Citizens Should Be Extra Alert To Avoid Dehydration During Ramazan: Specialist

Specialist Thursday suggested that citizens who are fasting specially children should be extra alert to avoid dehydration during the holy month of Ramazan as the abstinence of drinking liquids between sunset and sunrise might be the biggest challenge of performing the fast

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd May, 2019 ) :Specialist Thursday suggested that citizens who are fasting specially children should be extra alert to avoid dehydration during the holy month of Ramazan as the abstinence of drinking liquids between sunset and sunrise might be the biggest challenge of performing the fast.

Talking to ptv news channel , Renowned Child Specialist Dr Abdul Ghafar Billo said Parents should assess the child's ability to fast based on their health, activity level, tolerance to hunger and eating frequency.

He further said if children are fasting, let them be a part of this decision. Start getting them accustomed to eating less frequently during the day and minimize the number of meals gradually before the month begins.

Keep them well hydrated during the non-fasting hours by giving them plenty of fluids. This is very important, he added.

Dr said Parents should avoid forcing your children to overeat, since this may cause indigestion and bloating.

Avoid giving them too many fried and spicy foods, adding, They may increase gastric acidity.

"People should have a balanced diet with vegetables, fruits, protein, milk, yogurt and some saltine snacks".

Fatty meals especially fast-foods like fried chicken, fried potatoes and greasy meals should be avoided, just as much as spicy foods and items with a high sugar level, he recommended.

Dr explained children, the elderly, patients with diabetes, kidney or other chronic diseases, as well as individuals who perform physical activity under the sun, are at a higher risk of dehydration.

Other dehydration risk factors are diseases accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, high fever or increase in urine flow,he added.

Dr Ghafar said severe dehydration starts with symptoms such as an extreme dry mouth, dry and wrinkled skin, feeling sluggish, lack of concentration, general fatigue, oversleeping, difficulty urinating, constipation, and cardiac arrhythmia.

Getting enough water after a day of fasting is important as water is necessary to keep your body functioning. There's a risk of dehydration if you don't drink enough water before fasting, and that can cause dizziness, headaches, lethargy and fatigue, he mentioned.

He advise , individuals who experience any of these symptoms or are suspected of having dehydration are urged to consult their physician immediately.

He said parents should not force their children to fast and prepare them in phases by asking them to fast for six hours initially, and then guiding them to keep the entire fast when they are prepared, he said.

He recommended that water mixed with salt and sugar or ORS should also preferred in Iftar for kids to keep them save from dehydration.