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Ramadan is the name given to the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. On this occasion, many believers fast. But how do you do it when you suffer from eating disorders? Doctissimo answers you.
For Muslims, Ramadan is a sacred time, dedicated to prayer and reading the Koran. It is marked by a significant fast – observed from dawn to sunset. However, for Muslims who suffer from eating disorders, fasting all day and eating at night can be difficult.
5 good reflexes can be adopted
For bulimics, anorexics or binge eaters (a behavioral disorder that causes uncontrollable urges towards food), Ramadan can be critical and can lead to episodes of bingeing, purging (by making oneself vomit) or contrary to prolonged restriction.
In this context, Healthline media experts invite those concerned to slightly adapt their fasting to facilitate the observation of this sacred month.
- Set limits. The idea? Do not participate in certain dinners that put you in difficulty. Instead, you can find your loved ones who are surrendering.”to the mosque for evening prayer“or even volunteer”during a charity event“.
- Take time for Suhoor – in other words, the morning meal eaten before sunrise during the month of Ramadan. This meal is essential to ensure a continuous release of energy throughout the day. It must be composed of proteins (ham, eggs, etc.), cereals (wholemeal bread, etc.) and good fats to reduce the “risk of fatigue or lethargy throughout the day“. Staying well hydrated is also essential.
- Keep a reflective journal. This is a great way to identify and track your feelings throughout the month. This journal will allow you to analyze your anxiety-inducing thoughts about food.
- View prayer as an opportunity to take a break. In Sunni Islam, five prayers must be performed daily, at dawn (al-fajr), at noon (al-zuhr), mid-afternoon (al-asr), at sunset ( al-maghrib) and in the evening (al-icha). This time could be the opportunity”to take a break from your daily tasks and find time to be mindful“.
- Build a prevention plan. If Ramadan is accompanied by undesirable symptoms (anxiety disorders, attacks, etc.), it may be beneficial to develop a “plan” for your recurrences before the start of Ramadan. This may include a “list of known triggers“and”coping strategies“. A list of trusted relatives who are useful in the event of a crisis (parent, therapist, etc.) can also be useful.
Live Ramadan without fasting
If this period of deprivation is too difficult, it is possible to observe Ramadan without fasting. There are indeed multiple ways to live this blessed month and its faith.
It is thus possible to devote your time to prayer, meditation, reading the Koran… or even to people in need.
Another option: engage in charity work and participate in charitable activities to strengthen ties within your community.