Many coffee lovers experience persistent headaches during Ramadan due to the sudden change in dietary habits and the lack of caffeine they are accustomed to during non-fasting days. To avoid headaches and dizziness during fasting days, Dr. Mohamed Tarek, a nutrition consultant, offers advice for safe fasting and minimizing these effects, stating, "One should gradually reduce the amount of coffee consumed over the upcoming days, while increasing water intake during the Iftar period."
Dr. Tarek explained to "Sky News Arabia" that the sudden change in diet causes significant issues for the body, especially for those who consume large amounts of coffee and smoke cigarettes. They should adjust their routines, take advantage of the fasting period to cut down on caffeine, and focus on meals rich in beneficial nutrients. He emphasized, "Napping during the day is helpful in the initial days, as well as avoiding processed meats and sugars at Iftar, as well as rich, fatty meals, while drinking at least 2 liters of water daily at spaced intervals during Iftar to eliminate toxins from the body."
Dr. Tarek warned against drinking coffee during Suhoor, saying, "One of the wrong habits coffee lovers resort to is drinking it, believing its effects will last longer throughout the day during Ramadan. However, this habit is detrimental to health, leading the body to lose a significant amount of water, increasing feelings of thirst."
He highlighted that vegetables and fruits are extremely important in the initial days when trying to reduce caffeine from the body, along with fish, while avoiding fried foods that contribute to bloating.
At the same time, Mohamed Saada, a professor of therapeutic nutrition at Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, believes that "exercising is very important during Iftar, along with engaging in enjoyable activities like reading or watching TV, and frequent bathing during the initial days of reducing caffeine levels in the body, as all these activities help reduce stress levels."
Saada confirmed in his conversation with "Sky News Arabia," "One should not consume more than 200 milligrams of coffee daily during Iftar, as this amount will not negatively affect the body. If desired, it can be reduced to 50 milligrams daily." He continued, "Consuming large amounts of caffeine can lead to irregular heartbeat and blood pressure instability, so we always recommend using peppermint and lavender essential oils on the face to relieve headaches and stress."
Saada added, "During the initial days of caffeine withdrawal, the body should practice proper nasal breathing deeply to obtain a good amount of oxygen that helps alleviate headaches."
