Naturopathy

Ramadan Mubarak everyone, this is a time of year when we need most of all to reflect, meditate and detox our thoughts/mind above all.

Having said that, a lot of recent studies now are showing that a healthy mind starts with a healthy gut microbiome, so lets try together to follow these 7 rules during Ramadan, to come out, not only feeling healthy & rejuvenated but also as an added bonus, mentally happy and stable. I’ve added an image of a bowl of Oats with nuts, cinnamon & fruits, as this will be my sehour meal.

1. Hydration is key, and I don’t just mean drinking water, I mean eating the right kind of foods that have high water content, such as cucumber, celery, melons, courgettes, apples, strawberries and so on…
2. Avoid Fried foods, as these foods may not only dehydrate you, but will also increase the acidity level in your body, making you more sluggish & thirsty throughout the day.
3. Cut down your carbs intake, simple carbs get converted into sugars and can take their toll on your body long after you’ve finished eating them, instead increase your fibre rich foods. Remember the aim is to use this month to get fit and healthy.
4. STOP eating sugar, I know I’m always going on about sugar, but thats because I know too well, the harmful effects of the 0 nutrient food we call sugar, and I’ve seen first hands how lives transform just simply by giving it up, if you’re serious about getting healthy physically and mentally during Ramadan, then pull all your inner strength and try to quit sugar, use natural sweeteners such as dates ‘only 1 or 2’ a little Manuka or raw honey as alternatives, Pineapple too can be a good sugar alternative with its high bromelain content, its also a great natural anti inflammatory. Don’t be shy to say NO to the offerings of Konafa, or any of the Ramadan desserts. Simply don’t buy them this year, which brings me to number 5 which will help you quit sugar. Here’s my article on how to quit sugar.
5. Increase your intake of good fats, things like raw nuts, seeds, Coconut oil, avocados, a little ghee even. Whenever I crave sugar, I reach for a Madjul date and a handful of nuts, pumpkin seeds will also help strengthen your immune system as its a good source of Zinc.
6. Eat whole Natural foods & balance your sodium/potassium levels by eating potassium rich foods, here’s a link to balance your electrolytes . Even if you can’t afford it throughout the year, use this month to increase your nutrient intake and detox yourself from pesticides residues, through eating Organic, you don’t have to eat 100% Organic, here’s a link to the dirty dozen which are the top heavy pesticide ladened foods.
7. Finally Pray, Meditate, switch off, relax during this month, try to refrain from inviting people round & accepting invites, or maybe restrict it to close family, as it can be stressful for you as a host & time consuming.

Have a happy, healthy Ramadan with God’s blessings.