Muslims intending to partake in fasting during Ramadan have been advised to consume plenty of water few days to its commencement.

Dr Sam Onuh, a consultant-physician with the Omu-Aran General Hospital in Kwara, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Omu-Aran. Onuh said that that consuming plenty of water by those fasting would reduce the negative impact of dehydration on them during the month.

According to Onuh, people who fast commonly experienced dehydration largely because they were denying bodies the required fluid from food and water they abstained from. "With people who are used to having breakfast; lunch, dinner and snacks in between, the fasting period could be a major challenge. "It is recommended that Muslims consume plenty of water prior to fasting.

"Fasting can increase the stress level and disrupt sleep. Dehydration, hunger or lack of sleep during fasting can also lead to headache. " It can also cause heartburn; lack of food leads to a reduction in stomach acid, which digests food and destroys bacteria.

"But smelling food or even thinking about it during fasting can trigger the brain into telling the stomach to produce more acid, leading to heartburn," he said. Onuh listed those that may be medically exempted from fasting to include the underweight, individuals below 18 years, pregnant women, people with type 1 diabetes and those recovering from surgery.

The physician said that a prolonged fasting could also be effective for regenerating the immune cells. "This can also serve as a protection against cell damage caused by aging and chemotherapy.

"The good news is that the body, during fasting, gets rid of the parts of the system that may be damaged, old or is inefficient. "Now, if you start with a system heavily damaged by chemotherapy or aging, fasting cycles can generate, literally, a new immune system.

"Studies of intermittent fasting show that not only do people see improvements in blood pressure and their cholesterol levels, but also in their insulin sensitivity," he said. (NAN)