Ministry of Health Dubai coordinates with Novartis Consumer Health to encourage healthy Ramadan

In this regard, presentations on the topic were organized in various corporations and government entities such as Etisalat, Emarat, Civil Aviation and many other organizations. The goal is to increase awareness on the importance of eating proper portions of the different food groups and making sure people who fast get enough fiber to avoid constipation and discomfort to make their Ramadan easier and healthier.

But how much fiber is needed to fast during Ramadan?
Dr. Wafa Ayash, Clinical Nutritionist from Rashid Hospital had the following to say "During the holy month of Ramadan, our diet should not differ very much from our normal diet and should be as simple as possible. The diet should be such that we maintain our normal weight, neither losing nor gaining. But fasting should have its regulations too".

'Skipping meals is bound to harm health and stamina, rather than improve them. So to realize the benefits of fasting, late midnight meals called Suhur (before the formal start of a fast) and the breaking of the fast should be at the time prescribed. Of course, to ensure good health one should not eat abruptly and in excess after breaking fast. But if you find it difficult to get adequate amounts of fiber from eating high fiber foods alone, adding a fiber supplement such as Benefiber can ensure that you are getting the right daily amount,' says Samah Manzalawi, Brand Manager of Benefiber from Novartis Consumer Health.

Avoid
•Limit unhealthy fatty and fried foods as they cause indigestion, heartburn, and weight problems.
•Also avoid those containing too much sugar.
•Do not overeat especially at Suhur
•Avoid too much tea as it is a diuretic and makes you loose mineral salts that your body needs during the day.

Drink
As much water or fruit juices as possible between iftar and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time.

Eat
•In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow digesting foods including fiber containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods;. Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours.
•Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grains and seeds like wheat, oats, beans, lentils, whole meal flour, unpolished rice, etc. (called complex carbohydrates).
•Fast-burning foods are foods that contain sugar, white flour, etc. (called refined carbohydrates).
•Fiber-containing foods are bran-containing foods, whole wheat, grains and seeds, vegetables and fruits.
•The foods eaten should be well balanced, containing foods from each food group; fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken/fish, bread/cereals and dairy products, focusing on fibers.

Add a Fiber Supplement
Samah Manzalawi, Brand Manager of Benefiber from Novartis Consumer Health says " Adding a fiber supplement such as Benefiber can ensure that you are getting the right daily amount especially if you find it difficult to get adequate amounts of fiber from eating high fiber foods alone". With no fat or cholesterol content, it is available in 2 forms; ready to drink sachets & powder.

The syrup has a delicious green apple taste and is very convenient to use as it comes in pre-dosed sachets for individual servings, ready to drink. One sachet is the daily dose containing 5g of fiber, to be taken preferably in the morning. It does not need to be mixed with any foods or beverages. However, if required, it could be mixed with fruit juices or yogurt. The powder form can be added to anything that a patient enjoys eating without changing its taste or texture. It dissolves completely in hot or cold beverages and soft foods like pudding, yogurt or smoothies, with no taste and is grit free. It is also gluten and sugar free & made from 100% natural fiber.