Health

Health Queries Resolved: Doctor Vikatan on Headaches During Fasting

Doctor Vikatan warns against fasting for children, migraine patients, pregnant women, acidosis sufferers, uncontrolled diabetes individuals, underweight persons, and those with eating disorders due to potential health risks. Emphasizes consulting healthcare professionals for personalized advice.

Vikatan English Editorial

A concerned reader shares their struggle with headaches during weekly fasting with Doctor Vikatan, initiating an exploration into the health implications of fasting.

Shiney Surendran

Expert Perspective by Shiny Surendran:

Shiny Surendran, a Chennai-based sports and preventive health dietitian, responds to the reader's query, delving into the appropriateness of fasting based on various health conditions.

Categories Discouraged from Fasting:

  • Growing Children:

    • Urges against fasting for growing children, emphasizing their need for ample calories to support uninterrupted growth and development.

  • Migraine Sufferers:

    • Highlights the elevated risk for migraine sufferers during fasting due to reduced blood sugar levels, discouraging fasting for this susceptible group.

  • Pregnant Women:

    • Stresses the significance of consistent nutritional intake during pregnancy, advising against fasting to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.

  • Acidosis Patients:

    • Issues a warning to those with chronic acidosis, relying on antacids for digestion, advising against fasting as it may worsen their condition.

children
  • Uncontrolled Diabetes:

    • Cautions individuals with uncontrolled diabetes against fasting, underlining the need for professional medical guidance.

  • Underweight Individuals:

    • Advises against fasting for those below average weight or aiming to gain weight and build muscle density.

  • Anorexia and Eating Disorders:

    • Encourages individuals dealing with anorexia or eating disorders to prioritize addressing the psychological aspects of their condition over attempting fasting.

Shiny Surendran's insights emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before embarking on a fasting routine. Fasting, when not approached with due diligence, may exacerbate existing health issues rather than offering the intended benefits. Doctor Vikatan's platform stands as a reliable source for readers seeking clarity on health-related queries.