Fasting and Eating Disorders: Navigating Ramadan's Impact on Patients

Introduction to Ramadan in GCC Countries

In the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is the ninth month. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is an important aspect of practicing Islam. It is an act of devotion observed by devout Muslims worldwide. Fasting has both spiritual and physical benefits like enriching the soul, contemplating self-reflection and above all - fostering empathy.

While fasting is a necessary act during Ramadan, Islam allows exceptions to be made for this rule as it has a merciful and pragmatic legal framework that allows it. The people exempted from fasting are:

• Children who have not reached puberty yet
• Pregnant and nursing mothers
• Those who are travelling. They can make up for their days missed during Ramadan later in the year.
• Women experiencing menses.
• The elderly who have specific health issues.
• Other individuals who have health issues.

One of these health issues is an eating disorder, which will affect an individual's ability to observe a fast. Fortunately, this can be navigated through with a little help. This audience will help such individuals by providing guidance as well as information about eating disorders.

Overview of Eating Disorder

Eating disorders are a complex health issue, and as such the exact cause is yet to be determined. It is theorized that genetics and biology may be a cause, but it is hard to determine exactly which of these is a factor, as each individual varies in terms of biology and genetics.

However, the following risk factors are usually found in individuals at risk of developing an eating disorder:

• Striving for perfection
• Low self-esteem
• Poor body image
• Social pressure to slim down
• Problems coping and dealing with stress
• Bullying
• Challenges in relationships with friends and/or family
• Abuse or trauma
• Neglect
• Taking part in a sport or activity that puts a lot of emphasis on weight or size like wrestling, modeling, gymnastics.
• Type 1 diabetes
  

These are the types of disorders known to medical science:

• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa
• Binge eating syndrome
• Pica
• Rumination Disorder
• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
  

Identifying if you have an eating disorder

The type of eating disorders an individual is suffering from can be easily identified. There are underlying symptoms of each eating disorder that make such identification very easy.

The symptoms of each disorder are as follows:

1. Anorexia nervosa symptoms:

• Restricted food intake.
• Constipation.
• Mood changes.
• Fatigue.
• Cold intolerance.
  

2. Bulimia nervosa

• Frequent sore throats.
• Binge eating.
• Swollen salivary glands.
• Sensitive and decayed teeth due to excessive vomiting.
  

3. Binge eating syndrome

• Eating even when the individual is not hungry.
• Eating alone, skipping meals.
• Trouble sleeping due to suffering from obesity.

4. Pica

• Learning and cognitive disabilities.
• Nutritional deficiencies.
• Constipation or blockages.
  

5. Rumination Disorder

• Regurgitation within 10 minutes of eating
• Abdominal pain
• Constant feeling of fullness
  

6. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

• Weight loss and poor development of the body.
• Nutritional deficiencies are very common.
• Restricted food intake
  

While each type of disorder can be treated, the common theme of treatments usually includes a mix of therapies, medical monitoring and even custom-made nutritional plans and medicines.

A proven approach to eating disorder treatment can help people eliminate symptoms, return to a healthy weight, and maintain their physical and mental health.

Is it okay for me to observe fasting?

For those who are going through eating disorders, the month of Ramadan can be challenging. Fasting from dawn to dusk increases the chances of feeling hungry and even increases the chances of binge eating during Iftar due to psychological triggers after periods of restriction.

Physical symptoms will manifest through bloating and stomach discomfort that can happen when food is taken on an empty stomach. These symptoms lead to unwanted thoughts such as fear of gaining weight, self-shame, and guilt. These feelings in turn will lead to unhealthy behaviors like unnecessarily restricting food, over-exercising, etc.

Fortunately, there are health packs that can not only help you observe Ramadan but also help you in recovering from an eating disorder. The Ramadan Digestion and Energy Pack and the Ramadan Hydration & Wellness Pack by Care n Cure Pharmacy are such health packs.

The Ramadan Digestion and Energy Pack is designed to help maintain energy levels and support digestion during fasting, while the Ramadan Hydration and Wellness Pack is designed to support hydration, wellness, and daily nutrition during fasting.

5 tips for Ramadan when you have an eating disorder

These five tips can be useful for those observing Ramadan when going through an eating disorder. It will not only help you observe Ramadan without difficulties but also prevent adverse health effects.

1. Setting boundaries:

A major aspect of Ramadhan is breaking the fast together. Iftar is usually a social event where friends and families have a feast together. You can excuse yourself from such events, as certain social events can lead to anxiety, which in turn may lead to binge eating.

You can take your loved ones in confidence and tell them why you want to excuse yourself from such events. You can tell them that you will join them for Tarawih prayers or volunteer at your local mosque.

2. Making time for suhoor:

Should you decide to fast, then you must make time for Suhoor to preserve your energy through the day. It is recommended to eat food that is rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs.

Planning your meals to reduce the chances of feeling overwhelmed with hunger.

3. Keep a Ramadan Reflection Journal:

Observing the Ramadan requires fortitude and resolution, which will be further intensified if you have an eating disorder. Journaling is a way to keep track of your feelings and will strengthen your resolve.

4. Seeing Salah as an opportunity for mindfulness:

Salah is the obligatory prayer that is observed five times a day in Islam. Salah can be an opportunity to take a break from your daily tasks.

You can seek a quiet place to pray and take the opportunity to contemplate and self-reflect. This will reduce your urge to eat and you will become resolute in your observance of Ramadan.

5. Having a prevention plan:

In case you believe there is a chance of Ramadan intensifying your eating disorder symptoms, then it is prudent to put together a recurrence prevention plan put together before or during the holy month.

The plan may consist of elements such as:

• Known triggers for your eating disorders and how to avoid them
• Coping strategies that have worked before or new ones should you think them up
  

How to observe the holy month of Ramadan without fasting?

Should you decide not to fast during Ramadan, then there are ways you can still observe the holy month. Focusing on the spiritual and community aspects of Ramadan may help in shifting thoughts away from food as per therapists who specialize in treating eating disorders.

This can be done through the following activities. 

• You can volunteer for community projects as there are many projects undertaken during the holy month.
• Spend time learning about Islam as this will give you spiritual peace.
• You can spend more time in prayer. The night prayers during Ramadan are an excellent source of joy and community.
  

Conclusion

A healthy Ramadan is an ideal goal as Islam encourages well-being and self-care of the individual. Therefore if you are in a condition where you cannot observe Ramadan then as mentioned there are legal frameworks where you can still observe the holy month without having to undergo fasting.

This can be done by focusing on your spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. Focus on these aspects will bring you closer to Islam and you will feel at peace from within

That being said, we wish our readers a healthy and blessed Ramadan.