Ramadan is going on in India, and for those who observe fasting, it means long hours without food and water. While fasting is a spiritual practice, it also affects the body in different ways. One concern that has been growing among people of all ages, from young adults to the elderly, is low blood pressure. Many do not realize that fasting can make this condition worse, leading to dizziness, weakness, and even fainting.
¡°Fasting is not at all dangerous. In fact the way the meals are scheduled in Ramadan, the food habit the people make is very much scientific. The only thing is that it needs to be followed correctly¡± Dr Bhaswati Chatterjee,?an anesthesiologist who practices in Guwahati told Indiatimes.?
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, happens when the blood flow to the brain and other organs is reduced. This can cause lightheadedness, blurred vision, nausea, and in extreme cases, a sudden blackout. People with low blood pressure already feel tired or weak at times, and fasting can make it worse, especially during hot weather. Since fasting means no food or water for long hours, the body loses essential salts and fluids, which play a big role in keeping blood pressure stable.
¡°Proper amount of protein is essential for a human body and probably for Ramadan there needs to be more focus on the type of meats which the ones fasting need to intake. The meat should have a certain amount of subcutaneous fat. This kind of fat is very much required for the energization of the cells in a human body¡± added Dr Chatterjee.?
¡°It's almost like intermittent fasting only. The whole day one is fasting and at a certain period, they are breaking their fast with the proper proportion of these minerals. However, it will only be scientific if one is breaking their fast by taking fruits, protein and small amounts of carbohydrates¡± said the doctor
One of the biggest reasons fasting affects blood pressure is dehydration. When the body does not get enough water, blood volume decreases, making it harder for the heart to pump properly. This can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or a feeling of exhaustion. People who already have low blood pressure need to be extra careful during fasting, as even small changes in hydration levels can affect their energy and focus.
¡°A patient should know his or her base line of some people have low blood pressure throughout the year and it is very normal for them but for the ones whose blood pressure is falling from 130 to 90 owing to fasting they should definitely stop their fast and consult a doctor as it is not healthy for them to continue¡± Dr Sanjay Basu, a gastroenterologist who practices in private hospital of South Kolkata told Indiatimes.?
¡°This time ramadan has fallen at a time when nature is starting to hydrate with us. A low blood pressure person, first of all cannot stand still. He or she has to lie down. A fall in blood pressure or fall in sodium or some other minerals or electrolytes in the body to an extreme level which makes standing difficult must immediately notify a person that they need to stop fasting¡± said Dr Chatterjee.?
The type of food eaten before and after fasting also makes a difference. Foods that are too salty can cause fluctuations in blood pressure, while foods that are too sugary can lead to sudden spikes and drops. A balanced meal before the fast, with enough protein, fiber, and healthy fats, can help maintain stable energy levels. Dates, fruits, nuts, and dairy products are good options. After breaking the fast, it is important to rehydrate slowly and eat light meals instead of heavy, oily food that can make the body feel sluggish.
¡°One should definitely avoid spicy food when breaking their fast, apart from this a person should note to keep everything in the diet when breaking their fast ranging from coconut water to fruits and vegetables in order to avoid any future consequences. Remember hydration is the most important thing during such weather conditions¡± Dr Basu added.