Stay away from the sun while fasting

With daytime temperatures in the high 40s, doctors warn people to stay out of the sun, especially those who are fasting, because of the risk of heat exhaustion. The Dubai Met Office has predicted "very hot and sunny" days ahead. The daytime temperature is hovering around 46 degree Celsius and evenings are very "uncomfortable" with the minimum temperature at 32 degree Celsius. "Fasting will be difficult this year with the high temperatures," warned Dr Suresh Menon, specialist internal medicine, Jebel Ali Hospital. He said children and the elderly will be susceptible to heat exhaustion. He advises drinking a litre of water at suhour, the morning meal just before dawn. Drinking more than a litre will be uncomfortable, he said. The internal specialist advises against drinking aerated soft drinks. At iftar, the time of ending the fast, he recommends, replenishing the lost fluids by drinking water, fruit juices or re-hydrated salts every hour. Article continues below The doctor said fasting has been recommended in various religions as it helps induce mental satisfaction and relaxes the mind. It also excretes toxins from the body, he said. Dr Menon however, noted that who are fasting should also be aware of the high acidity level. "The stomach goes into a sleeping mode because of lack of food," he said, and added that a number of patients come to his clinic suffering from gastritis. The common symptoms are distended stomach and an awful feeling of being bloated and pain in the stomach and sometimes, vomiting. "Generally, fasting does not adversely affect those who are healthy," said Dr Al Hadi Al Tayyeb Abbas, specialist internal medicine. But those who are suffering from some illness need to take special care when fasting, he said. The doctor advises against over-eating at iftar, as it defeats the purpose of fasting. "Besides spiritual benefits, fasting has health benefits also," he said. He advises a light suhour and says, "We must remember it is not a month of feasting." The doctor reiterated that those who are fasting should keep themselves well hydrated by drinking lots of fluids during the non-fasting hours.