HELPING CHILDREN TO FAST HEALTHILY DURING RAMADAN

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, many young children want to mimic their parents’ behaviour by fasting and participating in meaningful Ramadan traditions.

- Dr Sparsh Pasi, Specialist Pediatrician at Mediclinic Al Sufouh

While Ramadan provides a great opportunity for families to come together to share rituals and break their fast, for children in particular, it can sometimes cause fatigue and dehydration — especially with the summer heat.

Dr Sparsh Pasi, Specialist Pediatrician at Mediclinic Al Sufouh says: “The reality is that for children, faulty eating habits during Ramadan can even lead to dietary gaps, which may result in nutrient deficiencies that may hamper their growth and development. That said, children can fast during Ramadan as long as their parents closely monitor their eating habits. If the child has an underlying medical condition, however, I would advise parents to consult a physician before allowing their child to fast.”

PROPER NUTRITION AND HEALTHY EATING WHEN FASTING

There are many ways to ensure children enjoy a healthy fasting experience. It all boils down to proper nutrition and healthy eating. Children should always break their fast with dates and either water, milk or juice. Dates are a great source of dietary fibre; they contain calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium. It is also important that children drink plenty of water, at least eight full glasses, as well as milk, yogurt and freshly-squeezed juices between Iftar and Suhoor.

Healthy hydration

Children should abstain from carbonated drinks as they may lead to bloating and indigestion, continues Dr Pasi. Nourishing beverages, however, help to sustain a child’s fast the following day and more importantly, fill nutritional gaps, when included as part of a healthy Iftar meal.