications can last throughout
the period. The good news is that most medications nowadays can be taken once or twice a day.

In cases where medication has to be taken 3 times a day, the midday dose may be a problem. Consult your doctor on whether you can change to something that can be taken once or twice a day before the start of the fasting period. Your doctor knows your medical history and is in the best position to give you advise.
Do not make the changes yourself.

You should not attempt to fast if you are suffering from acute diarrhoea with fever such as gastroenteritis or dengue fever as the illness may have deleterious outcome if you dehydrate yourself
through fasting. Similarly if you are recuperating from a major operation, you will heal faster if you defer fasting for a short period.

Last but not least, we should strive to maintain our physical and mental performance during fasting period. A good health supplement can help to sustain your energy level throughout the fasting period.