Make Fasting Sweet Without The Sugar!

Managing blood sugar imbalance during the fasting month.This article provides a general guide for those who are keen to fast yet concern about their blood sugar levels

The coming of Ramadhan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri excite most people who celebrate these occasions.Yet for some,it can be more than just being ready to fast.According to the Third National Health and Morbidity Survey in year 2006,the known and newly diagnosed diabetes cases among Malaysian adults has increased from 8.3% in 1996 to 14.9% in 2006,almost doubled the percentage in a decade.Based on the Foundation for The Scientific and Medical Research on Ramadhan,

fasting is being discouraged for:

• Poorly controlled type 1 or type 2 diabetic patients.
• Diabetic patients who failed to comply with advice on diet,drug regimens and daily activity.
• Diabetic patients with serious complications such as unstable angina or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Patients with a history of recurrent diabetic keto-acidosis.
• Pregnant diabetic patients.
• Diabetic patients with inter-current infections.
• Elderly patients with any degree of alertness problems.
• Diabetic children who are under 12 years old.
• Patients who often experience hypoglycaemic coma (lack of blood sugar),especially twice or more times during previous fasting periods.

Fasting may be allowed for:

• Patients who are keen to fast and do not fall under the above exclusion criteria.
• Persons with BMI above 25 who may benefit from fasting in terms of weight loss blood control lowering effects,improved control of diabetes and blood pressure lowering effects (as long as the patients have no other complications).

In all cases patients must be aware of risks involved fasting even when under medical supervision.Good eating habits,drinking plenty of water and appropriate physical activities can help the body to store and utilise nutrient reserves more effectively during times of food abstinence.Fibre in foods helps release nutrients for a longer period (up to 8 hours) than refined foods (3-4 hours).

Consumption of refined foods such as white rice,noodles and sweet desserts can cause high levels of blood sugar and insulin (a blood sugar-regulating hormone) in the body.This reduces body sensitivity to the hormone,leading to blood sugar imbalance.Symptoms of blood sugar imbalance include headache,poor memory and concentration,irritability or mood swing,sweet cravings,fatigue and drowsiness shortly after meal.

Ayurveda herbs and medicinal plants such as gymnema,fenugreek,bitter melon and holy basil are traditionally used in regulating high blood sugar levels.Another great supplement to consider during the fasting month is Organic Spirulina.It is a type of blue-green algae which is concentrated with all sorts of beneficial nutrients such as protein,beta-carotene,B vitamins,minerals,chlorophyll,enzymes and essential fatty acids.People with low blood sugar levels may benefit from using this food supplement in-between meals due to its protein content,which may aid in stabilising blood sugar levels.Moreover,Spirulina also curbs the appetite,making it ideal supplement during the Ramadhan period.

Early preparation ensures optimal benefits of fasting.The rich flavours of Malaysian festivals are to be savoured in a way which should not compromise on health.Remember,don't be cheated with colourful and mouth-watering food at bazaar Ramadhan!This is the time for practising the healthy lifestyle.."~you are what you eat~"

(^_^)Happy Fasting!~