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STUDIES
According to Dr. Al
Hadad, there are
several studies proving
that fasting enhances
Human Growth
Hormone (HGH)
secretion, which plays
a vital role in igniting
the anti-aging process
and maintaining youth,
integrity of skin, and
reduction of wrinkles.
“This hormone is also
responsible for cell
regeneration including
that of the brain and
various vital organs for
both men and women,”
he explains.
RAMADAN
FASTING IS
SUPERIOR
With intermittent
fasting, the body
gets confused about
when food is going
to be consumed, and
what type of food will
be available, Dr. Al
Hadad explains, “For
example, people who
skip their breakfast
and lunch don’t lose
weight because
their metabolic rate
drops.” Our body burns
calories when we
have well-portioned
meals and consume
nutrients at appropriate
times. He adds in
Ramadan, the body
goes on starvation
mode during the first
two days of fasting, but
will eventually adapt
to consume food at
certain hours, as long
as the amount of food is
controlled.
SUHOUR
Suhour, tells Dr. Al
Hadad, is just like
breakfast. “Try to avoid
salty foods as they will
make you feel thirsty
during the day; I would
recommend cheese,
Laban, milk, or anything
that is usually consumed
during breakfast in the
Arab world,” he explains.
“The quantities should
not be larger than the
usual breakfast.”
IFTAR
First and most
importantly, Dr. Al Hadad
advises to slow down
and avoid eating too fast
at Iftar. He elaborates,
“In order to prepare the
stomach for the meal,
eat a few dates – which
are complex sugars that
are easy on the stomach
– with a glass of water.
Give it a rest for 10 to 15
minutes, and then start
your meal, preferably in
moderate quantity. It is
preferable to start with
the protein and then
finish with vegetables
and fruits. The ideal meal
should take between
20 to 30 minutes.”
The reason behind
breaking it down this
way is because after
12 hours of rest, the
stomach was at rest for
around 12 hours and
needs to prepare to
receive food.
TIPS FOR
FASTING IN
RAMADAN
1 Stay hydrated
by drinking 1.5 to
2 liters of water
each day as
most headaches
in Ramadan
are caused by
dehydration.
2 Consume a
healthy diet in
order to lose
weight this
Ramadan.
3 Limit
consumption of
sweet and fried
foods that can be
hard to digest.
4 Schedule
exercises two to
three hours after
your main meal.
5 Use the fact that
you are fasting
all day to quit
smoking.
H
(Credit: Dr.
Mohammed Al Hadad,
Consultant Bariatric
Surgeon)
23
May/June 2017