Dr. Abdullrahman Al-Rubai‘aan, a Consultant in Gastrointestinal System and Endoscopy, pointed out that the disorders of the gastrointestinal system increase in the holy month of Ramadan than any other month due to several reasons, such as the lack of fluids, the continuous movement, as well as the increased amount of foods, especially fats, and lifestyle changes. Dr. Abdullrahman Al-Rubai‘aan has also made clear that some diseases require drugs in a repetitive doses, but the patient has no enough time in Ramadan to take such drugs.
It is worth mentioning that Dr. Al-Rubai‘aan has provided this tip through the health awareness program carried out by the Ministry of Health (MOH) via the toll free number: 8002494444 and the MOH account on Twitter: @saudimoh.
Moving on to the most prominent tips that help the fasting person, Allah willing, to avoid the gastrointestinal system disorders, Dr. Al-Rubai‘aan said, “It is necessary to have more amounts of fluids, carbohydrates, proteins and fats, avoid exposure to sunlight and extreme heat, and refrain from taking drugs that may cause intestinal infections.”
Within the same vein, Dr. Al-Rubai‘aan has warned the pregnant women and patients suffering from colon ulcers against fasting. He went on adding that patients suffering from colon ulcers and crohn syndrome are not advised to fast if their health status is unstable; pointing out that the same advice is applied to the pregnant patients who fear they lose their pregnancy, especially if their health status is unstable.
Regarding the way to avoid constipation, suffered by many women during the holy month of Ramadan, Dr. Al-Rubai‘aan stated, “The person has to increase the amount of fiber, such as vegetables, fruits and salads, and increase fluids intake and body movement. The person may need also extra fiber through taking drugs that do not affect the body.”