A Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Bolaji Salako, has called on religious persons to engage in healthy fasting exercises.
Salako said fasting during Ramadan can pose certain health risks, like kidney problems.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Monday that dehydration during fasting posed a lot of concerns due to the hot climate.
The Oncologist explained that fasting not properly observed can affect blood sugar level for those battling with diabetes.
“Not drinking water for long hours can lead to dehydration, which can result in fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and even more serious complications like kidney challenges if not addressed.
“It is crucial for fasting individuals to stay hydrated during non-fasting hours,” Salako said.
He also identified nutritional deficiencies because fasting involved abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours, which can sometimes lead to imbalances in nutrient intake.
Salako charged those engaging in fasting to consume balanced diets during non-fasting hours.
He said that consuming diets that are not balanced could potentially lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals if not managed properly.
“Additionally, fasting can affect blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes.
“It is important for those with diabetes and other diseases like hypertension and cancer to work closely with their medical doctors to adjust their medication schedules and monitor their health conditions carefully during Ramadan,” Salako said.