Why Does the Head Spin When You're Hungry? Here's the Explanation and How to Deal with It

Illustration of the cause of dizziness during fasting often occurs due to hunger and dehydration (Freepik/stefamerpik)

YOGYAKARTA - The head is dizzy when fasting is often experienced by many people, especially in the afternoon until before breaking the fast. This condition is usually related to headaches due to hunger or hunger headaches that appear when the body lacks energy. Understanding the causes of headaches when hungry, especially when fasting is important so that you can carry out your worship more comfortably and with minimal interference.

When you fast, your body doesn't get food and drink for hours so that blood sugar levels can decrease. This decrease makes the brain lack energy which then triggers a headache. As a result, headaches during fasting often appear as a natural reaction of the body to the condition.

Apart from being hungry, dehydration is also an important factor that aggravates headaches during fasting. Citing the Cleveland Clinic, Tuesday, March 17, a body that is deficient in fluids will experience a decrease in normal function, including blood flow to the brain. In addition, changes in caffeine consumption patterns during Ramadan can also trigger headaches, especially for those of you who are used to drinking coffee every day.

Illustration of the cause of dizziness during fasting often occurs due to hunger and dehydration (Freepik/azerbaijan_stockers)

The symptoms of headaches during fasting are usually dull pain in the front of the head that can spread to the other side. You may also feel weak, dizzy, or have difficulty concentrating while doing activities. In some cases, there is also a feeling of tension in the neck and shoulders that makes the body feel uncomfortable.

To overcome this, you can start by paying attention to your eating patterns during sahur and breaking the fast. Consuming a balanced nutritious diet helps keep blood sugar levels stable during fasting. In addition, meeting fluid needs during breaking the fast until sahur is also important so that the body does not experience dehydration.

Prevention can be done by regulating a consistent diet during Ramadan. Avoid skipping sahur because this time plays an important role as a source of energy throughout the day. You can also gradually reduce caffeine consumption before Ramadan so that your body does not experience "shock" during fasting.

Although common, headaches during fasting still need to be considered if they appear continuously or feel heavier. If the complaint does not improve even though you have broken the fast or is accompanied by other symptoms that interfere, you should consult a medical professional. This step is important to ensure that there are no other conditions that are the cause.

A headache when you are hungry or fasting is basically a signal that your body is adapting to changes in eating and drinking patterns. By understanding the causes and how to overcome it, you can keep your body in optimal condition during Ramadan. So, when a headache during fasting appears, just consider it a subtle reminder to pay more attention to your intake and lifestyle.