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What is a Ramadan or fasting Headache?
A fasting or Ramadan headache is a type of headache which is very common
during fasting episodes. The symptoms are similar to a tension type
headache, a mild to moderate pain or constant pressure on both sides of
the head. Approximately 40% of people fasting during Ramadan are
complaining about headaches. Most often the headache occurs during the
first days of the fast but may last during the whole episode. If someone
was suffering from headaches or migraine before the risk is higher.
What is the cause?
There might be multiple factors contributing to the phenomena such as
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), Caffeine withdrawal (caffeine has a
well-known analgesic effect in headaches), dehydration, changes in daily
habits (fasting and Ramadan routine in a highly productive and
competitive work environment like Dubai can lead to additional stress)
and lack of sleep.
What can you do?
• After breaking the fast, complex carbohydrates (i.e. whole grains)
with a low glycemic index will boost blood glucose levels and provide
the longest-lasting energy. By avoiding simple carbohydrates like pure
sugar, you avoid a rapid rise in blood sugar levels followed by a fast
drop that may trigger a headache.
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• A cup of strong coffee before the start of the fast will
reduce the risk of caffeine withdrawal.
• Dehydration during the fast should be prevented by sufficient fluid
intake during the meals.
• Keep a steady Ramadan routine, avoid going to bed too late and lack of
sleep.
• In case you cannot control the headaches with preventative measures,
medication may be indicated and certain types have shown to be
particularly effective e.g. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
taken in the morning before starting the fast. If the headaches get
uncontrollable or reach a severe intensity, it is advisable to seek
specialist medical advice to exclude other causes. People suffering from
migraine may also require other treatment during Ramadan.
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