Post-Ramadan Recovery: Doctors Share Tips Back To Normal Eating Patterns After 1 Month Fasting

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JAKARTA - Ramadan is a holy month, where Muslims around the world fast, pray, and social service for a month. During this month, Muslims eat dishes before sunrise, then fast until sunset. After sunset, people break the fast with dates and water, then eat iftar dishes, containing a plate of various types of food.

This diet is different from ordinary eating habits, which makes it difficult for people to return to their normal meal schedule after Ramadan. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr V Mohan, chairman, Dr Mohan's Diabetes Specialties Center, Chennai said, "The transition from sahur and reopening to ordinary diets can lead to excessive eating, discomfort with the digestive system, and metabolic imbalance."

The doctor then explained the smooth diet transition but still maintains the benefits obtained during fasting.

Fasting from dawn to sunset fosters discipline, empathy, and gratitude. Sahur, food before dawn, is very important for energy, while breaking the fast is usually done with dates and water. Social gatherings encourage a larger portion of eating, which can cause excessive eating.

Fasting increases insulin sensitivity, which drives burning fat and weight management. However, over time fasting can cause muscle damage. The sudden return of high-calorie foods can cause metabolic disorders. Careful post-Ramadan eating planning is essential to maintain health benefits.

The drastic post-Ramadhan changes can cause flatulence, digestive disorders, and weight gain. A gradual approach allows the digestive system to adapt, encourage better food and hydration choices. This transitional phase also helps reassess eating habits for long-term well-being.