Longest fasting days expected this Ramadan

Manama, May 18 (BNA): As the advent of the blessed month of Ramadan is approaching, Muslims around the globe tend to make their food preparations for the holy month of fasting. This year, Ramadan falls in the hot summer season with average daily fasting hours ranging between 15 hours + 18 minutes for the first day and 15 hours + 7 minutes on the last day of the month, according to University of Bahrain (UoB)'s Professor Waheeb Al Nasser. The maximum temperature this year could reach up to 36.4 degrees Celsius and superficial temperature up to 44.8 degrees Celsius. The average humidity could reach 77%. It is scientifically proven that when temperatures reach upwards of 35 degrees Celsius and relative humidity reaches upwards of 70%, this is likely to cause heat exhaustion especially in fasting persons. To avoid excessive thirst in the daytime, doctors advise those fasting to drink warm soups which aid easy digestion or a cup of fruit juice containing sugar which is needed after many hours of fasting. It is also possible to begin with palm dates mixed with yoghurt or whey which is the best option. Also, those fasting should drink about 3 litres of water between dusk and dawn and avoid spicy foods or highly seasoned meals in their pre-dawn meal (i.e. sohoor), and also avoid immediately sleeping after eating as the temperatures and humidity are too high which elevates the inner body temperatures, and many lead to indigestion, poisoning or stomach infections. Ibn Al-Nafiss-based Internal Medicine and Obesity Consultant, Dr. Ali Al-Dhan, advices those fasting to break their fast in the evening (i.e. taking the Iftar at the end of the day) to drink hibiscus tea aka Karkaday which is very nutritious and contains ingredients that reduce the blood pressure. However, they should walk to the mosque for prayers before taking a meal as the acidity of hibiscus is very high and may elevate stomach acidity and may result in stomachache.