Individuals who choose to fast in Ramadan are urged to pay close attention to their diet, as the disruption of their regular diet and eating patterns during the month could cause some discomfort and heighten food sensitivities, specifically when eating certain types of foods high in sugar or fat.
It is generally advisable to avoid, or at least limit, some types of foods during Ramadan, such as:
- Fried and fatty foods, such as fried potato and samosa. These foods contain a high percentage of the daily recommended fat and sodium intake, so eating them frequently may increase the impact of fatigue and exhaustion caused by fasting in Ramadan.
- Foods that contain high amounts of salt, such as pickles. Sodium can dehydrate the body and impact its ability to absorb fluids.
- Foods that contain large amounts of sugar. These foods are often high in calories but poor in nutritional value. While these foods provide the body with instant energy, the energy is generally short lived.
- Foods that contain chocolate or any other source of caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic and can cause the body to lose fluids, salts and other important minerals needed during the day.
