Do not Hide From Your Doctor That You Are Fasting

Patient-physician compliance is extremely important in the treatment of all diseases. Especially in chronic diseases where regular medication is required. For this reason, the Internal Medicine Specialist, who said that some patients who use drugs regularly during Ramadan may have some drawbacks from their doctors, warned that patients should definitely inform their doctor about this issue.
With the coming of the month of Ramadan, there is a temporary change in eating, drinking, and sleeping patterns. These changes are especially important in chronic diseases that have to use drugs. Because neglecting to take medication or disrupting the medication regimen can pose life-threatening risks. Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Internal Medicine and Geriatrics specialist underlined that patients who insist on fasting should not hide this situation from their doctors.

Drug Use Should Be Regulated

Our expert, who stated that some chronic disease groups who use regular medication can fast, also added the following: “If the general health conditions of hypothyroid, anemia or rheumatism patients who do not use cortisone are good, they can fast within the knowledge of their doctors. However, at this point, it is very important to evaluate the general condition of the patient. For this reason, people who have any disease and have to take regular medication should definitely consult their doctors.”

Underlining that regular medications should not be interrupted while fasting, our internal medicine specialist continued as follows: “Patients who act without consulting their doctors either stop their medication or start using it at inappropriate doses and times. This situation causes the treatment of the existing disease to be disrupted and worsened. In order to prevent the problems that arise, the necessary arrangement should definitely be made together with the physician. People who can fast despite using medication should follow the drug usage recommendations given by their doctor, and follow the directions for iftar and sahur.”

A Balanced Diet for the Elderly Is A Must!

Our expert, who said that elderly people who do not have a chronic disease and who are in good general health can also fast according to their own preferences, reminded us that some points should be paid attention to. “You should eat foods rich in protein, balanced in fat and carbohydrates, and rich in fiber in iftar and sahur. However, adequate fluid intake and tea and coffee should be avoided as much as possible.
Maintaining metabolic balance goes through balanced - regular nutrition and quality sleep. Disruption of this balance can cause disease by opening some doors in the body, with the deterioration of immunity, infections can be opened.”

Foods Should Be Chewed Well

Yeditepe University Hospital Internal Medicine and Geriatrics Specialist, who reminded that after a long hunger, especially iftar tables can be eaten more than necessary, listed the points to be considered as follows: "In order not to disturb the stomach, iftar should be started with liquid foods such as water and soup, and the main meal should be started after 10-15 minutes. Low-fat and spicy meals should be avoided as the main meal. Excessive and heavy eating can cause weight gain as well as digestive problems. In addition, foods should be chewed very well, and care should be taken to consume enough water between iftar and sahur.”

This content was prepared by Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Editorial Board.

”