Health experts have urged citizens to avoid excessive intake of fried foods and sugary drinks at sehri and iftar during Ramadan, warning that unhealthy eating habits can cause heartburn, acidity and other gastric issues.
Dr. Rimsha Siddiqui, a nutritionist at Aga Khan University Hospital, said people living with diabetes, hypertension and heart disease should consult their physicians before fasting.
She said individuals with existing health conditions must take precautionary measures to prevent complications during the fasting month.
Dr. Siddiqui advised people not to skip sehri, stating that the pre-dawn meal helps maintain energy levels throughout the day. She recommended including fiber-rich foods such as whole wheat flour, barley, porridge and brown bread, along with protein sources like eggs, meat and lentils.
“Fiber helps keep blood sugar levels stable during fasting hours,” she said.
For iftar, she advised limiting sugary beverages and reducing the intake of sugar, jaggery and honey. She also emphasized increasing water consumption and avoiding excessive fried foods to prevent digestive problems.
She recommended fruits, vegetables, kebabs and home-cooked haleem or porridge as healthier iftar options. She further advised heart patients, individuals with high blood pressure and diabetics to reduce beef consumption and choose lean meat instead.
She said mutton may be consumed in limited quantities three to four times a week, while eggs and lentils provide healthier protein alternatives.
Denied and debunked long ago.