Dubai: People suffering from headaches after fasting during Ramadan are probably eating too much too soon, doctors say.
The condition has been puzzling residents who have no history of headaches outside Ramadan.
Doctors believe the problem is down to poor eating habits in the evening. Too much sweet food in one sitting is especially unhealthy and likely to trigger headaches, Dubai physician Dr Abdul Halim said. He explained that a sudden flood of sugar and glucose "jerks the body" into releasing insulin to aid digestion. Dr Halim said this "reactionary" condition causes headaches in most people.
"Many people like to have something sweet for iftar, but overdoing it isn't good. If the insulin secretions are hurried and irregular you can experience headaches," said Dr Halim. He suggested iftar should include "complex carbohydrates" found in dates and fruits rather than simple glucose and sugars from processed food and soft drinks. "Sugar breaks down quickly and then you're hungry again. The best thing is to have a small iftar, pray, rest and eat a full balanced meal later on."
However, he pointed out that there is "no relationship between fasting and chronic headaches."
Another health expert said any dramatic shifts in diets can unbalance the body's needs, causing aches. Homeopathic specialist Dr Deena Malpani said the body takes time to adjust to sudden changes. "If you overeat, or the blood sugar level shoots up, or you're dehydrated, you can get mild to severe headaches," Dr Malpani said.
