Headache and Islamic Fasting

There are many things that could be causing headache during fasting. Migraine or stress could be causes of this. Secondary headaches result from organic problems, like sinuses, teeth problems, eye problems, high blood pressure or a bad nervous system.

Migraine is the type of headache that increases when you fast. The reason for this is that when one fasts, his sugar level drops, which increases the severity of the headache. Physical exhaustion and mental stress also contribute to the problem. Additionally, some perfumes and food, and staying up late at night also add to the problem, as well as many other reasons.

However, to properly diagnose the problem, you must consult a physician who could advise you to adhere to certain preventive measures that could stop the recurrence of the headache, or at least reduce its severity. After treatment, you may resume fasting.
 
 
Fasting during the Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Followers should abstain from eating, drinking and smoking from dawn to sunset for 29 to 30 days. Many people who fast over Ramadan suffer mild or moderate headaches as a result of factors such as caffeine withdrawal, stress and low blood sugar. You can manage these headaches without breaking your fast.

Headache onset often occurs in the afternoon or evening just before the fast is broken. Headache frequency typically increases over the duration of fasting. Those prone to headaches at other times of the year are most likely to get headaches, but some patients that experience headaches during this time have no history of headaches or migraines.

How to eliminate headache from your fasting regimen during Ramadan:
Caffeine withdrawal as the most common cause of headache while fasting. Patients can often prevent headaches by reducing caffeine consumption in the weeks leading up to Ramadan month, while a cup of strong coffee just before the start of the fast for the day may prevent caffeine withdrawal headache.

Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) can also trigger headaches in many people. If a meal with high sugar content is taken before the day fast begins, it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels followed by a fast drop that may trigger a headache. Eating a meal with low sugar content before the fast may prevent the onset of a headache during the day.

Dehydration is another common trigger, adequate intake of fluid before the onset of the fast can often prevent headaches. The human brain is more than 75% water, and it is very sensitive to the amount of water available to it. When the brain detects that the water supply is too low, it begins to produce histamines. This is essentially a process of water rationing and conservation, in order to safeguard the brain in case the water shortage continues. for a long period of time. The histamines directly cause pain and fatigue, in other words a headache and the low energy that usually accompanies it. Patients should also, as far as possible, try to avoid exposure to other triggers such as fluid retention, stress, fatigue and lack of sleep during Ramadan, when there is a greater tendency to experience headache,†says Dr Shevel. “Rest and sleep often to help prevent being subjected to headaches and the pain often melts away when the fast is broken for the day.

Medicinal help
Preventive medication that will last for the full twelve hours of the fast is available and it can be get with neurologist consultation. Preparations such as the tablet Naproxen sodium, which is taken as a single dose of 500mg just before the fast begins may be useful.

So that Muslims can continue fasting without breaking any of the principles of Ramadan . If headaches persist after Ramadan or are severe in nature, patients are advised to seek help from a medical professional.