The Media and Health Awareness Information Center at the Ministry of Health (MOH) pointed out that it is important for all pilgrims to prepare themselves in advance for the Hajj, by providing their bodies with all the nutrients needed to bear the burden of the Hajj rituals and its physical requirements, so as to reduce, Allah willing, the possibility of developing any incidental health problems or to alleviate them in the event of catching them.
Before the Hajj season, the pilgrim is advised to have right amounts of the balanced foods that contain all nutrients, and this means getting the main nutrients, including the protein found in the red and white meat, beans, eggs, carbohydrates found in the rice and both the white and brown bread, and fats, i.e. the useful fats such as the olive oil or the other oils found naturally in some foods.
On the contrary, it is advisable to avoid some harmful fats, such as those found in the fried, ready-made, and fast foods. In addition, the pilgrim is advised to have vitamins and minerals found naturally in the fresh and cooked fruits and vegetables; that is to be added to the milk and other dairy products, along with the water which helps the person make use of foods if it is drunk regularly.
During the Hajj season, The Center, also, underscored the necessity of scheduling the meals, making sure to eat moderately, and not to neglect any of the basic meals. It also advised to avoid repletion, follow the safety and cleanliness guidelines when buying or preparing foods, and keep away from contaminated and uncovered foods served by street vendors and open cafés, as well as foods which are raw or uncooked, such as mayonnaise and tuna.
The Center also recommended limiting the consumption of stimulants (tea, coffee, etc), soft drinks and energy drinks, as they may lead up to insomnia and excessive diuresis. Besides, it is advisable for pilgrims not to try foods they are no familiarized with, as they might result in the onset of allergy or digestion problems.
They had better avoid extremely cold and frozen foods, and, instead, eat foods with moderate heat.
After returning from the Hajj, the Center has advised pilgrims to eat the small-sized meals, which are well prepared and easily digested, such as the fresh fruits, salad, vegetable soup, chicken, brown bread, and a little amount of rice and pasta. The pilgrim must also drink water regularly in order to compensate the lost mineral and vitamins, and avoid the ready-made and fast foods as well as the fatty desserts.