Eating habit in Ramadan vis a vis

escalating price

M S Siddiqui
Publish Date : 2014-07-21, Publish Time : 00:00, View Count: 20 10 hours ago
http://www.observerbd.com/details.php?id=33377

The government just ahead of Ramadan became "concerned" that the prices of
most essential commodities might shoot up during the holy month. The price
monitoring committee discussed how to regulate the prices of basic commodities
by issuing special directives as Ramadan approached. There were (and still there
are) many talk shows in the electronic media with the same expert opinion and
observation.

The commerce ministry assessed as major reasons behind the recent price hikes
are hoarding, syndicates and greed of businessmen. They roam in society with
formally dressed business leaders and give expert opinion through the electronic
media. The government also tries best to activate Trading Corporation of
Bangladesh (TCB) for import, stock and sale of commodities at reasonable prices. But TCB is unable to
intervene in the market properly due to 'shortage of time'. TCB and other commercial importers also
import essential products and local manufacturers produce excess products for Ramadan. Despite all
these excess import and production, the prices of essentials go up and there is no remedy for the
consumers. A study said the consumption of food in Ramadan increases by 40% in all Muslim countries.
Unfortunately, experts consider the supply side but don't evaluate the demand side and psychological
state of consumers and sellers. There is no research on excess demand and excess consumption despite
religious restriction and medical points of views and no study on demand and supply equilibriums in any
product market.

The Sehrie and Iftar should be healthy and balanced and no overeating and be sure to drink a few more
glasses of fluids. The nutrition experts advise Muslims that due to the long hours of fasting, consume
slow-digesting foods including fibre-containing foods, which last up to eight hours, rather than fast-
digesting foods, which last only three to four hours. Avoid anything hot, spicy or salty. Slow-digesting
foods are foods that contain grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils,
wholemeal flour, unpolished rice, etc. (called complex carbohydrates). Fast-burning foods are foods that
contain sugar, white flour, etc. (called refined carbohydrates).

Experts suggested complex carbohydrates during the meal for Sehrie, so that the food lasts longer making
people less hungry. Haleem is an excellent source of protein and is a slow-burning food. Dates are
excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium. Badam is rich in protein and
fibre with less fat. Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates. Milk-based
sweets and puddings, i.e. Rasmalai, Barfee, and Alternate with chapattis made without oil, and baked or
grilled meat and chicken.

Slow-digesting foods recommended include bran, wholewheat grains and seeds, vegetables such as green
beans, peas and spinach, and dried fruit, especially dried apricots and almonds. Sweet, sugary foods
should be limited to avoid indigestion, heartburn and weight problems. Instead, meals should contain
major food groups such as bread, cereals, dairy products, fish, meat, poultry, grains, vegetables and fruits.
Muslims should take as much water or fruit juices as possible between Iftar and dinner so that body may
adjust fluid levels in time. Too much salty food will make the body retain water and give you the feeling
of being bloated, while spicy foods also induce thirst.

Most desired food at the season include barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, whole meal
flour, rice, moi-moi, ogi, akara, custard, Quaker oats, cereal generally, chicken, beef. Light food to be
taken includes whole wheat bread, milk, vegetable salads, fruits, tea or coffee. The fruits like oranges,
watermelon, banana, pine-apple, apples are also common. It is also necessary that drink as much water,
eat seasonal fruits and vegetables as possible between Iftar and Dinner. There should also limit the
amount of sweet foods taken at Iftar, limit the intake of fried and fatty foods.

Fasting persons should avoid Fried like Deep-fried foods, i.e. Beguni, pakoras, samosas, Piajo, Dalpuri
and fatty foods. They should avoid Foods containing too much sugar and over-eating especially during
the meal of Sehrie. Too much tea during the meal should be avoided as tea makes you pass more urine
taking with it valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day.

The most recommended is 100 percent organic foods which replenish body with lost electrolytes and
vitamins. The top nutrients are vitamins C, B-complex, zinc, E, and A. Vitamins C, A, and E along with
zinc are known as antioxidants, Any fresh fruits, berries, and vegetables in abundance! B-complex
vitamins are great at relieving stress etc. The excess eating also invite many health crises. The fasting
Muslims face some common problems like Constipation, indigestion, low blood pressure, headache,
ulcer, etc.

Indigestion and wind are causes due to Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and
foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks like Cola also produce gas. The
remedy is less no over-eating; drink fruit juices or better still drink water. Avoid fried foods and add
ajmor to wind-producing foods.

The low blood pressure occurs due to little fluid intake, decreased salt intake, excessive sweating,
weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position, pale
appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with "low blood pressure". This tends to occur
towards the afternoon.

Low blood sugar may also cause weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily,
feeling shaky (tremor), unable to perform physical activities, headache, and palpitations are symptoms of
low blood sugar. The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop. Diabetics may
need to adjust their medication in Ramadan and careful about foods, consult your doctor.
Inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods causes muscle cramps. The remedy is
foods rich in the above minerals e.g. vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat and dates.

The most serious diseases are Peptic Ulcers, heart burn, Gastritis and Hiatus hernia caused due to
increased acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadan aggravate the above conditions. Spicy foods,
coffee, and Cola drinks worsen these conditions. Kidney stones may occur in people who have fewer
liquids to drink. Therefore, it is essential to drink extra liquids so as to prevent stone formation.
The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity to focus on bringing back a balanced and healthy lifestyle
in your life. Through fasting people begin to learn how to manage eating habits, how to improve self-
control and discipline. This month requires Muslims to give the stomach a break, and by doing so they
are able to break down and expel the accumulated toxins from body.

Ramadan is a good opportunity to re-evaluate and cut down on our consumption and waste. The Prophet
(PBUH) also discouraged waste, especially of food and water as Allah says in the Qur'an: "Eat and drink
and don't be wasteful. Verily Allah dislikes those who waste."

The sacred month of Ramadan is here and it is an opportunity to lose weight, especially by performing
light exercise and eating the right kind of food. But a balanced diet is critical to maintain good health,
sustain an active lifestyle and attain the full benefits of Ramadan. There is no need to consume excess
food at Iftar and Sehrie.

The most commonly consumed foods by Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) were milk, dates,
lamb/mutton and oats. Healthy foods mentioned in the Holy Qur'an are fruit and vegetables, such as
olives, onions, cucumber, dates, grapes as well as pulses such as lentils. Muslims should try their best to
take up a healthy living lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular mental and physical exercise and a
balance between material and spiritual needs.

The practices of true Islamic rule: less consumption and less wastage are alternate solution to price hike
of commodities, to keep the health free of some diseases and above all make a tranquil health. Fasting in
the month of Ramadan teaches Muslims to manage and practice spirituality and not to eat excessively.
The essential part of the spirituality in organic and simple foods within the acceptable limit of body and
recommended in the religious guidelines.

The writer is a legal economist and pursuing PhD in Open University, Malaysia. He can be reached at
shah@banglachemical.com