A cancer patient wonders about the possibility of fasting the month of Ramadan safely, and will it affect his health and successive treatment sessions?
In this context, Dr. Heba Moqaddam, a specialist in hematology and oncology at the American University Hospital in Beirut, spoke to Sky News Arabia, and explained that cancer patients have several types, including those who can fast, while there is a segment of patients who cannot fast.
The hematologist and oncologist explained the following:
- Fasting is prohibited for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, and we advise them not to fast during the treatment period, because their bodies require plenty of fluid intake and regular meals.
- Some patients need a continuous food program at a rate of 4 hours between one meal and the other, and these need constantly high calories.
- It is required not to lose weight for patients receiving chemotherapy.
- The necessity of increasing fluid intake to cleanse the body, especially the liver and kidneys, from the effects of chemical treatments and excrete them with urine.
- Some patients develop infections and a rise in body temperature, and these people are in constant need of medicines and fluids, and long hours of fasting may harm them.
Patients who can fast.. who are they?
A person with cancer should fast if he is in good health and has finished his chemotherapy and home remedies (pills).
- A cancer patient who is fasting should eat a sufficient amount of fluids, and not only drink water, but also milk, herbal liquids, tea, and Ramadan juices that are beneficial for him.
- In her interview with Sky News Arabia, Heba Moqaddam gave advice to cancer patients, saying: “A cancer patient must consult a doctor before embarking on fasting, and accordingly a safe program for fasting is determined without negatively affecting the health condition, and the patient must be careful to eat Suhoor because of the blessing and health in it.” for the body.
- She explained, “For safe fasting, I recommend eating foods that make you feel full, while consulting a doctor about medication appointments and not changing appointments personally, and doing light exercise such as climbing stairs or walking and moving muscles, which is important to stimulate blood circulation in the body during fasting hours, while paying attention to balanced nutrition for the patient.” He is allowed to fast, so that he can withstand the fasting period, and not suffer from anemia (anemia), which affects the effectiveness of treatment and the timing of doses.
- In the event of fasting, you should pay attention to adopting a varied diet program.
