During the holy month of Ramadan, most people (including us) experience mild to moderate headaches. Even though many of us don’t understand why we get them and are unable to find a solution to them, healthcare has established that headaches while fasting are mainly caused by low blood sugar, along with increased stress and coffee withdrawal.
The pain is usually located at the forehead, and it does not throb. So a fasting headache feels more like a tension headache than a migraine. And the good news is that you can manage these headaches without breaking your fast.
1. Caffeine Withdrawal
This is a common issue if you are used to drinking numerous cups of coffee every day. You can often prevent headaches by reducing caffeine consumption in the weeks leading up to your fast. However, considering Ramadan has already started, we suggest having a cup of strong coffee just before you start your fast each day, (during sahur) which will help prevent a caffeine-withdrawal headache.
2. Dehydration
The human brain is mostly composed of water, and it is extremely sensitive to the amount of water accessible to it. When the brain perceives lack of water, it begins to create histamines. This implies that your body begins a process of water limitation and conservation in order to safeguard your brain if the water deficit persists for an extended period of time. We recommend drinking plenty of water before you begin fasting and again when you break your fast. Reduce your intake of carbonated and sugary beverages.
3. Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is another probable cause of fasting headaches. Small variations in blood sugar may impact pain receptors in the brain in certain persons with a specific genetic makeup. If you consume a high-sugar meal before you begin fasting, you may have a sudden surge in blood sugar levels, followed by a rapid decrease that may induce a headache. Eating a low-sugar meal before the fast may help to reduce the onset of a headache later in the day.
Check out the best food to consume during sahur to keep you energized.
