Khaberni - At the beginning of Ramadan, many fasting individuals suffer from recurrent headaches in the early days, due to sudden changes in diet, sleep, and fluid patterns.
Dr. Alaa Sherif, a specialist in internal medicine and clinical nutrition, explained that headaches in the early days of Ramadan are largely a natural phenomenon, often a reaction of the body to sudden changes in fluids and food.
He added that dehydration and low blood sugar are the main causes, while psychological stress and physical strain increase the severity of the symptoms. He pointed out that the solution lies in drinking water regularly between Iftar and Suhoor, and relying on balanced meals that include proteins, vegetables, and fruits.
Dr. Alaa Sherif noted that the headache gradually begins to decline after the third or fourth day of fasting, as the body adapts to the new fasting pattern, emphasizing the importance of not worrying when experiencing pain initially, and dealing with it using the correct preventive methods.
Apart from medical statements, fasting individuals can follow a number of practical steps to reduce the severity of headaches, including drinking sufficient amounts of water by dividing two to three cups into close intervals between Iftar and Suhoor to avoid dehydration.
It is also advised to focus on balanced meals that include proteins, vegetables, and fruits, while reducing sugars and refined fats, as well as regulating sleep hours as much as possible, even if they are intermittent, to reduce body stress.
Engaging in light exercises such as walking or breathing and relaxation exercises helps improve blood circulation and reduce psychological stress, which positively reflects on reducing headaches. It is also preferable to gradually reduce caffeine-containing beverages before Ramadan, as the sudden stoppage of them can cause severe headaches in some individuals.
Doctors warn against ignoring headaches if they are severe or last for more than a week, or if accompanied by symptoms such as vision weakness, severe dizziness, or high fever. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a specialist doctor to rule out other pathological causes.
Headache in the early days of Ramadan remains a common and temporary experience in most cases, and can be alleviated by adhering to simple healthy habits that include drinking water, balanced nutrition, sleep regulation, and engaging in light physical activity, allowing the fasting individual to spend the month with better physical comfort.
