Digestive issues during the observance of Ramadan

Ramadan, a holy month of fasting for Muslims worldwide, can sometimes lead to constipation due to changes in eating habits, a lack of fluids, and other factors. Here's a guide on preventing and managing constipation during this period.

Constipation, a condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools, can affect some people during Ramadan. This is often due to dehydration, reduced food intake during fasting hours, poor diet low in fiber, lack of physical activity, and increased stress.

To prevent or treat constipation during Ramadan, practical strategies include:

Increasing dietary fiber: Consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and dried fruits during non-fasting hours can help improve gut motility and alleviate constipation.
Drinking sufficient water: After sunset and before dawn, it's crucial to drink enough water to maintain hydration and soften stool. Daily fluid recommendations may vary but can be around 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) for males and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for females.
Avoiding fatty, heavily processed, and high-sugar foods: These types of foods can worsen digestive health and should be limited during Ramadan.
Engaging in light physical activity or gentle exercise: Stimulating bowel function through exercise can help manage constipation. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week.
Managing stress: Techniques such as meditation or controlled breathing can help reduce gastrointestinal strain and improve digestion.

For pregnant women or those with specific health conditions, taking appropriate supplements and maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber and nutrients can prevent constipation.

If constipation or related complications become severe or worsen with fasting, Islamic scholars and physicians recommend seeking medical advice. In such cases, fasting may be exempted to protect health, with allowances to make up fasting later or provide fidya (charitable acts).

A 2017 study explored gastrointestinal symptoms people note during Ramadan and reported an increased frequency and severity of constipation when fasting for 2 weeks or more. Some individuals may require medication to relieve constipation, especially if it persists for several weeks or longer. Over-the-counter laxatives and prescription medications are available that can be taken during permitted hours.

In summary, constipation during Ramadan arises mainly from changes in diet, hydration, and lifestyle during fasting. It can usually be managed through increased fiber intake, hydration, exercise, and stress reduction during non-fasting hours. If you experience persistent or severe constipation, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for advice.

During Ramadan, constipation, a problem in the digestive health of some individuals, can occur due to factors such as dehydration, changes in eating habits, stress, and lack of physical activity.
Consuming an increased amount of dietary fiber can help prevent constipation during Ramadan by improving gut motility.
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and dried fruits are food sources rich in fiber that can be consumed during non-fasting hours.
Drinking sufficient water is critical for maintaining hydration and softening stool during Ramadan, especially after sunset and before dawn.
The daily fluid recommendations during Ramadan are around 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) for males and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for females.
Avoiding fatty, heavily processed, and high-sugar foods during Ramadan can help maintain good digestive health and prevent constipation.
Light physical activity or gentle exercise can stimulate bowel function and help manage constipation.
Adhering to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week, can also be beneficial for digestive health.
Stress management techniques such as meditation or controlled breathing can help reduce gastrointestinal strain and improve digestion during Ramadan.
Pregnant women or those with specific health conditions may require additional strategies, including appropriate supplements and a balanced diet rich in fiber and nutrients, to prevent constipation during Ramadan.
If constipation worsens during fasting or becomes severe, Islamic scholars and physicians recommend seeking medical advice to determine whether fasting should be temporarily exempted.
Fasting may be allowed to be made up later or a fidya (charitable act) can be provided if fasting is exempted to protect health.
In 2017, a study found an increased frequency and severity of constipation when fasting for 2 weeks or longer.
Some individuals may require medication to relieve constipation, especially if it persists for several weeks or longer.
Over-the-counter laxatives and prescription medications are available for use during permitted hours.
In summary, constipation during Ramadan arises from changes in diet, hydration, and lifestyle during fasting.
By increasing fiber intake, hydration, exercise, and practicing stress reduction during non-fasting hours, constipation can be managed.
If constipation persists or worsens despite these strategies, consulting a healthcare professional is essential for receiving appropriate advice.
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