9 Myths and Facts About Ramadan Fasting That Are Often Misunderstood

Dream - Every year, Muslims around the world observe fasting during the month of Ramadan. Often, you will hear various advice from people around during this fasting period. These advices cover various things, ranging from the types of food that should be consumed during suhoor and iftar, physical activities, the amount of water consumed, to activities that should be avoided during fasting.

However, not all advice is always accurate when viewed from a medical perspective. To avoid misunderstandings, it is important to understand the difference between myths and facts about fasting during Ramadan. Let's explore the explanation in the following article.

1. Cannot Exercise

Although there is a myth that says people should not exercise while fasting, actually you can still exercise during fasting by paying attention to your ability and body condition. For those who are used to exercising, usually there won't be any problems. However, for those who are not used to it, it is better to choose light exercises and do them with friends to make it more enjoyable. Also, make sure to exercise close to the time of breaking the fast or before the pre-dawn meal. For those above 60 years old or have any illnesses, consult with a doctor first if you want to exercise.

2. Breaking the fast with a Cold Drink Makes the Body Refreshed Quickly

Many suggest drinking sweet cold drinks when breaking the fast to quickly refresh the body, but that is actually a myth. In fact, sweet and cold drinks after fasting can actually disturb the stomach due to temperature changes, causing discomfort. It is better to drink plain water when breaking the fast to prepare the stomach to receive food and other drinks.

3. It doesn't matter if you don't have Sahur.

Many people ignore sahur with reasons like difficult to wake up early in the morning, being late, or lazy to prepare food. In fact, sahur is an important key when fasting. By having a nutritious and balanced sahur, you get energy to be active throughout the day and maintain your health. So not having sahur is not a good choice, dear Dream friends! It is better for us to follow the Prophet's sunnah by having sahur.

4. Breastfeeding mothers are not allowed to fast.

There is a myth that states that breastfeeding mothers should not fast because it is believed to affect the production and quality of breast milk. However, the facts show that the human body, including breastfeeding mothers, has good adaptability. As long as fluid and nutritional needs are met, especially during suhoor, iftar, and between iftar and suhoor, the production and quality of breast milk do not undergo significant changes.

The most important thing is for breastfeeding mothers to ensure that they meet their fluid needs by drinking two glasses of water during sahur, two glasses during iftar, and four glasses between iftar and sahur.

5. Pregnant Women Should Not Fast

There is a myth that states that pregnant women who fast will have an impact on the health of the fetus in the womb. However, the facts show that fasting can be done by pregnant women as long as the health of the mother and fetus is guaranteed. For those who want to fast while pregnant, it is advisable to consult with an obstetrician first. If symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, weight loss, or diarrhea occur during fasting, stop fasting immediately.

6. Good Diet Tips

This is one of the myths about fasting. If you eat excessive sweet and fatty foods during breaking the fast, your weight may not decrease, and it may even increase. Therefore, make sure you remain physically active and eat foods that are rich in fiber, protein, and low in fat.

7. Break the fast with something sweet

The motto may be something we often hear, especially during the month of Ramadan. However, consuming sweet foods and drinks too often when breaking the fast can actually have negative effects, especially if done every day for a whole month. It is better to start breaking the fast by drinking a glass of water, then eating foods that are high in sugar but also high in fiber, such as dates. Take a break of about half an hour before you eat the main meal.

8. Fasting Will Worsen Gastric Symptoms

People who suffer from gastritis may worry that their symptoms will worsen during fasting. However, in reality, fasting during the month of Ramadan will not significantly aggravate gastric symptoms, as long as the eating pattern is maintained. For those who have gastritis, it is advisable to eat small, high-fiber meals during sahur (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (meal to break the fast).

9. Sleeping during fasting increases energy.

Sleeping while fasting is a form of worship, but if you sleep all day, your body will actually feel weak and lack energy. This can cause muscle weakness, decrease physical fitness, and increase the risk of obesity.

That is some myths and facts about fasting that you may have heard or believed. Fasting done correctly is not only good for faith, but also for your physical health. Make sure you also maintain enough sleep and a balanced diet.

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